Policy / Procedure
RPL Policy and Procedure
Policy
This policy and the following procedures provide a user-friendly, supportive, streamlined framework for the assessment and recognition of various types of prior competencies obtained by an individual through other training, work experience and/or life experience.
The underlying principle of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is that no individual should be required to undertake a unit of study for which they are able to already demonstrate the required competency standard or learning outcome.
This policy therefore aims to maximise the recognition of an individual’s prior skills and knowledge whilst at all times maintaining the integrity and standards of the defined learning outcomes of the specific course of study.
Assessment will take place by a qualified assessor who has successfully completed Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and who has the vocational competencies in the unit they are assessing the participant’s competency against.
1. Procedure
1.1 General information for individual
All prospective and enrolling individuals must be informed in either print or electronic form of the opportunity to apply for RPL. Individuals can apply for RPL of units of competency during the time of enrolment or up to one month after commencing the unit of competency using the RPL Application Form (FORM 21).
The information provided to students will include that:
1.2. RPL can be granted to an individual who has demonstrated evidence of prior knowledge and experience in life and work relating to the unit of competency for which recognition is applied
1.3. RPL is awarded for a total unit of competency (no partial RPL of a unit will be awarded)
1.4. Student request for RPL
If a student wishes to apply for RPL they must complete the CMTO’s ‘RPL Application’ (FORM 21).
The ‘RPL Application’ must specify the units RPL is being sought for, and students are required to identify how they meet the elements and performance criteria for each unit specified.
Once the RPL Application form is completed, students are required to submit this with associated evidence to the CMTO via the CMTO MOODLE or by post to the CMTO. The application and evidence is to be assessed by a qualified assessor and the student is to be notified of the outcome.
When a student has been assessed they will be required to attend an appointment with their assessor where an RPL Conversation will take place and any necessary direct observations.
1.5. Assessment process
The CMTO is required to ensure that all RPL assessments undertaken are completed and recorded appropriately. The following is to occur in the assessment of an RPL.
1.1. On receipt of the self-assessment and relevant documentation from the participant, the evidence will be assessed against the competency standards for the particular units.
1.2. In making an assessment, assessors will consider the following:
1.2.1. Relevance and nature of evidence provided by the applicant
1.2.2. Scope of subject matter covered by the evidence
1.2.3. Whether the evidence is sufficient to enable a judgement of competence to be made in regard to the unit, taking into account the required knowledge and skills, and the critical aspects of evidence in the relevant units.
1.3. Where evidence and documentation requires additional information or clarification, this will be discussed with the applicant via a phone call or scheduled meeting.
1.4. All original documents such as certificates, workplace reports, etc, should be copied after being sighted by the assessor, and copies signed “certified copy” with the date, signature and the printed name of the assessor.
1.5. Where RPL is granted, the decision will be communicated in writing to the applicant within 20 business days of completion of the assessment, followed by the issuing of the relevant qualification / statement of attainment.
1.6. Where RPL is not granted, the applicant will be notified in writing of the outcome within 20 business days of completion of the assessment. The written notification is to include a reason for refusal.
1.7. In all cases, a copy of the RPL documentation and outcome will be kept on the learner’s file
1.6. Appeals
Where RPL is not granted and the participant disagrees with the decision, informal internal resolution should be the first course of action. Where the outcome remains unresolved following informal discussions, the applicant may appeal (POLPRO4 - Complaints and Appeals). This policy and procedure can be obtained on request from the CMTO or via the CMTO website www.cmto.org.au.
The request for an appeal must be lodged in writing, no later than 10 business days from the original RPL
outcome notification