Recognition of Prior Learning is an incredible way of attaining an Australian nationally recognised qualification! By following a few simple steps, you are able to present your evidence and gain a qualification to add to your CV - and to step you up in to the career of your dreams.

1. Recognition of Prior
Learning (RPL) – The MCI
Way
Because a Mind is a
Powerful thing to Use

2. What does this document tell you
about?
1. What is RPL?
2. Why is RPL useful for some students?
3. What is the upside of RPL? What is the
downside of RPL?
4. What do students need to do in order to
prepare to be RPL’ed?
5. How does the RPL process work at MCI?

3. 1. What is RPL?
The official version:
Recognition of prior learning is an assessment
process that involves assessment of an
individual’s relevant prior learning (including
formal, informal and non-formal learning) to
determine the credit outcomes of an individual
application for credit.

4. What does this really mean?
The vocational system
in Australia is
competence based.
This means that if you
can prove competence,
you do NOT need to
attend formal training
in a training room.

5. It is an amazing aspect of the
vocational system!
If you have the skills AND the knowledge, you
can decide to come forward for RPL.
You might have:
• Heaps of experience in your field, but have
never acquired a recognised qualification or a
statement of attainment.
• Read extensively, conducted research and
participated in projects thereby gaining skills
and knowledge.

6. 2. Why is the RPL process useful for
some students?
There are some huge benefits!

7. It is the direct route vs the scenic
route….
For those who do have the skills and knowledge,
this is a direct route to attaining the qualification
or the statements of attainment for certain
units, without having to attend or participate in
a face to face or elearning program.

8. It is fantastic way of being recognised
for the skills and knowledge that you
have built up over the years
• A nationally recognised
qualification is a massive
addition to anyone’s CV
• There could be job or
promotion opportunities
available
• There could be a great sense of
personal achievement

9. 3. What is the upside and the
downside?
The best part:
It could save time as students do
not need to sit in a training room.

10. The downside…..
Every student needs to prepare
evidence and proof that they meet
the requirements of the units of
competence.
MCI cannot issue a certificate
without this proof.

11. Think about it this way…..
A judge in a court makes
a decision based on the
evidence presented to
them.
They do not accept
hearsay and they do not
accept someone’s word
for it.

12. When you prepare for RPL, you are
preparing for assessment by a judge =
the assessor
The assessor is in the role of
the judge and has to make a
decision: is this student
competent or not yet
competent?
The assessor bases their
decision on EVIDENCE that is
presented to them.

13. The assessor will look for:
1. Evidence that is valid: does the evidence
relate to the requirements of the unit of
competence?
2. Evidence that is authentic: Is this
evidence the student’s own work?
3. Evidence that is current: Is this evidence
from the past 5 years?
4. Evidence that is sufficient: Is there
enough evidence to make a decision

14. Evidence needs to be structured
Just as in a court of law, the evidence needs to
be presented in a structured way so that it
makes sense to the assessor.
Remember:
This does take time….

15. No shortcuts
The
Assessor

16. Or

17. 4. What do you need to do in order to
prepare to be RPL’ed?
In order to prepare for RPL, go to the following
website:
www.training.gov.au
There you will find a list of all the vocational
qualifications in Australia.
Search for the qualification you wish to apply for in
terms of RPL.

18. Scan the requirements of the
qualification
• Have a look at the core units
• Have a look at the list of the
elective units that make up
the qualification
• Have a deeper dive in to the
performance and evidence
criteria

19. Make a decision

20. Then choose
Either attend a full course or part of a course /
complete the course on-line
OR
Move in to the MCI RPL process

21. 5. The MCI RPL process
1. Request an enrolment form for
the qualification or for the units
of competence you are seeking.
2. Complete the enrolment form
and indicate that you are
requesting RPL.
3. Receive a quotation for this
service from MCI.

22. More about the process
4. Once you are happy with the price,
and once you have paid your invoice,
we will email you the RPL kit.
The RPL kit is a portfolio builder that
helps you to structure your evidence.
It is a formal tool that we use that has
already been mapped to the units of
competence.
It is a consistent way for us to receive
evidence and to assess it in a fair and
valid way.

23. The MCI process contd
5. Complete ALL the evidence required in the RPL kit.
If there are templates or items requested, please use
whatever you have in your own files and documents
that are close enough and submit these.
You do not have to use the MCI wording or the MCI
forms or templates.
ALSO:
Submit your CV

24. Final parts of the process
6. Submit your portfolio builder
either electronically or in hard
copy. If in hard copy, please retain
a copy for yourself.
7. If the assessor requires further
evidence, they will contact you for
this.
8. Allow up to 4 weeks for
assessment and certification!

25. The Deluxe version
We do offer one on one coaching and
assessment services if you would prefer to ask us
to help you structure the evidence and use
interviewing or observation as part of the
process.
This does have a higher price tag as it is an
individualised, time intensive service.
Please ensure that you have a quote upfront.

26. To sum up
• RPL is an amazing way of being
recognised for skills and
knowledge
• It is usually quicker than
participating in a formal way of
training – but can be slower if
you do not have all the evidence
• It is up to you to structure the
evidence and present it to MCI
so that it is readily assessed –
use your MCI portfolio builders
to guide you along the way.

27. We look forward to presenting
you with a nationally recognised
qualification!

28. Who is MCI?

29. Capability focussed

30. Acknowledged Innovator

31. Proven approaches

32. We use the latest research

33. Not just academics

34. MCI has
received 16
awards in the
past 5 years!

35. mci.edu.au
blog.mci.edu.au
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