Recognition of Prior Learning

All assessments involve the collection and evaluation of evidence about a person’s performance. Traditionally this evidence has come from examinations or tests, however the National Qualifications Framework allows a wider variety of evidence to be taken into account to determine a person’s competency.

The attainment of many of the skills required in the local government workplace has not been recognised in the past, even though these skills are essential to the smooth operation of the local government industry and are often difficult to replace when staff leave. Many people have been in the industry for along time without any formal recognition of their skills; therefore we need a process to recognise those skills. RPL / RCC is a process where an experienced employee provides evidence that they have the skills outlined in each of the unit standards in the qualification. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) deals with evidence of learning that has already occurred and allows existing skills, knowledge and experience to be matched with the requirements of a qualification. RPL is based on the principle that experienced people who have already learned or know how to do something should not have to go through the same training and assessment process that the new entrants to the industry need to go through to achieve a qualification. RPL is very useful where a person has been competent at something for years but there has been no formal recognition of that competence. The evidence for each unit standard is assessed by a panel of registered assessors who are industry experts, resulting in some or all of the qualification being awarded.

This situation applies to the several areas of local government work, and the Local Government ITO in conjunction with the specific industry advisory group has drawn up a guide to advise the sort of RPL evidence that will be taken into account to determine whether experienced people should be awarded each of the unit standards that make up the qualification. The guide should be read by the candidate and any person who is going to verify the candidate’s competency.

The type of evidence that will be taken into account is:

• Brief history of work experience, positions held, role and responsibilities.
• Verifiable evidence of prior performance such as previous qualifications or achievements.
• The provision of samples of work such as relevant reports or plans written by the candidate that relate to a unit standard.
• Confirmation from supervisors/ managers that the performance has been up to the required standard for particular unit standards.

For more information please read the RPL guides for your relevant qualification area.