Recognition of Prior Learning (R.P.L.) Policy 1. Preamble
R.P.L. (Recognition of Prior Learning) is the process of equating an individual's prior learning to the learning outcomes/units of competence offered by a training organisation and is available to all individuals enrolled.

2. Scope
All Staff

3. Definitions
R.P.L. – Recognition of Prior Learning
R.C.C. – Recognition of Current Competence

4. Policy
Haley College will ensure that an individual's prior learning is recognised irrespective of how or where the learning has taken place.
Application for R.P.L. will be assessed by a person or persons with relevant qualifications. (Mariee Butler)

PRINCIPLES
Individuals who are granted R.P.L. will be issued with the relevant qualifications as appropriate.

There are two types of applications:

• Credit transfer will be given to any successfully completed studies undertaken of any formally recognised training.
• Applications for non formally recognised training.

PROCEDURE
Applications should be lodged with the relevant documents attached at any time prior to commencement of the course.

• RPL/RCC will be discussed by trainers at the pre entry meeting to ensure applicants have an understanding of their right and how to apply for RPL/RCC
• The assessment and verification of the application for RPL/RCC will be undertaken as per procedure for applying, by scoping through competency and assessment requirements to demonstrate current competency
• All RPL/RCC will be undertaken by appointed trainer/assessor for that course
• All RPL/RCC will undertaken by appropriately qualified person/s
• Outcomes of the process will be kept on the individual students records
• Student will be notified of RPL/RCC process in writing, for acceptance or appeal
• RPL/RCC application and outcome will be documented and recorded in student file.
• Record allocated units RPL on Training Plan
• Report of units RPL to Skills Victoria, for funding adjustment by C.E.O.
• Tuition fees will be adjusted to reflect the reduction of cost according to SCH of each unit approved by C.E.O.
• Any claims charged to Skills Victoria for RPL will not exceed 8 hours per unit of competency granted.
• Documented evidence of time used in assessing RPL will be documented and placed in student’s file, also accessible for auditing purposes.
• Units of RPL/RCC will be recorded on TED by Operations Manager
• All requests RPL will assessed according to the prescribed by the unit’s, competency, criteria and elements.

PROCEDURE FOR APPLYING FOR RCC/RPL
The procedure to assess people for “Recognition of Prior Learning” or Recognition of Current Competence” involves a detailed assessment of both their qualifications and skills. They should only apply if there is a real belief that they already possess the knowledge and skills that is outlined in the training content.
Please Note: A person may not receive exemption from an element of competency, the unit of competency must be assessed as competent in all elements and criteria of each competency unit to qualify for RPL of that unit. The procedure a person must follow to be considered for RPL/RCC:

• Applicant enquiries about the Training Content

If they feel they may be eligible for RPL/RCC, they must inform the Workplace Assessor at the time of the pre entry meeting prior to commencing training. This should allow sufficient time for the necessary documentation to be sent to the Assessor and for a decision to be made before training starts.

Note: A person must be assessed for RPL/RCC before he/she starts the course.

• Applicant fills out the required documentation

This includes completion of any forms, evidence collection, interviews and questionnaires that may assist the Assessor in ascertaining their knowledge and skills in the area. The person will also be required to produce any evidence of RPL/RCC including Certificates, work reports, or references which will be sent together with the application. Remember: Application must be with the Assessor before training starts.

• Application is Assessed.

The Assessor will base his/her judgment of granting exemptions on three factors
1. Demonstrated knowledge, by way of questionnaire, checklist or short answer questions
2. demonstrated Practical Skills, through practical skill exercises on or off the job, based on the element of competency
3. Third party evidence from an employer or supervisor

The person may or may not be required to complete all of these factors to be granted exemptions, but there is a strong possibility that BOTH the knowledge and skills may need to be assessed. Therefore, the person may need to do some preparation for the practical exercises.

• Applicant notified of Result

The person should be notified of the result of his/her application before training commences in writing by the C.E.O. Therefore if exemption is not granted, the person may still attend the training and/or appeal the outcome (see complaints or appeal process Policy and Procedure). Other options such as re-assessment or re-application should be discussed at this stage.

If you have any queries regarding this procedure, please contact Mariee Butler on (03) 9530 9998
Application on request.