Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
All students are eligible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning and are advised of this on the back of the Enrolment Form and on the course flyer. Recognition of Prior Learning is granted as a result of identifying and assessing previous and current informal education and training, work experience and/or life experience and knowledge. Previous learning and the evidence supplied is measured against pre-determined performance standards contained within the Units of Competency. To prepare for recognition of prior learning the student should indicate their decision to apply for recognition as soon as possible after the induction and orientation program.
Students can obtain a copy of the RPL Procedure and Application Form from SBI’s Reception or Website, and then decide which unit(s) they want to apply RPL for. Students must provide evidence of previous and current formal education and training in that unit. Evidence includes:
- Copies of certificates, qualifications achieved from other tertiary courses;
- Statements outlining courses and or study that were undertaken and the learning outcomes/ competencies achieved;
- Copies of any statements, references or articles about employment or community involvement; or
- Relevant samples of work.
Overseas qualifications may be assessed if:
- Original documents from the overseas institution are produced;
- Documents give a full course outline showing competencies achieved learning outcomes/course structure; and
- Documents are accompanied by an authorized English translation if necessary.
Life experience
Where a student claims to have the required competencies gained on-the-job, or in any other way, a qualified staff member arranges and assessment of the student by any means deemed suitable in the Training Package.
Students should be aware that any credit awarded will reduce the length of the course and their visa. RPL applications will be reported to the Immigration Department.
Following is the process for applying for recognition of prior learning:
Initial Support and Counselling
Initial support and counselling is provided to candidates to ensure realistic expectations about RPL to identify relevant courses and to provide information about learning outcomes and assessment benchmarks for consideration by candidates. Support and counselling is conducted:
- In a comfortable environment (The student interview room/ staff office).
- With individual interviews or group sessions as appropriate.
- With the opportunity for candidates to clarify their objectives and express their fears.
- With guidance and support if required from a skilled member of the staff with sound knowledge of the courses.
Application
Candidates must document their claim for competency in sufficient detail to enable the assessor to decide on assessment needed. This consists of the RPL request from and accompanying documentation as outlined above. The Principal will assist candidates to identity the best means to prove their claim to select and organise acceptable evidence and to complete and submit the application. Candidates will be provided with:
- Application forms in plain English;
- Performance criteria for competency learning outcomes;
- Guidelines as to possible sources of evidence;
- Self-assessment opportunities based on learning outcomes;
- Opportunities for further support and application assistance form a trained member of staff;
- The opportunity for refresher learning prior to assessment; and
- The opportunity to negotiate the form of assessment.
Processing Fee and Time Frame
An Assessment Fee of AUD$120 will apply to each and every application of RPL. This fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of the RPL application. The processing will be normally taken two weeks.
Assessment
The Principal reviews the evidence to determine whether the candidate can demonstrate the claimed competencies. During assessment the Principal is required:
- To be fair and reasonable during assessment.
- To be familiar with field, with relevant industry standards and with assessment methods and procedures appropriate for RPL.
- To make proper assessment decisions based on explicit evidence of competency.
- To expedite assessment and to avoid unnecessary delay.
- To use cost and time effective methods appropriate to the assessment rigor necessary and level of risk.
- To consider the authenticity validity relevance to the learning outcomes currency and variety of evidence.
- To systematically review the evidence provided in the application form and through interview, workplace assessment and/or performance test.
Post—Assessment Guidance
Post-assessment guidance assists the candidate and the organisation to obtain feedback and evaluation concerning the RPL process. The Principal:
- Provides clear prompt and constructive feedback arid reviews the results with candidates
- Advises candidates concerning their learning/development plan
- Informs unsuccessful candidates about appeals provisions
- Obtains feedback from the candidate on the RPL process.
If the evidence provided by a student is not adequate to match his/her academic transcript or work experience, then the student may be granted permission by the Principal Executive Officer to go for an express class upon recommendation by the Senior Trainer. If this happens, then the student is required to complete all the relevant Assessments (Assessment 1, 2 and 3) for each relevant unit of competency either by attending the classes or on his/her own time or both to address any specific problems completing all the relevant assessments.
Certification
If the RPL assessment successfully demonstrates competency, the Principal recommends appropriate certification. The Principal records the assessment outcomes in the RPL Register and the student’s file.
Where RPL is granted, SBI will notify DHA and provide, where possible, meaningful learning activities for the student for the resulting change of the course duration ensuring a full-time 20 hour per week load (15 hours face to face and 5 hours online). The resulting change of course duration will be reported to DHA via PRISMS.
Credit Transfer
AQF Certifications issued by other Registered Training Organisations (RTO) are recognised by SBI, this enables individuals to receive national recognition of their achievements.
In order to apply for a credit transfer the student should complete the following steps:
- Complete the “Credit Transfer Form”
- Attach a certified copy of the authenticated VET transcript from the other RTO and highlight the units you wish to have applied to your current enrolment
- Submit completed “Credit Transfer Form” and VET transcript to the RTO
- SBI in consultation with relevant trainer will review and confirm whether student is eligible for Credit Transfer (CT)
- If the student is eligible, the result of CT should be applied to the unit within the Student Database
- SBI to advise the student in writing of the outcome of the credit transfer application:
- Student is eligible for CT and the result has been entered into the Database
- Student is not eligible for CT and the reason why
Authenticated copies are to be certified by a Justice of the peace or someone within SBI can sight the originals and authenticate a copy.