An RPL, or Recognition of Prior Learning, is a way for people to get formal acknowledgment for the skills and knowledge they have gained through work experience, life experience, or informal training, rather than through traditional classroom-based education.

Imagine you’ve been working in aged care for many years. You’ve learned a lot on the job about how to care for people, handle emergencies, and manage daily routines. Even though you might not have an official certificate, you have the skills and knowledge needed for the job.

RPL allows you to get those skills and knowledge officially recognised without having to go back to school. You provide evidence of what you’ve learned, such as references from your employer, examples of your work, or even a practical demonstration. Based on this evidence, you can earn a formal qualification, like a certificate or diploma, which can help you advance in your career.

In short, RPL is a way to turn your real-world experience into an official qualification.