Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy

DRAFT DOCUMENT — For internal review only. This document has been prepared as a starting point and must be reviewed and finalised by a qualified Australian lawyer before publication or use. Placeholders marked [INSERT] must be completed by the Institute prior to finalisation.

1. Purpose

The Institute of EI ([INSERT RTO CODE]) is committed to recognising the skills, knowledge, and experience that students bring to their studies. This policy establishes a fair, transparent, and rigorous process for assessing RPL applications in accordance with the 2025 Standards for Registered Training Organisations.

2. What is RPL?

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the formal acknowledgement of a student’s existing competencies, gained through work experience, life experience, formal training, or other learning — regardless of how, when, or where that learning occurred.

A successful RPL assessment may result in:

• Full credit for a unit of competency or course module
• Partial credit, reducing remaining study or assessment requirements
• A full qualification or statement of attainment, where all competencies can be demonstrated through RPL

3. Eligibility

Any enrolled or prospective student may apply for RPL. Applications must be submitted prior to or at the time of enrolment. RPL is available for accredited courses. For non-accredited courses, prior learning recognition will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

4. The RPL Process

Step 1 — Initial Enquiry

Students who believe they may be eligible for RPL should contact the Institute to discuss their situation before submitting a formal application.

Step 2 — Application

Students submit a completed RPL Application Form with the application fee (see Fee Schedule). The form requires the student to identify the unit(s) for which RPL is sought, describe relevant experience, and list evidence they can provide.

Step 3 — Self-Assessment

The Institute provides a self-assessment tool aligned to the relevant unit(s). The student assesses their own competency against the required knowledge and skills.

Step 4 — Evidence Gathering

Students compile a portfolio of evidence, which may include:

• Qualifications, certificates, or transcripts
• Employment records, position descriptions, or contracts
• Work samples, reports, or projects
• References or testimonials from supervisors or colleagues
• A professional conversation or oral assessment with the assessor
• Third-party observation reports
• [INSERT — any other evidence types relevant to specific courses]

Evidence must meet the rules of validity, sufficiency, authenticity, and currency.

Step 5 — Assessment

A qualified assessor reviews the evidence portfolio against the requirements of the relevant unit(s). The assessor may request additional evidence or conduct supplementary oral questioning where evidence is insufficient.

Step 6 — Outcome

The student is notified in writing within [INSERT — e.g. 15 business days] of submitting a complete evidence portfolio. The outcome will be one of:

• RPL Granted — the student is assessed as competent and credited accordingly
• RPL Partially Granted — some but not all units are credited
• RPL Not Granted — evidence does not sufficiently demonstrate competency; remaining study requirements are advised

5. Fees

RPL assessment fees are set out in the Fee Schedule. Fees cover assessor time and are payable regardless of outcome. Where RPL is fully granted, course fees are adjusted accordingly.

6. Appeals

Students who disagree with an RPL outcome may lodge an appeal within 20 business days of receiving the outcome. Appeals are managed in accordance with the Complaints & Appeals Policy.

7. Credit Transfer

Credit Transfer (CT) is distinct from RPL. Where a student holds a current and directly equivalent unit from another RTO, they may apply for Credit Transfer rather than RPL. CT is assessed on the basis of the qualification document alone — no evidence portfolio is required. CT applications are processed at no charge.

8. Confidentiality and Record Keeping

All RPL application information is treated as confidential and handled in accordance with the Privacy Policy. All applications, evidence, assessor notes, and outcomes are documented and retained for a minimum of five years.

9. Review

This policy is reviewed annually. Last reviewed: April 2026. Next review: April 2027.

The Institute of EI | RTO Code: [INSERT RTO CODE] | www.instituteofei.com.au