Recognition for
      Prior Learning

An explanation of the principle of Recognition of Prior Learning

Policy

It is the policy of Calvary University (CU) 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 a document on this topic.

Description

Learning takes place througout one's life in a variety of contexts. The formal study environment of a college or university is one such context in which to gather truth and be equipped in skills in order to prepare for a profession. CU accepts that other sources of relevant learning exist outside the walls of formal institutions and that they need formal recognition as valid learning experience. RPL can be described as giving credit for that which candidates already know and can do, regardless of whether this learning was achieved formally, informally or non-formally.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) refers to the recognition of the knowledge, understanding, skills, experience, values and attitudes (applied competence) held as a result of informal training, work experience and/or life experience. The basic premise of RPL is that people, especially mature adults, learn many things outside the formal structures of education and training. This learning, irrespective of where, how and when it was acquired, can, after assessment, be recognized.

Level of Qualification

The application of these principles are deeply entrenched over many years in the world of higher education. Credit for prior experiential or non-collegiate sponsored learning is awarded only at the undergraduate level. On these levels, this principle is applied with increasing reticence, the higher up the application is to be made. A Certificate, for instance, is more easily awarded to an applicant with the required years of experience and demonstrated skills, than a Diploma. A Diploma may be awarded after a bridging course or courses were completed, whilst a Bachelor may be awarded after certain Courses of the programme were left out due to RPL.

Admission Requirements

For RPL to be acceptable it must comply with internationally accepted standards of accreditation. This will ensure that it compares to course content, measures a range of competencies and can stand scrutiny for fairness and consistency.

The same admission requirements for learning programmes and courses are also applicable to RPL. Should the entry level of the prospective student be in doubt, the CU Admission Test will be used to determine the level of comprehension, insight, reasoning, knowledge, skills and attitudes of the candidate.

You may apply for admission to a whole programme or just to a course, or you may apply for exemption for a whole programme or a required course.

The candidate approaching the University for RPL should do so as part of the registration/enrollment process except for whole qualification recognition. A portfolio and Curriculum Vitae will be presented at a face-to-face meeting with an official from CU or a local academic appointed by CU. No documentation should be sent to CU until such a meeting has been arranged.

An academic Tutor will be able to handle such request on Certificate and Diploma level and a Dean of a Learning Centre on Bachelor level. The candidate must be prepared to answer questions to show competence orally or in written form or write a more comprehensive CU entry test(s).

RPL Assessment

There is no fundamental difference between the assessment of previously acquired applied competence and that of competence acquired through a current learning course or programme. The candidate seeking credits for previously acquired applied competence still has to comply with all the requirements of the learning course or programme and will be assessed to determine applied competence and performance. The only difference is that this candidate will not be required to go through the entire learning course or programme.

A panel of trained RPL assessors conducts the assessment using the standardised CU RPL Test Battery to evaluate the merits of the application.

RPL Application

If you wish to apply for RPL you may do so at your local Learning Centre's Administrative Office. Trained staff will gladly provide you with detailed information and assist you in your application.

Your application will be expedited if you submit, in writing, reliable evidence of applied competence and performance achieved through prior learning, as well as a complete portfolio.

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