Skills Recognition

'Skills recognition' is a generic term that can be used to cover the range of ways an individual's skills, experience, knowledge and qualifications can be formally acknowledged, including: Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Credit transfer (including national recognition) Overseas qualifications assessment.

RPL

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) involves the assessment of previously unrecognised skills and knowledge an individual has achieved outside the formal education and training system. 

RPL assesses this unrecognised learning against the requirements of a formal qualification. By removing the need for duplication of learning, RPL encourages an individual to continue upgrading their skills and knowledge through structured education and training towards formal qualifications and improved employment outcomes.

In order to recognise prior learning it is necessary to: compare the informal or non-formal learning the individual has achieved against the learning outcomes or performance criteria of the course or qualification for which the student is using as a basis for seeking entry or the award of credit, and determine appropriate evidence to support the claim of prior learning. 

The processes used to assess RPL applications may take several (not mutually exclusive) forms, for example:

• participation in exactly the same or modified versions of the assessment the student would be required to complete as part of the full course
• assessment based on a portfolio of evidence
• direct observation of demonstration of skill or competence
• reflective papers, journals or portfolios that relate past learning to the learning or competency outcomes of the current course or qualification
• provision of examples of the student's work drawn from the workplace, social, community or other setting in which the student applies their learning, skill or competence;
• testimonials of learning, skill or competence; or
• combinations of any of the above.

 

Credit Transfer

Credit transfer involves assessing a previously completed course or subject to see if it provides equivalent learning or competency outcomes to those required within the student's current course of study.

It is used when a student seeks credit for a course or subject they have already completed. It is based on agreements between institutions or organisations as to the credit value to be given for specific units of competency and learning outcomes within a course or qualification. Formal documentation of equivalence (for example a mapping guide) is required.

Credit transfer can also be cross-sectoral. For example, students may seek to have vocational education and training qualifications credited against higher education subjects, or the reverse. Processes for credit transfer should be developed and administered by individual organisations.

National Recognition

National recognition is unique to the vocational education and training system. It means that a student automatically has credit for units of competency that they have completed at another registered training organisation (RTO).

A statement of attainment from another RTO that contributes to a qualification is reported as a form of credit transfer.

Overseas qualifications

There are several options available to individuals who hold overseas qualifications, but wish to commence a career in Australia. Comparisons between overseas qualifications and Australian qualifications (except for school-level qualifications) may be established through the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR) — a Commonwealth government agency. Individuals seeking formal recognition of their qualifications should contact  Australian Education International.

While formal recognition of overseas qualification is possible through NOOSR, ASIC has specific obligations for Australia and it will almost certainly be necessary to undertake some additional training (or assessment) to meet Australian regulatory requirements, particularly in relation to the distinct characteristics and products of the Australian environment.

This exercise of locally qualifying yourself will involve approaching an Australian training organization, known as a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), to do an assessment of your skills and education for you and determine in which area or areas you require additional training to become fully compliant with current regulation.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?