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RPL and Credit Transfer

Recognition of Prior Learning

What is RPL / RCC

RPL is recognition of prior learning and refers to prior experience and/or qualifications.

RCC is recognition of current competencies RCC used as a process in specific trades area where up to date registration is needed for certification to practice.

If an enrolling student feels they have the skills of the unit competency for the course they can apply and may be eligible for RPL/ RCC (Recognition of Prior Learning or Recognition of Current Competencies) which means they will be exempt from some of the course work.

What is Credit Transfer

Credit Transfers is when a student applies for a credit for a unit they have previously completed elsewhere. Credit Transfers are only issued if the unit is an exact match. When applying for a credit transfer, the applicant must attach a certified copy of the previous qualification, including a transcript of the course which sites the exact unit they are applying for Scroll down to download information on who can sign certified copies.

For more information on Credit Transfers, visit the credit transfers site

Eligibility for RPL/RCC

If a student wants to determine prior to commencing their course if they will be eligible for RPL/ RCC they should:

  1. Read the material below
  2. Download and complete the RPL application forms for each unit they are applying for RPL or RCC(it is the same form)
  3. Tick yes or no into the box for each of the performance criterias of the unit they are applying for.
  4. If they tick "YES" to all the performance criteria in the one unit and know they can provide evidence for each criteria, there is a good chance they will be eligible for RPL or RCC. Please note this is not a guaranteed acceptance of their application. The RPL/RCC assessor still needs to determine (after they have enrolled and submitted their application) if the evidence submitted is sufficient to grant the RPL/RCC.

Applying for RPL, RCC and Credit Transfers

All students must formally enrol into their course before they can apply for RPL, RCC or Credit Transfer. Only after a student's enrolment fees have been processed will COHST accept RPL, RCC or Credit Transfer applications. There are no additional fees to apply for RPL, RCC or a Credit Transfer and there are no discounts if you have your Credit Transfer or RPL approved. Applicants can apply for RPL for ANY or ALL the units in the course if they wish.

Students can only apply for RPL on a unit by unit basis. They CAN NOT apply for a whole assignment or for the whole course. Students need to read the elements and performance criteria for each unit and decide whether they already have the skills mentioned and if they produce evidence to support their claims.

Deadline for submitting RPL/RCC and Credit Transfers

All RPL, RCC and Credit Transfers must be submitted within 2 months of their enrolment. Late submissions will not be accepted and students will have to undertake the assignments for that course.

Applying for RPL/RCC and showing Evidence

If a student applies for RPL/RCC they must show evidence of their skills which equal the requirements of the unit. Due to AQFT evidence requirements COHST has prepared RPL Application forms for each of the units in our courses. Students must submit an individual application for each unit. The application must refer to their experience and have evidence attached to support their claim.

If a student submits a qualification (not applying for Credit Transfer) as evidence to support their RPL/RCC claim, they must produce a transcript of the qualification (which includes all the subjects in that course) and the transcript must be certified (see certified copies).

There are two types of evidence that students can submit:

  1. Direct Evidence - Work produced by the student, including correspondence, diary notes, completed work, plans, or anything that they have produced themselves which they have primary responsibility for.
  2. In-direct Evidence - Information about the student including certificates, minutes of meetings, position description, performance appraisals, letters of appreciation, references, awards or statements from managers or employers.

WARNING

Please read the RPL application form carefully and follow the instructions given. If you do not provide the proper evidence and a completed Evidence Summary Sheet for each RPL unit you are applying for - your application might be rejected or you might be asked to resubmit with additional evidence.

The Evidence Summary Sheet is compulsory document and must be completed and submitted with your RPL application

Assessment Process for RPL/RCC and Credit Transfer Applications

It will take approx 4 weeks after the applicant has submitted their completed forms and provided evidence before a determination is made. Applicants will be contacted whether they are successful or unsuccessful.

Please note that some course assignments are made up of more than one unit therefore even though a student has gained a successful RPL,RCC or Credit Transfer they might be asked to complete other sections of an assignment to pass the assignments as a whole.

If a decision can not be made because of lack of evidence, the student will be asked to submit more evidence or asked to come into COHST Hawthorn for an RPL/RCC Assessment Panel Interview.

RPL / RCC assessment summary

Forms and Documents

Additional RPL Tools

For additional information on RPL go to http://www.tafe.swinburne.edu.au/i2e/rpl.html.

RPL Application for COHST Qualifications

Occupational Health and Safety

BSB41604 Certificate IV in OH&S

BSB51307 Diploma of OHS

BSB60607 Advanced Diploma of OHS

First Aid

HLT21107 Certificate II in Emergency Medical Service First Response

HLT30207 Certificate III in Non-Emergency Client Transport

Quality Auditing

BSB51607 Diploma of Quality Auditing