Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Gaining Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process by which a learner applies to have various competencies gained through previous learning and experience recognised by St Mark’s RTO. VET Qualifications are comprised of a number of Units of Competency, and a person may apply to receive RPL for one or more of these units.

When can I apply for RPL?

Anyone is entitled to apply for RPL. An application for RPL alone may be made at any time. However, an application for RPL for part of a course in which a person is seeking to also enrol must be made at least three months ahead of the start date of the course, or the start date of the portion of the course in which the relevant Units of Competency are being taught.

For example, if you wish to apply for RPL for the entire Diploma in Christian Ministry and Theology, this could be done at any time. If, however, you wished to enrol in the Diploma, but apply for RPL for one of its units of competency, you would normally need to complete your RPL application at least three months before the course start date.) If the RPL outcome has not been finalised by the commencement date of the course or module in which that Unit of Competency is covered, the student should be fully enrolled in that course or module and commence study. If RPL is subsequently granted, applicable course fees will be refunded. In order to apply for RPL for a whole qualification, the applicant must meet the entry requirements for that qualification.

How much will it cost?

Applications for RPL incur a cost because of the work involved in reviewing and assessing them. The standard cost for RPL is $450 per unit of competency.

What is the process?

An RPL application normally involves the following steps:

1. The applicant registers her or his interest in applying for RPL with St Mark’s via email to the Registrar: registrar@stmarks.edu.au 
2. St Mark’s RTO send the applicant an RPL kit for the Qualification or Units of Competency for which they are applying for RPL. This kit will include forms related to personal details, work and education experience, and especially a self-evaluation form for the Units of Competency or Qualification.
3. The applicant completes the relevant parts of the RPL kit, including details of where they are competent and supporting evidence for those claims in the form of documents, third party reports, etc.
4. St Mark’s reviews the application to ensure it is complete and requests payment from the applicant.
5. St Mark’s assesses the application and determines whether it warrants an interview.
6. If an interview is warranted, St Mark’s will invite the applicant to an interview, at which questions will be asked relating to the various Units of Competency under consideration.
7. Following this interview, one or more practical or written tasks may be asked from the applicant, in order to verify competency.
8. A determination of RPL is made by St Mark’s. If the application is successful, ST Mark’s will record this result and the student will be eligible for a Statement of Attainment for the relevant Units of Competency, or Certificate of qualification. If the application is partially successful, the student may require gap-training before they are eligible to receive a statement of attainment or certificate.

There is no guarantee that an application for RPL will be successful. It hinges on the applicant’s ability to demonstrate and show evidence for their competency in the various areas.

If an application is unsuccessful, the student will not be reimbursed for the cost of the application, and it will not be credited towards the cost of the course.

How do I apply for RPL?

If you wish to apply for RPL, the first step is to get in touch with St Mark’s. Just email our Student Registrar or call us on 02 6272 6252.