What is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)?

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a training pathway that turns your existing work history, skills, and industry experience into a nationally recognised qualification.

If you already know how to do the job, you can skip the classroom entirely by providing evidence of your competence. You will receive a full qualification that is recognised Australia-wide.

Traditional Study

Study load

Full coursework

Timeframe

1 - 4 years

Cost

Full tuition fee

Traditional study vs RPL

RPL

Study load

No study required

Timeframe

4 weeks - 6 months

Cost

Assessment fee only

Find my qualification

How does it work?

We’ll connect you with a Registered Training Organisation who will guide you through each step of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process.

Find the Right Course

Tell us about your past work experience and career goals and we'll refer you to an RTO that delivers the qualification you are looking for.

Gather Your Evidence

Once we introduce you to the RTO, their official assessor will conduct a formal eligibility determination. They will guide you on exactly what evidence you need to provide such as workplace photos, videos, references, and your resume.

Formal Assessment by the RTO

The RTO’s qualified assessor will review your portfolio against national training standards. If any gaps in your experience are identified, the RTO will work with you directly to provide the necessary gap training.

Certification

Upon successful completion of the RTO’s assessment process, you will receive a fully accredited, nationally recognised certificate issued directly by that Registered Training Organisation.

RPL by industry

Aboriginal Studies (Education and Training)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Artist
Government Policy Advisor
Painter
Policy Adviser

Accommodation (Tourism, Travel and Hospitality)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Concierge
Front Office Supervisor
Hotel Manager
Hotel Receptionist
Housekeeper
Motel Manager

Accounting (Finance)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Accounting Manager
Accounts Clerk
Accounts Officer
Accounts Receivable Officer
Assistant Accountant
Auditor
BAS Agent
Bookkeeper
Business Services Accountant
Credit Officer
External Auditor
Internal Auditor
Management Accountant
Payroll Clerk
Payroll Officer
Tax Accountant
Tax Agent
Tax Auditor

Aged Care (Community Services)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Aged Care Coordinator
Aged Care Nurse
Aged Care Team Leader
Aged Care Worker
Community Care Worker
Diversional Therapy Assistant
Gerontologist
Home Care Assistance Worker
Home Carer
Lifestyle Coordinator
Personal Care Assistant
Personal Carer
Residential Care Officer
Residential Care Worker
Wellness Coordinator

Allied Health (Healthcare)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Allied Health Assistant
Clinical Research Nurse (CRN)
Medical Receptionist
Mental Health Support Worker
Patient Care Assistant
Ward Clerk

Animal Care (Animal Welfare and Veterinary)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Animal Attendant
Cattery Attendant
Kennel Attendant
Livestock Manager
Wildlife Carer
Zoo Keeper

Arts and Craft (Creative Arts, Fashion and Music)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Art Studio Assistant
Artist
Fine Artist
Painter
Sculptor

Automotive (Manufacturing)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Apprentice Automotive Electrician
Apprentice Mechanic
Automotive Service Technician
Electric Vehicle Mechanic
Electric Vehicle Technician
Heavy Diesel Mechanic
Heavy Vehicle Mechanic
Light Vehicle Mechanic
Mechanical Technician
Service Technician
Trade Assistant
Truck Mechanic

Automotive (Trades)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Apprentice Automotive Electrician
Apprentice Mechanic
Automotive Mechanic
Diagnostic Technician
Motorcycle Mechanic
Motorsport Mechanic
Senior Automotive Mechanic
Service Manager
Spray Painter
Tyre Fitter
Workshop Manager

Baking (Trades)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Assistant Pastry Chef
Bakery Production Operator
Pastry Chef
Patissier

Banking and Credit Services (Finance)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Credit Controller
Credit Officer
Finance Broker
Fraud Analyst
Lending Officer
Loan Administrator
Mortgage Broker

Beauty Therapy and Makeup (Hair and Beauty)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Beautician
Beauty Therapist
Clinical Aesthetician
Dermal Therapist
IPL and Laser Technician
Makeup Artist
Skin Therapist
Spa Therapist
Waxing Therapist

Bookkeeping (Finance)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Accounting Clerk
Accounts Clerk
Accounts Officer
Accounts Receivable Officer
Assistant Accountant
BAS Agent
Bookkeeper
Payroll Clerk
Payroll Officer

Border Security & Customs (Government and Public Sector)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

CCTV Operator
Intelligence Officer
Security Guard
Security Officer

Building (Trades)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Asset Inspector
Builders Labourer
General Labourer
Plasterer
Trade Assistant
Wall and Ceiling Installer
Wall and Floor Tiler
Waterproofer
Waterproofing Technician

Business Administration (Business)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Administration Manager
Administration Officer
Administrative Assistant
Business Administrator
Business Support Officer
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Contracts Manager
Credit Officer
Data Entry Operator
Executive Assistant
Information Officer
Office Assistant
Office Manager
Operations Coordinator
Personal Assistant
Procurement Officer
Receptionist
Recruitment Manager

Business Intelligence (Information Technology)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Business Analyst
Digital Business Analyst
IT Business Analyst
IT Consultant

Carpentry (Trades)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Apprentice Cabinet Maker
Apprentice Carpenter
Apprentice Furniture Maker
Apprentice Joiner
Carpenter
Formwork Carpenter
Shopfitter
Wood Machinist

Child Welfare, Youth and Family Intervention (Community Services)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Community Outreach Coordinator
Family Support Worker
Outreach Worker
Residential Care Worker
Youth Case Worker
Youth Counsellor
Youth Support Officer
Youth Support Worker

Childcare (Education and Training)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Early Childhood Educator
Family Day Care Educator
Lead Educator
Nanny

Civil Construction (Building and Construction)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Building Consultant
Building Contractor
Building Estimator
Civil Construction Designer
Civil Construction Supervisor
Civil Draftsperson
Concreter
Construction Estimator
Construction Labourer
Construction Manager
Construction Project Manager
Construction Supervisor
Excavator Operator
Formworker
General Hand
General Labourer
Loader Operator
Rail Infrastructure Worker
Road Construction Worker
Site Foreman
Trade Assistant
Traffic Controller

Civil Engineering and Construction (Engineering)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Advanced Engineering Tradesperson
CAD Operator
Civil Designer
Civil Engineering Technician
Civil Modeller
Draftsperson
Engineering Technician
Structural Designer
Structural Drafter

Community Management (Community Services)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Community Advocate
Community Development Officer
Community Development Worker
Community Health Liaison
Community Support Worker
Public Sector Manager

Construction Management (Building and Construction)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Building Consultant
Building Inspector
Building Supervisor
Construction Manager
Construction Planner
Construction Project Manager
Construction Site Manager
Construction Supervisor
Quantity Surveyor
Site Foreman
Site Manager
Site Supervisor

Consulting and Strategy (Business)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Business Adviser
Business Analyst
Business Consultant
Change And Communications Manager
Change Management Consultant
Corporate Services Manager
Digital Business Analyst
Digital Transformation Manager
Financial Analyst
Innovation Strategist
Marketing Consultant
Operations Analyst
Operations Specialist
Organisational Development Consultant
Senior Business Analyst
Strategic Planner
Strategy Manager

Cookery and Catering (Tourism, Travel and Hospitality)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Apprentice Chef
Breakfast Chef
Catering Assistant
Catering Manager
Chef
Chef de Partie
Commis Chef
Cook
Demi Chef
Food Service Supervisor
Food Services Assistant
Kitchen Attendant
Kitchen Manager
Pastry Chef
Patissier
Pizza Chef
Sandwich Hand
Sous Chef

Counselling (Community Services)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Behaviour Support Practitioner
Counsellor
Crisis Support Worker
Grief Counsellor
Mental Health Practitioner
Mental Health Support Worker
Mental Health Worker
Rehabilitation Counsellor
Support Worker
Youth Counsellor

Customer Engagement (Business)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Business Relationship Manager
Client Services Officer
Customer Service Manager
Customer Service Officer
Customer Service Representative
Engagement Manager
Partnerships Manager

Cyber Security (Information Technology)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Cyber Security Analyst
Cyber Security Consultant
Cyber Security Specialist
Cyber Security Technician
Cybercrime Investigator
Information Security Analyst
IT Risk Manager

Dentistry (Healthcare)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Dental Assistant
Dental Nurse
Prosthetic Technician
Treatment Coordinator

Digital Marketing (Business)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Digital Business Analyst
Digital Business Strategist
Digital Marketing Assistant
Digital Marketing Manager
Digital Marketing Specialist
SEO Specialist
Social Media Coordinator
Social Media Manager
Web Content Manager

Disability (Community Services)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Aboriginal Disability Worker
Community Care Worker
Community Support Worker
Disability Service Officer
Disability Support Worker
Disability Team Leader
Diversional Therapy Assistant
Home Care Assistance Worker
Home Carer
Lifestyle Coordinator
NDIS Worker
Personal Care Assistant
Personal Carer
Residential Care Officer
Residential Care Worker

Driving and Transport (Transport and Logistics)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Bus Driver
Driving Examiner
Driving Instructor
Fleet Controller
Fleet Manager
Forklift Driver
Fuel Tanker Driver
Street Sweeper Driver
Taxi Driver
Truck Driver

Early Childhood Education (Education and Training)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Centre Director
Childcare Assistant
Childcare Worker
Early Childhood Educator
Early Intervention Specialist
Family Day Care Educator
Lead Educator
Nanny
Preschool Assistant

Education Support and Assistance (Education and Training)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Education Assistant
Education Manager
Integration Aide
Learning Support Officer
Teacher's Aide
Teacher's Assistant
Trainer and Assessor
Vocational Education Trainer

Electrician (Trades)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Asset Inspector
Electric Vehicle Mechanic
Electric Vehicle Technician
Electrical and Instrumentation Technician
Electrical Fitter
Electrical Trades Assistant

Event Management (Tourism, Travel and Hospitality)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Conference Manager
Event Coordinator
Event Director
Event Planner
Ticketing Coordinator

Executive Leadership (Business)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Corporate Services Manager
Executive Director
General Manager

Food Science (Science)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Food Engineer
Food Technologist
Laboratory Attendant
Laboratory Technician

Food Services (Tourism, Travel and Hospitality)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Cafe or Restaurant Manager
Food and Beverage Manager
Kitchen Manager
Waiter

Gardening (Horticulture)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Garden Labourer
Gardener
Greenkeeper
Groundsperson
Landscape Labourer

Healthcare Support Services (Healthcare)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Community Health Liaison
Hospital Attendant
Hospital Orderly
Infection Prevention and Control Coordinator
Medical Administrator
Patient Services Assistant
Personal Care Assistant
Sterilisation Technician
Wellness Coordinator

Hospitality (Tourism, Travel and Hospitality)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Bar Attendant
Bar Manager
Barista
Bartender
Cafe Attendant
Duty Manager
Food and Beverage Manager
Kitchen Manager
Marine Steward
Night Auditor
Rooms Division Manager
Venue Manager
Waiter

Human Resources (Business)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Compensation and Benefits Manager
Employee Relations Manager
HR Business Partner
Human Resources Administrator
Human Resources Assistant
Human Resources Director
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Officer
Payroll Officer
People and Culture Manager
Recruitment Consultant
Recruitment Manager
Talent Acquisition Manager
Talent Acquisition Specialist
Training and Development Manager
Workplace Relations Officer

IT Networks and System Administration (Information Technology)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Cyber Security Specialist
Help Desk Support
ICT Support Officer
IT Risk Manager
Network Administrator
Network Analyst
Network Specialist
Service Desk Analyst
Software Tester
Systems Administrator
Technical Project Manager

IT Support (Information Technology)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Help Desk Support
IT Support Officer
IT Technician
Network Administrator
Service Desk Analyst
Software Tester
Systems Administrator

Leadership and Management (Business)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Assistant Manager
Business Manager
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Compensation and Benefits Manager
Corporate Services Manager
Front Office Supervisor
Operations Manager
Partnerships Manager
Recruitment Manager
Senior Supervisor
Supervisor
Team Leader

Legal Services (Law and Legal Services)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Investigator
Law Clerk
Legal Administrator
Legal Assistant
Legal Secretary
Paralegal

Livestock and Animal Production (Agriculture)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Dairy Farm Manager
Farm Manager
Farmhand
Livestock Transporter
Station Manager

Local Government (Government and Public Sector)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Council Maintenance Worker
Government Agent
Government Investigator
Government Policy Advisor
Local Government Administration Officer
Local Government Customer Service Assistant
Local Government Officer
Local Government Project Manager
Ministerial Advisor
Planning Officer
Policy Adviser
Policy Analyst
Policy Manager
Policy Officer
Public Service Officer

Manufacturing Engineering (Engineering)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Advanced Engineering Tradesperson
Engineering Technician
Hydraulic Fitter
Hydraulic Mechanic
Machinist
Maintenance Fitter
Mechanical Fitter
Plant Mechanic
Workshop Supervisor

Manufacturing Plant (Manufacturing)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Factory Worker
Operations Officer
Plant Mechanic
Plant Operator
Polymer Technician
Process Technician
Process Worker
Production Worker

Marketing (Business)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Account Director
Brand Ambassador
Brand Manager
Business Relationship Manager
Campaign Manager
Communications Manager
Communications Officer
Digital Marketing Assistant
Digital Marketing Manager
International Marketing Specialist
Market Research Analyst
Marketing Assistant
Marketing Consultant
Marketing Coordinator
Marketing Manager
Marketing Strategist
Partnerships Manager
Public Relations Officer
Social Media Coordinator
Social Media Manager

Medical Administration (Healthcare)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Admissions Clerk
Clinic Administrator
Dental Office Manager
Dental Receptionist
Health Administrator
Healthcare Manager
Hospital Receptionist
Medical Receptionist
Medical Secretary
Patient Liaison Officer
Patient Services Officer
Practice Manager
Ward Clerk

Medicine (Healthcare)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Clinical Laboratory Technician
Laboratory Assistant
Laboratory Attendant
Laboratory Technician

Mental Health (Community Services)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Behaviour Support Practitioner
Mental Health Practitioner
Mental Health Support Worker
Mental Health Worker
Peer Support Worker

Metalworking (Trades)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Boilermaker
TIG Welder
Trade Assistant
Welder

Mining (Engineering)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Advanced Engineering Tradesperson
Dump Truck Operator
Hydraulic Fitter
Hydraulic Mechanic
Machinist
Mechanical Fitter
Mining Machine Operator
Plant Mechanic
Plant Operator
Production Operator

Nursing (Healthcare)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Aged Care Nurse
Clinical Research Nurse (CRN)
Enrolled Nurse
General Practice Nurse
Nursing Assistant
Operating Theatre Technician
Palliative Care Nurse
Patient Care Assistant
Rehabilitation Nurse
School Nurse

Oil and Gas (Engineering)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Advanced Engineering Tradesperson
Electrical and Instrumentation Technician
Hydraulic Fitter
Hydraulic Mechanic
Machinist
Mechanical Fitter
Plant Mechanic
Plant Operator

Patisserie (Tourism, Travel and Hospitality)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Assistant Pastry Chef
Cake Decorator
Chocolate Chef
Pastry Chef
Patisserie Chef
Patissier

Primary Education (Education and Training)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Education Assistant
Education Support Officer
Teacher's Aide
Teacher's Assistant

Procurement (Business)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Buyer
Category Manager
Contract Administrator
Contract Specialist
Head of Procurement
Procurement Manager
Procurement Officer
Procurement Specialist
Purchasing Officer
Supply Chain Manager
Vendor Manager

Production Horticulture (Agriculture)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Agricultural Engineer
Agricultural Technician
Farmer
Farmhand
Nursery Hand
Nurseryperson
Seed Technician

Programming (Information Technology)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Application Support Analyst
Integration Developer
Javascript Developer
Systems Designer

Project Management (Business)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Change And Communications Manager
Change Manager
Contracts Manager
Partnerships Manager
PMO Manager
Portfolio Manager
Program Coordinator
Program Manager
Project Administrator
Project Coordinator
Project Director
Project Manager
Project Officer
Project Scheduler
Senior Project Manager

Psychology (Healthcare)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Behaviour Support Practitioner
Counsellor
Mental Health Practitioner
Mental Health Worker

Quality Assurance (Business)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Compliance Analyst
Compliance Manager
Compliance Officer
Compliance Specialist
Governance Officer
Policy Officer
Quality Assurance Auditor
Quality Assurance Manager
Quality Auditor
Quality Control Manager
Quality Manager
Quality Officer

Rail (Transport and Logistics)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Rail Infrastructure Worker
Rail Protection Officer
Rail Worker
Track Worker

Real Estate Sales (Real Estate)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Buyer’s Agent
Property Administrator
Property Consultant
Real Estate Agent
Real Estate Agent Assistant
Real Estate Receptionist

Retail Operations (Retail)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Area Manager
Cashier
Cluster Manager
Customer Service Representative
E‑commerce Assistant
Retail Assistant
Retail Consultant
Retail Supervisor
Retail Team Leader

Risk Management (Business)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Business Analyst
Credit Officer
Financial Analyst
Operational Risk Manager
Risk Analyst
Risk Manager
Risk Officer
Senior Business Analyst

Sales (Business)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Business Development Manager
Partnerships Manager
Sales Assistant
Sales Consultant
Sales Manager
Sales Representative

Security (Trades)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

CCTV Operator
Crowd Controller
Intelligence Officer
Investigator
Security Guard
Security Officer

Small Business (Business)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Cafe or Restaurant Manager
Creative Entrepreneur
Entrepreneur
Franchisee
Independent Contractor
Small Business Owner

Social Work (Community Services)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Community Advocate
Community Development Officer
Community Development Worker
Community Outreach Coordinator
Community Rehabilitation Worker
Community Support Worker
Community Volunteer
Crisis Support Worker
Outreach Worker
Senior Support Worker
Support Worker
Volunteer Coordinator

System Analysis (Information Technology)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Integration Analyst
IT Consultant
IT Project Manager
Systems Analyst

Training Design and Development (Education and Training)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Assessor
Learning and Development Manager
Learning Facilitator
TAFE Teacher
Trainer and Assessor
Vocational Education Trainer
Workplace Trainer

Vocational Education and Training (Education and Training)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Facilitator
Learning and Development Manager
TAFE Teacher
Trainer and Assessor
Vocational Education Trainer

Work Health and Safety (Business)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Compliance Coordinator
Health and Safety Manager
Safety Consultant
Safety Officer
Work Health and Safety Officer
Workplace Trainer

Youth Work (Community Services)

Please select a job role to check your eligibility for RPL.

Community Outreach Coordinator
Family Support Worker
Outreach Worker
Youth Case Worker
Youth Support Officer
Youth Support Worker
Youth Worker

Ready to get qualified?

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Frequently asked questions

Is an RPL qualification exactly the same as traditional study?

Yes. A qualification gained through RPL is identical to one earned in the classroom. It is issued by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and is nationally recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Your certificate will not mention RPL, so employers and licensing bodies see the same qualification as any other graduate holds.

How long does the process take?

Typically, the RPL process takes between 8 weeks and 6 months. Because it is completely self-paced, the timeline largely depends on how quickly you can gather your portfolio of evidence (such as workplace documents, photos, and supervisor references). The faster you provide your evidence to your assessor, the faster you can complete your qualification.

What if I don't have enough evidence for every single unit?

You don't need to abandon the process. If there are gaps in your evidence, your assessor can offer alternatives such as a competency conversation, a practical demonstration, or gap training to cover the remaining units. This means you only need to study the parts you can't yet evidence, rather than completing the full course from scratch.

How much does it cost?

The cost of RPL varies depending on the qualification and the Registered Training Organisation, but it is generally more affordable than completing the full course. Most RTOs offer a free initial skills assessment, so you can find out whether you're a good candidate before committing to anything. Pricing is typically confirmed after this review of your experience and evidence.

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