recognition of prior learning in Australia
Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is a standard requirement for any body offering accredited training that is embedded in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Australia introduced RPL as part of a larger national training reform agenda that included the introduction of a competency-based vocational education and training system. RPL was initially introduced under the national framework for the recognition of training (NFROT) in 1992. Since then RPL has slowly become a central activity within post compulsory education and training. The major educational sectors within Australia are categorised as:
- senior secondary high school, vocational education and training (VET);
- adult and community education (ACE); and
- higher education (HE).
Until very recently RPL has had distinct and separate Policy and Principles. During May 2009 the Australian government adopted a new credit terminology framework (AQF National Policy and Guidelines on Credit Arrangements) and within this framework RPL is considered a credit process (AQF, 2009).
RPL is also a significant activity outside the education sector and impacts on broader human capital development policy and activities in the following areas:
- within the workplace for existing workers;
- adults transitioning between paid and unpaid work;
- adults in the volunteer sector;
- adults wishing to participate or increase participation in the labour market;
- those groups traditionally disadvantaged in the labour market;
- and at the interface between industry and education, training and professional and occupational recognition.
Although Australian policy has not fully embraced the term, the latter activities tend to involve a significant amount of recognition of current competency (RCC).
RPL practice and processes in Australia are predominantly credential models where RPL is viewed as an assessment process. Other approaches to RPL which take a more developmental approach exist in small pockets of activity along with some very innovative approaches to RPL for Indigenous Australians. The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) RPL Initiative funded from mid 2007 to mid 2009 has seen a significant amount of RPL activity in the VET sector.
In terms of RPL research and literature in Australia there is a growing body of literature focused upon reporting case studies, barriers and drivers of RPL practice, with a small body of literature related to specifically disadvantaged groups and very little literature which engages critically with the theoretical underpinnings of RPL.
The purpose of this webpage is to act as an informational portal for the various RPL activities, research and literature within Australia and to provide links to other country based and international organisations that focus on the recognition, assessment and accreditation of prior learning.
Updated: 17 October 2011