Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a formal assessment process that evaluates your previous formal and informal learning, skills, and experiences to determine if they meet the requirements of a qualification.
Credit Transfer
Credit transfer is a process that recognises previous formal study equivalent to units within your chosen qualification. This means you can receive credit for completed units without needing to undertake additional learning or assessment for those units.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a formal assessment process that evaluates your previous formal and informal learning, skills, and experiences to determine if they meet the requirements of a qualification.
The RPL process may allow you to gain a complete qualification or receive partial credit towards a qualification, with any gaps completed through additional training.
Please note that RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) is not a simple sign-off process. Students must submit comprehensive evidence that goes beyond just a supervisor’s letter. To be eligible for RPL, students must meet all the unit of competency requirements as listed on Training.gov.au. This includes:
- Providing evidence of the ability to complete all the tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of the unit.
- Demonstrating that you meet the performance evidence requirements.
- Providing evidence that you have the necessary knowledge and understanding.
The RPL assessment process is thorough and rigorous, requiring you to present substantial evidence that demonstrates your competency in all aspects of the unit of competency.
Are there additional fees for RPL?
Yes, in addition to a non-refundable application fee, an extra fee per unit is charged for RPL, as it involves a detailed assessment beyond the standard course fee. Click here to view additional fees.
RPL Application Process
Should you wish to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) please contact the MAT office on 1300 887 082 or email: info@medtrain.com.au.
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) application process will include the following steps:
- Submit Required Documents to our student support team, including:
- RPL Self-Appraisal Form – completed with details of your prior learning.
- Supervisor Contact Details – for verification of current work experience.
- Supporting Evidence – such as a current resume/CV, relevant position descriptions, and certified copies of academic records, including transcripts, Records of Results, Statements of Attainment, or a USI Transcript. All documents must be certified by a Justice of the Peace.
- Pay the RPL Application Fee – This non-refundable fee covers the application review process.
- Participate in a application interview – There will be an interview conducted by telephone to discuss your application in detail.
RPL Decisions
MAT will acknowledge receipt of your RPL application or enquiry within 24 hours.
Following this, an initial pre-enrolment interview will be scheduled within 5 business days to discuss the evidence supplied and assess your suitability for RPL.
If you are deemed eligible for RPL, an Assessor will provide detailed instructions on the next steps and any additional documentation needed to complete the RPL assessment process. You will also receive a quotation for the additional RPL assessment charges based on the units being assessed.
RPL Enrolment and Payment
Once you have been informed of your eligibility for RPL and the relevant units of competency or modules, you will need to enrol in those units and pay the applicable fees for your course.
RPL Assessments Timeframes
The time taken to complete RPL assessments will depend on the complexity of, and the amount of evidence supplied to support the application.
MAT will undertake the RPL assessment within the following timeframes, unless there are extenuating circumstances where evidence cannot be provided or additional assessments cannot be conducted:
- Single unit or single cluster of units – within 10 business days from the date of the enrolment;
- Multiple units or multiple clusters of units – within 20 business days from the date of the enrolment; and
- Full qualification – within 12 weeks from the date of the enrolment.
Appealing an RPL Decision
If you believe that an RPL decision is incorrect or unfair, you have the right to appeal. Appeals must be submitted in writing to the RTO Director within 20 business days of receiving the assessment decision. The RTO Director will review and respond to your appeal.
If you remain dissatisfied after the internal appeal, you may escalate your appeal to an external body, such as:
- The Queensland Ombudsman
- Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA)
- Queensland Department of Education and Training (for apprentices/trainees)
Only one external appeal decision is allowed. MAT will consider and act on the outcome of the external appeal as required.
Credit Transfer
Credit transfer is a process that recognises previous formal study equivalent to units within your chosen qualification. This means you can receive credit for completed units without needing to undertake additional learning or assessment for those units.
Both current and prospective students are eligible to apply for credit transfer if:
- The units are current and equivalent as listed in the National Register
- The units are included within the qualification for which you are enrolled or applying
Please note that MAT is not required to issue a qualification or statement of attainment solely through recognition of units or modules completed at another RTO.
Is there a Fee for Credit Transfer?
Credit transfers are a recognition process and do not incur any fees.
Credit Transfer Applications
To apply for credit transfer, complete a Credit Transfer Application Form.
Along with the form, include supporting documents such as your qualification certificates, Record of Results, statements of attainment, graduation statements, or a USI transcript.
Submitting your application before the start of your study is recommended.
The credit transfer application can be made by:
- Uploading the documents during the enrolment process.
- Sending copies via email to info@medtrain.com.au .
Verification Process
MAT is required to verify that any transcripts, Statements of Attainment, or Certificates are issued by a legitimate RTO. This process depends on the response time of the issuing RTO. Once verification is complete, MAT will process your credit transfer request within 3-5 business days.
Credit Transfer Decisions
After verification is completed, MAT will inform you in writing of the credit transfer decision as soon as possible.
Appeals for Credit Transfer
If you believe that a credit transfer decision is incorrect or unfair, you have the right to appeal. Appeals must be submitted in writing to the RTO Director within 20 business days of receiving the assessment decision. The RTO Director will review and respond to your appeal.
If you remain dissatisfied after the internal appeal, you may escalate your appeal to an external body, such as:
- The Queensland Ombudsman
- Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA)
- Queensland Department of Education and Training (for apprentices/trainees)
Only one external appeal decision is allowed. MAT will consider and act on the outcome of the external appeal as required.