Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) – The MCI

Way

Because a Mind is a Powerful thing to Use

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?

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.

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.

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.

2. Why is the RPL process useful for some students?

There are some huge benefits!

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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….

No shortcuts

The Assessor

Or

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.

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

Make a decision

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

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

We look forward to presenting you with a nationally recognised

qualification!

Who is MCI?

Capability focussed

Acknowledged Innovator

Proven approaches

We use the latest research

Not just academics

MCI has received 16

awards in the past 5 years!

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