Administration of
      Recognition for Prior Learning

How Recognition of Prior Learning is Administered

The Underlying Policy

The principle of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is adequately explained on a separate document. It is there noted that:

... a qualification may be achieved in whole or in part through the recognition of prior learning. This concept includes learning outcomes achieved through non-formal learning and work experience.

Note: For transfer of credit (credits earned in formal institutions) see the page on this topic.

The Process

The following basic steps summarize the RPL process:

• Compile a Portfolio of all your informal training, work positions and life experience
• Write a comprehensive CV to accompany the Portfolio
• Register (on the Website) for a programme that will lead to a qualification
• Indicate on the application that you wish to apply for RPL
• Receive instructions to contact a local CU representative
• Arrange for a face-to-face meeting to present the documentation
• Wait for confirmation on how many credits for RPL are granted to you

Note: This same process may lead to the recognition of a qualification such as a Certificate as an entry level qualification. A Certificate is then not issued but is regarded as being in place for Entry Requirement. Further consideration of remaining credits may then still be included as RPL in the applied for qualification.

The final authority lies with a panel of trained RPL assessors who conduct or moderate the assessment using the standardized CU RPL Test Battery to evaluate the merits of each application.

Cost Implications

The RPL process will save the student considerable time in learning, research, writing and performing tasks to show competency of skills. The request for RPL takes a lot of time and adds to the administration load of the University.

Partial RPL

Three kinds of fees are applicable:

• Registration fee of $85 US Dollars to register for a course you want to study
• RPL credit fees equivalent to 30% of the normal course fees
• Course fees at $12 per credit for the courses you have to add to the RPL

RPL for a Whole Qualification

If you obtain a qualification in whole through RPL, two kinds of fees are applicable:

• Registration fee of 50% of $85 US Dollars to register for the Certified qualification
• RPL credit fees equivalent to 30% of the normal course fees for all 120 credits

Note: You may prefer not to receive the qualification certificate in order to save costs in the case where no research or assessments were needed to determine the recognition of this qualification level.

Examples

The following costs are typical (normal study fees calculated at $12/credit):

• Certificate in whole (120 credits): — $43 ($85 x 50%) + $432 (120 x $3.60)
• Diploma (120 credits), 40% RPL: — $85 + $864 (courses) + $288 (RPL)
• Bachelor (150 credits), 25% RPL: — $85 + $1,350 (courses) + $135 (RPL)

Note: The fees for a course of 20 credits come to $240 (20 x $12). Usually about 6 courses make up a qualification of 120 credits. The Bachelor qualification needs 150 credits for completion (7 or 8 courses).

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