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Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is all about the skills and knowledge you've collected through work and life experiences and then transferring them to current training course requirements. RPL must take place at the start of your training, apprenticeship or traineeship after enrolling with a registered training provider.

Credit transfer also recognises previous formal learning (e.g. university, other qualifications). It uses an assessment of your previous course to determine whether it can be credited to your new course. The assessment determines the extent to which your previous course is equivalent to the required learning outcomes of your desired qualification.

Before you enrol in any training, get prepared by exploring and gathering enough information to purchase the right training and career path that is best for you.

(Note the DIY RPL assessment site was decommissioned in January 2020. For your RPL options, please refer to the steps below.)

Complete a skills assessment

Your journey to vocational training or a new career in Queensland can start here with RPL and credit transfer.

1 – Identify and explore

You may be able to save time and money through RPL, where your chosen training provider will review your existing skills and have your current skills recognised. If you're unsure of which qualification you want to study, explore your options and job prospects at the Queensland Skills Gateway or on the Australian Government's Your Career website.

2 – Shop around

Use our Training consumer tips to help you with your training purchase and compare courses, locations and, training providers. You could also save money by checking your eligibility for Queensland Government subsidised courses, or get more information on these courses in the Training and careers section. You're not on your own, so you can always contact us for further information.

3 – Apply your research

Before you enrol in any training you should now be equipped with the best information to shop around for a training provider via the Queensland Skills Gateway and then start your training.

4 – Study and support

You can get support along the way by contacting us for general training enquiries, or contact your chosen training provider for assistance with your course.

5 – Continue your journey

Congratulations, you did it! Now is a great time to put your new skills into action and apply for a job. Here's a great Queensland Government website to search for a job. You might also choose to continue studying. We are here once again to assist you to continue the journey.

Recognition of prior learning

If you're thinking about studying or training, think first about what skills you already have. You may be able to reduce the time it takes to get your qualification—you may not need to study at all.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is about the skills and knowledge you've gained through work and life experiences.

For example, working in an office could help you get a certificate in business administration. Working on a farm could count towards a qualification in agriculture or mechanics. Working as a volunteer with teenagers may get you a certificate in youth work. RPL applies for both paid and unpaid work.

How are my skills assessed?

Your skills will be assessed against industry standards. This is done by an RPL assessor. You may be asked to:

perform tasks or jobs
talk about and explain how you do those jobs
provide samples of your work.

A visit to your workplace may be organised so you can demonstrate your abilities. You may have to provide job descriptions, references or performance appraisals.

The assessor will consider your skills and knowledge and match them against a suitable qualification.

Who should I contact?

Check with your local TAFE campus, college or registered training organisation (RTO) before you enrol. All RTOs are required to offer RPL assessment.

You can also contact the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training on 1300 369 935 to discuss your RPL options.

Costs and financial help

There is a cost for RPL assessment. Costs may vary between RTOs. Contact more than one to discuss their process and fees. In some cases financial help may be available.

Previous study—credit transfers

A credit transfer recognises the study you've already done at school, college, TAFE or university. You may be able to have credit from a relevant earlier course transferred to your current studies.

You should check with your college, TAFE or training organisation before enrolling. You cannot get credit transfer for your whole course. You must have certified copies of your certificates, awards or qualifications. There is no fee for a credit transfer.

Trade skills

If you have skills in a trade area but don't have the certificate to prove it, you may qualify for trade recognition.

If you:

live in Australia and have trade skills in an electrical or metal trade, you may qualify for the Trades Recognition Service (TRS)
have trade skills in other areas, contact an RTO to apply for an RPL assessment.

Approved RTOs may also offer trade skills assessment and gap training.

Overseas qualifications

Read about overseas skills recognition if your qualifications, training or skills were gained outside Australia.

Licensing and registration

Some occupations require people to be registered or licensed before they can work in Queensland.