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The Recognition Process
Recognition is a process by which candidates seek confirmation
of the skills and knowledge they have acquired through earlier
work, life and other experiences. Recognition can be gained through
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or by Credit Transfer.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning is a process by which the skills
and knowledge developed by the trainee, outside of formal education,
is recognised against the qualification and competencies they
are undertaking. The judgement is made by an assessor or
assessment team against the competencies of the Training Package.
Why apply for Recognition?
If you are successful in receiving Recognition of Prior Learning,
you may be able to complete your training program earlier.
You will be able to focus your training on learning and developing
new and relevant skills
Evidence of prior learning
The candidate has a great deal
of responsibility to gather suitable evidence to prove
what they have achieved. The assessor
may guide
you as to what kinds of evidence you might need to provide,
but candidates have the flexibility to decide on the kinds
of evidence
they can put together to confirm their competence. Candidates
need to be aware that the more recent the prior learning,
the more value
such evidence has as an indication of current competence.
You will be encouraged to think about what you do and what
types
of things
you can use to confirm competence and help you to come
up with suitable evidence.
Evidence used for RPL may include:
- Work Records;
- Records of workplace training;
- Challenge tests of current knowledge & skills;
- Third
party reports from current and previous employers and
supervisors;
- Examples of work products;
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Recognition of Prior Learning is only granted
against a full Unit of Competency. You may have some skills and
knowledge that can be recognised but do not have all of the required
skills for the unit. In this case you may be granted Advanced Standing.
This means that your skills and knowledge have been recognised
but you will need to complete further training and assessment to
fill the gaps between your recognition and the Unit of Competency.
Credit
Transfer
Credit Transfer is another form of recognition. Credit transfer
is based upon Qualifications and Statements of Attainment received
from other educational institutions. The assessor or assessment
team will examine evidence provided and make a decision regarding
the Credit Transfer. If the Qualifications or Statement of Attainment
can be mapped against the qualification the student is enrolling
in, automatic credit transfer will be granted. As with RPL, Credit
Transfer can only be issued against a full Unit of Competency.
Examples of Recognition
Paul’s Story
Paul had worked from time to time in stables
and on farms. He had owned a horse which he rode on his
parent’s
property. He had several other jobs including horse transport
driver, barrier attendant and bookmaker’s clerk. He wanted
to complete a Certificate III as a Trackrider but wasn’t
sure how much he knew or what new skills and knowledge he
would need to get a qualification.
The training centre sent
him an
RPL kit which explained the process. He read the explanation
of the units of competence (the skills and knowledge
required).He filled out the self-assessment forms which gave
him a clearer
picture of his situation. Then, he had an interview with
an assessor who discussed what evidence he needed to
provide.
It was agreed he would ask former and current employers
to
complete a report (checklist) with comments and sign
it where indicated. These checklists described the jobs
he had performed
particularly the details of his skills in horse handling,
horse
care and stable work.
Based on the evidence Paul provided
he was able to receive RPL for his horse handling
skills and transporting
of horses. |
Alison’s
Story
Alison had been involved in the equestrian industry, competing
in dressage and showjumping. She had also attended the
local Agricultural College and completed a Diploma in Equine
Management. She had never had any experience in the racing
industry. Alison wanted to know what Recognition she would
receive for her experience and qualifications.
Alison provided references from current and former employers,
as well as her qualification.
On examining the evidence, the assessor gave Credit for
the common horse units that she had completed in the Diploma.
Alison was unable to receive RPL or Credit for some Units
of Competency due to lack of experience in the Racing Industry.
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Remember: The more detailed your evidence to support your request
for Recognition, the greater the chance you have of being successful
in being granted RPL.
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