What is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)/ What is a Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) Assessment ?

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)/ Recognition of Current Competency (RCC)  involves the assessment of the skills and knowledge that a person has gained through previous training or work experience.

RPL/ RCC processes are designed to recognise relevant prior learning as it directly applies to the requirements of the specific qualification.  The AQF (Australian Qualification Framework) sets out the qualifications standards upon which RPL/RCC  relies. Under the AQF, each qualification guideline provides for an RPL pathway as an 'alternative' or 'non-institutional' access point or source of credit. This keeps the system of qualifications open to recognition of the value of learning achieved outside the formal system, as part of life experience or knowledge not gained through training.

The processes used to assess RPL/RCC applications may take several (not mutually exclusive) forms, for example:

1. participation in exactly the same or modified versions of the assessment the student would be required to complete as part of the full course;
2. assessment based on a portfolio of evidence;
3. direct observation or demonstration of skill or competence;
4. reflective papers, journals or portfolios that relate past learning to the learning or competency outcomes of the current course or qualification;
5. provision of examples of the student's work drawn from the workplace, social, community or other setting in which the student applies their learning, skill or competence;
6. testimonials of learning, skill or competence; and
7. Combinations of any of the above.

A Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) assessment is a pathway to achieving an award whereby you have the requisite skills and knowledge to be able to satisfy the requirements of assessment without undergoing training to close a skill or knowledge gap.

The assessment process you will be following is known as a competency-based assessment. The difference between this process and traditional forms of assessments is that evidence of your current skills and knowledge will be measured against National Competency Standards for Project Management (NCSPM), not against the learning the candidate has undertaken either recently or in the past. Further, the assessment will be concerned with how the candidate currently applies the skills and knowledge in the workplace, not in the training room, or in a hypothetical case study.
The NCSPM are endorsed by the industry groups and national bodies in Australia. The Department of Education, Science Technology (DEST) endorse the NCSPM (Australian Qualification Framework Levels 4-6).

There are only two outcomes that will be made as a result of the RCC/ RPL assessment:

1. competent against the national standards; or
2. you are not yet competent, and you will be asked to provide further evidence.

Candidates are required to demonstrate competence against each element and/or performance criterion as specified in the Assessment Record Book (ARB) in each specified unit of competency with evidence provided from a variety of projects.
To achieve this, candidates are required to gather evidence of their specific workplace experience as applicable to the standard required and compile it into a ‘portfolio of evidence’.
Conduct of the Assessment
The conduct of the assessment can vary dependant on the candidate’s situation and workplace requirements.
Generally, the assessment is conducted in the following manner:

1. face-to-face between the assessor and the candidate; or
2. portfolio sent via mail to the assessor with follow-up if needed.

The process can take between 2 and 3 hours dependent on the level being assessed and evidence produced.
Evidence produced (the portfolio) for the assessment can be in different formats; hard-copy in a folder with numbered dividers, on a CD, interactive via a computer, or a combination.
The assessor will use a combination of methods to assess the competence of the candidate. These methods will include (but not limited to) work experience, questioning of candidates of underpinning knowledge, supplementary evidence and review of third party evidence.
Finally, the ACPM Assessment Record Book (ARB) provides further assistance and guidance to the candidate with suggested products that could be provided as evidence. Assessment record books are available for download at http://www.acpm.edu.au/resource_download.htm
Upon completion of the assessment, the assessor will advise the candidate of the outcome of the assessment.

Mutual Recogniition  /Advanced Standing
ACPM will recognise evidence of previous learning from institutions that  aligns to the requirements for the Certificate IV in PM , Diploma of PM and Advanced Diploma of PM provided the appropriate supporting documentation is provided.
Supporting documentation can include any of the following:

1. awards or testamurs
2. results notices or academic transcripts

To apply for RPL / RCC or for Mutual Recognition / Advanced Standing for your chosen qualification please contact our dedicated Customer Service team on 1300 138 225.