Recognition of Prior Learning

Last Updated on July 16, 2025 by Ozlinks Education

Do you need a formal qualification to apply for jobs in Australia?

If you want to start a business in your field of expertise or find a job in Australia in your current field, here’s what you need to know. You may believe that you must complete an additional course in order to obtain an Australian qualification. Consider your existing skills and experience first, as they can help you reduce the time it takes to get an Australian qualification. You may not need to study if your current work experience meets all of the requirements for your chosen certification under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program.

What is Recognition of Prior Learning?

The Australian Qualification Framework (AQF), governed by the Australian Department of Education in collaboration with the states and territories, ensures that all students have the right to have their prior education, experience, and training recognized. This recognition facilitates their progression towards and between qualifications. Each registered training organization (RTO) has its own policies and procedures for assessing skills to determine RPL eligibility; however, the fundamental principles are consistent across the board. The experience and skills you have acquired through your work can enable you to complete a qualification more quickly, minimizing the time commitment required for coursework and bringing you closer to achieving your dream job.

The qualification obtained upon completion of the RPL program, and the certificate issued by an approved registered training organization (RTO) are used as an official qualification.

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Ozlinks Education is an education counsellor and agent that offers course enrolment services and assists you in the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) application process through our partner Education Registered Training Organizations (RTOs). Our team of experts will guide you in preparing your employment portfolio and gathering the necessary evidence to support your application. We provide tailored support to help you achieve the qualifications you need to advance your career.

Why would you be interested in RPL program?

The Australian qualification obtained from registered training organisations (RTOs), commonly referred to as a nationally recognised qualification, is the reason you should consider your interest in the RPL program.

  • You want to apply for a job, but you don’t have an Australian qualification.
  • You need a formal qualification to open a business in Australia.
  • To work in the trade industry, you need qualifications to apply for a trade job.
  • You want to apply for a skills assessment for migration but don’t meet the qualification requirements.

All of these problems are very common in Australia’s migration community. The RPL programme allows you to convert your current work experience into a formal qualification ranging from certifications II, III, IV, and diploma to advanced diploma. With Australian qualifications, you can definitely solve all of the problems listed above and get better career opportunities.

Get your skills certified today!
Get your skills certified today!

The advantages of using RPL program

The RPL program converts work experience into an Australian qualification, which can help you obtain a formal qualification that aligns with your current knowledge and skills. This process contributes to your professional development, enhances your learning practice and socialisation, and boosts your self-esteem, facilitating your integration into the Australian working environment. The RPL program helps you:

  • There is no need to learn what you already know.
  • It saves you time and tuition fees.
  • Open new career opportunities.
  • Help you achieve your career change goals in Australia.
  • Obtaining an Australian qualification takes less time.
  • You don’t have to take classes or repeat the training you’ve already done.
  • It’s an effective way to get your skills recognized for a formal qualification.

RPL Qualifications

Which qualifications are transferrable?

Which qualifications are transferrable? If you work in an office, this experience can help you obtain a certificate in business. Working on a farm may contribute towards a certificate in horticulture. Gaining experience as a chef in a restaurant can enable you to convert your work experience into a Certificate IV in kitchen management. Experience in building construction as a joiner can assist you in achieving recognition of prior learning (RPL) for a Certificate III in joinery. Below is a list of RPL qualifications:

  • RPL Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
  • RPL Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology
  • RPL Certificate III in Heavy Vehicle Mechanical Technology
  • RPL Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology
  • RPL Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology
  • RPL Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology
  • RPL Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology
  • RPL Certificate IV in Automotive Mechanical Diagnosis
  • RPL Certificate IV in Automotive Electrical Technology
  • RPL Certificate IV in Automotive Mechanical Overhauling
  • RPL Certificate IV in Automotive Management
  • RPL Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
  • RPL Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing & Disability)
  • RPL Certificate III in Health Administration
  • RPL Certificate IV in Ageing Support
  • RPL Certificate IV in Disability
  • RPL Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention
  • RPL Certificate IV in Mental Health
  • RPL Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance
  • RPL Diploma of Community Services
  • RPL Diploma of Mental Health
  • RPL Diploma of Counselling
  • RPL Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

The RPL process is done in 3 simple steps.

The RPL process consists of three stages and typically takes between six and eight weeks to complete from the time an applicant applies to an RPL assessment institute. During this period, applicants gather evidence of their skills and experiences, which is then evaluated against the relevant qualifications. This thorough process ensures that the recognition of prior learning accurately reflects the applicant's capabilities and knowledge.

Register / Enrolment

Step 1: During the enrolment stage, you will have to demonstrate your skill level in relation to your chosen qualification by completing a self-assessment related to the required skills and knowledge to determine the relevance of the RPL pathway.

Assessment/ Evidence Review

Step 2: The RPL assessor will give you tests in the subjects of your applied qualification to find out what skills you have and match them to the skills needed to work in the industry and for the qualification you have chosen.

You will need to provide proof of the necessary documents, photos, and videos to show that you know how each subject in your qualification.

Result

Step 3: If you meet all units of competency under the qualification, you will be issued with a Certificate and Statement of Results.

Register / Enrolment

Step 1: During the enrolment stage, you will have to demonstrate your skill level in relation to your chosen qualification by completing a self-assessment related to the required skills and knowledge to determine the relevance of the RPL pathway.

Assessment/ Evidence Review

Step 2: The RPL assessor will give you tests in the subjects of your applied qualification to find out what skills you have and match them to the skills needed to work in the industry and for the qualification you have chosen.

You will need to provide proof of the necessary documents, photos, and videos to show that you know how each subject in your qualification.

Result

Step 3: If you meet all units of competency under the qualification, you will be issued with a Certificate and Statement of Results.

RPL Industries

The following is a list of the industries in which we are able to assist you with the RPL process. Our knowledgeable RPL document checking service guides applicants step by step in meeting the documentation requirements for the RPL application criteria. We review all relevant content in all types of your documents to ensure that it is correct and meets the criteria, giving you a better chance of a positive outcome.

HOSPITALITY

AUTOMOTIVE

COMMUNITY CARE

HAIR & BEAUTY

COMMERCIAL COOKERY

HORTICULTURE

PLUMBING SERVICES

Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a list of frequently asked questions from our customers. If you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact Ozlinks Education via the contact form.

What is the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program?

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows higher education institutions to formally recognise the knowledge, skills, and experience you already have, even if they were gained outside traditional education.

Why should you consider RPL program?

The RPL program is generally a faster method of obtaining an Australian Certificate III or IV qualification compared to completing a formal training course, as it recognizes your prior work experience and overseas qualifications.

Does RPL assessment meet learning program standards?

Yes. The RPL evaluation process is just as thorough as any other evaluation. But the evidence you need to show may be different from what is usually asked in a class assessment.

When the criteria for each of the subjects are met, a degree may be partially or fully accredited. For example, only completed subjects can be counted towards the qualification.

Even if your credits aren't enough to qualify, you can still receive written certification of the courses you've completed.

This will depend on the complexity of your qualification, how many subjects you apply for and how long it takes you to gather proof of work experience, collate and submit proof. Usually, the RPL process is 6 to 8 weeks from the date of application to the RPL assessment institute and also depends on your industry and qualifications.