What is RPL?
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) provides pathways for individuals to gain recognition for knowledge, skills, and competencies acquired through work, volunteer activities, community involvement, informal learning, and lived experience. RPL processes have been implemented in a variety of educational, occupational, and workforce development contexts.
Value in all learning
Recognition of Prior Learning is fundamentally concerned with recognizing and valuing learning that occurs across the full range of human experience. This recognition may take many forms – self-recognition, or recognition by an ‘other’ – employer, academic institution or accrediting body.
What are RPL Careers?
Roles in the Recognition of Prior Learning typically include RPL Advisors, RPL Assessors, and RPL Administrators. These roles are not necessarily standalone, but may be part of other positions in education, career development or within professional or regulatory functions.
RPL knowledge, skills and competencies are often learned on-the-job rather than through formalized training pathways. Individuals with acquired expertise in the Recognition of Prior Learning may find roles in consulting, education and development of RPL programs and processes. Expertise in this field requires a combination of relational and technical competencies.
RPL in Career Development
Career development and the Recognition of Prior Learning have much in common. Career practitioners who possess RPL knowledge and skillsets are prepared to support clients in identifying, articulating and demonstrating their skills and learning, navigating pathways and exploring opportunities for recognition.
RPL Advising, as one area of RPL Practice, can take several forms requiring varying levels of complexity depending on the role and its requirements.
RPL-Informed Career Development Practice
Professionals who possess foundational knowledge of RPL concepts and pathways and are able to support learners in exploring recognition opportunities.
RPL Advising Practice
Practitioners who provide direct support related to recognition processes, competency articulation, pathway navigation, assessment preparation, and learner readiness.
Advanced and Specialized RPL Advising Practice
Practitioners working within highly specialized contexts requiring extensive pathway expertise, regulatory knowledge, occupational understanding, and sector-specific experience.