recognition of prior learning
What is RPL?
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process by which individuals can have their prior qualifications and informal learning recognised formally through assessment. In order to grant RPL the assessor must be confident that the skills and knowledge presented by the potential student is competent against the endorsed industry competency standards or outcomes specified.
Skills Recognition
Recognition of skills is offered to all potential Whitehouse students, aimed at assisting those who have previous experience or skills or gained formal recognition of relevant learning outcomes. These skills can be derived from previous study either through school, college, training programs and/or life and work experience in a fashion, design, styling position or environment.
Credit Transfer
Credit transfer recognises previous learning undertaken at one institution or provider as being equivalent to the learning undertaken at another institution or provider. Credit transfer may be granted for individual modules, subjects and/or units of competency.
How do I check my skills against the course information?
The course information includes units of competency or learning outcomes, which outlines the skills and knowledge relevant to specialist industry requirements. You are considered competent when you are able to demonstrate these skills and knowledge.
In submitting an application for RPL for a unit you will need to show evidence by mapping your previous study and/or work experience to show how you have already attained the skills required in that unit.
What sort of evidence do I need to support my claim for RPL?
Skills Recognition:
- employers name and contact details
- job title
- period the position was held
- references from employers, including details about the tasks you undertook whilst in their employ, and the level of your work responsibilities
- letters from clients
- portfolio evidence of relevant skills
Credit Transfer:
- institutions name
- certified copies of qualifications, testamur and/or academic transcript
- course and unit outline from the syllabus
- testimonials
- portfolio evidence of relevant skills
You may be required to undertake an interview, or a practical assessment, skill demonstration or challenge activity if the evidence you have provided does not match the module learning outcomes.
What are the costs involved with RPL?
This process will incur a fee of $100 per subject. This amount will be refunded upon the processing of your student registration. Fee is waived for existing Whitehouse Institute students.
What's involved in the Application Process?
There are a number of criteria to be met when assessing and recognising prior learning.
These are:
Validity - Evidence must cover the broad range of knowledge and skills required to demonstrate competence i.e. Can you demonstrate the skills required for the module?
Authenticity - Can you provide the evidence and can it be validated?
Sufficiency - Can you supply enough evidence to satisfy all elements?
Currency - Are the skills and/or knowledge you possess used in the workforce now?
How to apply for RPL?
1. Obtain a copy of the learning outcomes or competency standard/s you wish to be assessed against by contacting the head of the department.
2. Do a self-assessment whereby you compare your own skills with the learning outcomes or competency standards for which you wish to gain recognition
3. Gather the evidence which should include relevant documentation such as original testamur of qualifications, academic details of courses completed and /or evidence of work achievements i.e. references, samples of completed work, statutory declarations etc. Original documentation must be sighted by the Student Administration Manger or Assessor, or a certified copy of your academic transcript provided - handwritten or typed details will not be accepted unless on official letterhead and signed by an appropriate authority.
4. Complete and submit an Application form for RPL and attach all relevant documentation to Whitehouse Institute Administration, within 4 weeks of commencement of semester one in your first year of study.
5. Include payment of Application Fee. This amount will be refunded upon the processing of your student registration. Fee is waived for existing Whitehouse Institute students.
6. Applicants must retain copies for your own academic records, as no documentation will be returned. This includes RPL/Credit submission with evidence and notice of application outcome.
RPL for International Students
Whitehouse Institute international applicants are invited to apply for RPL and therefore are potentially shortening their term of study, where RPL is granted; the student's course will be reviewed to ensure the student has a full-time study load ESOS Act 2000.
In the event of RPL being granted either of the following procedures is adopted:
Where RPL is granted before the issue of a visa, the net course duration (as reduced by RPL) will be indicated on the eCoE issued for that student. ESOS Act 2000
Where RPL is granted after the issue of a visa, the resulting change of course duration will be reported via PRISMS. ESOS Act 2000
Outcome Advised
Your application and evidence will be assessed and you will be advised of the outcomes in a formal written response within 10 working days.
For students currently enrolled in the course for which they are seeking RPL/Credit it is your responsibility to withdraw in writing from the enrolled subject (within 4 weeks of semester commencement) if your RPL/Credit application is successful; otherwise you will remain liable for the subject fees.
Appeals
Appeals to the decision must be made in writing to the Principal Executive Officer within 10 working days. The PEO will receive and assess any grievances by formal assessment. If further assessment is required by an external assessor applicants may be responsible for costs incurred.