Do you have valuable work experience, life experience, on-the-job experience? Are you frustrated because you have to relearn things that you know you are already competent at?

Look no further as in this document we have clarified the RPL concept for you and also provided you with a step-by-step RPL process so that you can start shaping and defining your career.

What is RPL?Recognition of prior learning (RPL) refers to the principles and processes through which the prior knowledge and skills of an individual are made visible, mediated and assessed for the purposes of alternative admission, recognition and certification, or further learning and development (SAQA 2018).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

How does RPL work?• RPL will identify and assess your skills and knowledge irrespective of how and where you acquired that knowledge. • It could have been obtained through informal training, on-the job-experience and life experience. • These experiences will be measured against the standards of a learning programme, opening access to formal education or for gaining

access to a formal qualification or learning programme.• Identifying what the learner knows and can do.• Matching the candidate’s skills, knowledge and experience to specific standards and the associated assessment criteria of the

qualification.• Assessing the candidate against the relevant standards.• Crediting candidate for skills, knowledge and experience gained up through formal, informal and non-formal learning that occurred in

the past.

Why would you need an RPL solution?• Experienced employees have acquired valuable skills in the workplace but may not have the formal qualification. • The RPL process allows individuals who had gained relevant learning though experience to be assessed and awarded credits or a

qualification registered on the National Qualification Framework (NQF). • To assess workplace competence for purposes of promotion.• To enable an employee to take feedback from their performance development, career development or designation discussions and to

formalise a skills development plan.• It addresses the urgent need to achieve a more highly skilled, motivated and flexible workforce.• RPL has many advantages namely:

• Duplication in learning already acquired will be notably reduced or in some cases eliminated• Reduction in time spent on completion of studies if certain skills and competencies required are accredited• The understanding, recognition and acknowledgement of workplace training needs will be more affective

What is the purpose of your RPL application?RPL proposes that various entryways of learning might be opened, allowing students a reasonable chance of success under the following three categories.

Conditions for RPL• RPL is granted for relevant learning gained though experience and not just for

experience.• Claims for RPL must be supported by sufficient, authentic and valid evidence.• Credit is awarded for current learning.

RPL for credits

The purpose of RPL for credits is to provide

credits towards a formal learning programme

registered on the NQF.

RPL for career development and

professional designation

RPL can be used to establish whether people meet the

minimum requirements for entry to a job or for

professional certification. It can serve as a mechanism

through which experienced employees can achieve

professional designation. .

RPL for Access

The purpose of RPL for access is to provide an alternative admission

route into a programme orqualification.

Taking the above into account, we can say that RPL acknowledges that people never stop learning, whether it takes place formally at an educational institution, or whether it happens informally, creating awareness for the value of continuous learning.

Who can apply for RPL?• Adults of age 23 and older.• You may apply for RPL if you feel that the learning you

have gained through work experience meets the prescribed requirements of the equivalent qualification or learning programme.

• We advise that you should have at least three years relevant working experience in the field in which you would like to apply for possible RPL credits.

How long is the assessment process? • Factor in time at least three months before the

commencement of classes for the qualification you are interested in.

• Gather evidence of your prior learning• Submit all necessary evidence• Evidence will be assessed, and feedback provided

What are the benefits of RPL?RPL provides formal recognition for knowledge or skills gained on the job or as a result of other

informal or unstructured learning experiences or life experiences.

EMPLOYERINDIVIDUAL

Improves self-esteem and self-worth

Improves work motivation and performance

Provides the candidate with a path to a relevant qualification

Highlights qualifications making them visible and accessible

Provides for acknowledgement and recognition of existing skills and knowledge

Benefit individuals who have been working in a certain career field for a number of years even though they do not have the qualification related to that field.

Gain competitive advantage with better qualified employees

Efficient identification of ‘skills gaps’ promoting a learning culture

Allows for more effective recruitment by helping candidates to meet the requirements of a particular job role/position.

Reduction in training costs

More engaged employees by fast tracking them through the skills recognition process

Reduction in down-time while workers are involved in an accelerated learning process.

Principles underpinning RPL

COMMITMENT SUPPORT

TRANSPARENCY AND FAIRNESS

ACCESS

Identify the suitable qualification/ learning programme that matches your prior learning

Decide on the purpose of your RPL application:• Access• Credit• Career development and/or professional

designation

Complete the self-assessment form (click on this hyperlink) to ensure readiness for the process and to establish whether you satisfy the criteria to apply for RPL.

Self-assessment requires reflection where you identify what the you know and what you can do. This entails matching your skills, knowledge and experience to standards and assessment criteria of the learning programme.

RPL application• Start RPL process if ready by obtaining the RPL

application RPL support• Request additional advice and mentoring as

required.Submit completed RPL application to RPL practitioner/specialist.

If you have sufficient evidence, the assessment can commence.Receive Feedback on viability of RPL application and further assessment if necessary.Act on feedback received

RPL support: RPL practitioner/specialist provides assistance with preparation for assessment and evidence collection

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IDENTIFY COMPARING ASSESSING

APPLICATION CREDITING MODERATING

How to Apply for RPL

Submit for assessment to assessment panelA rigorous assessment process is carried out in terms of prescribed standards and criteria.Candidates will be assessed against the boundaries of the requirements of the appropriate SAQA qualification or unit standard.Assessment will be done against the competency levels required as per assessment criteria of qualification. The RPL assessment will consider the diverse contexts of learning and modes of knowledge which may be informal, non-formal and formal learning.

If successful, a letter of competency will be issued stating that the candidate has been assessed against the relevant SAQA qualification/unit standard. If the RPL assessment is not successful, the candidate and line manager will receive a feedback letter to this effect.Learning gaps to be identified and suggestions need to incorporated for further training.

Accreditation and verification by relevant SETA/ QCTO.RPL is awarded.7

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ASSESSMENT ASSESSMENT FEEDBACKPOST-ASSESSMENT & ACCREDITATION

We make RPL SMARTER, BETTER and EASIER!

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Learning does not end at this stage.Use RPL as the steppingstone to the next level of your continuous learning.

Growth in Motion offers a wide array of modules for you to choose from. Click on the link below to contact us, further your learning and earn points at the same time.

https://gimacademy.africa/

CONTINUOUS LEARNING

410Contact Marici Snyman marici246@gmail.comwho is able to assist you with further learning and career option discussions.

As you go this process, there maybe other skills that may have escaped your attention and have now surfaced.Not sure where these skills will add value? Then contact us and we will be able to assist with career guidance and career counselling conversations.

POST RPL GUIDANCEAND SUPPORT

412Growth in Motion follows the SAQA RPL legislation – reviewing the cost of the application and removing all costs that will not be incurred by us. Contact Marici Snyman marici246@gmail.com who will be able to talk you through the costing structure.

COST