Wouldn't it be easier to just do the study?
 
Good question!
 
In some cases.. yes, it would be. Some people think that RPL is the 'easy way out' of study, but actually it can take a lot of time and effort to put together a successful RPL application.  
 
If you are an experienced bookkeeper and have completed some formal qualification in the past and you are active in your field, you may wish to persevere.
 
Your RPL assessor is the best person to answer this question for you. He/she will be able to give you an honest appraisal of your likely success with RPL, and whether it's the best option for you.
 
 
 
 
Do I need to attend classes while I am waiting for a decision?
Not necessarily - it's really your choice, and something you should discuss with your RPL assessor.
 
If, after doing an initial review of your evidence, your assessor feels that you're going to be successful in achieving RPL for the qualification, you should probably await the result of your assessment before undertaking any study. However it may be wise to keep up with your study in case your recognition application isn't successful.   
 
 
 
 
What does training package mean by 'Quality Evidence'?
For evidence to have 'quality' it must cover the scope listed below.
 
•Assessment must address the scope of this unit and reflect all components of the unit, i.e. the Elements, Performance Criteria, Range Statement, Evidence Requirements and Key Competencies.   
 
The collection of quality evidence requires that:
 
•A range of appropriate assessment methods and evidence gathering techniques is used to determine competency. 
 
•Evidence must be gathered in the workplace wherever possible. Where no workplace is available, a simulated workplace must be provided. 
 
•The evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and in a learning and assessment pathway these must be separated by further learning and practice. 
 
•Assessment meets the rules of evidence. 
 
•A judgment of competency should only be made when the assessor is confident that the required outcomes of the unit have been achieved and that consistent performance has been demonstrated.    
 
 
 
 
What is a portfolio of evidence and how do I collect evidence?
This is a formal collection of evidence that you have obtained during your learning, your career experience and your personal and professional development.   
 
 
 
 
How can I collect this evidence?
Your evidence can be collected from a range of sources including the following.
 
•Samples of your work that demonstrate your competence.
 
•Employment history which can include voluntary and work experience.
 
•A validation letter that confirms the authenticity of your information.
 
•Skills demonstration.
 
•Life experience.
 
•Industry representive from your place of employment.  
 
It is advised that you are methodical with your collection - use a folder to store paper-based evidence under the unit headings, keep an overall index and use an Evidence Review/Summary Sheet as a cover page for your portfolio.  
 
 
Ensure that you cross-reference evidence clearly so that your RPL assessor can see how it relates to the performance criteria. Remember, the clearer and well organised your Portfolio of Evidence is, the easier your RPL assessor will find it to work with.   
 
 
 
 
How will I know if I have enough evidence?
You should assemble evidence to support your claim for RPL with enough detail to help the assessor reach a decision. One piece of evidence may not prove much on its own, when corroborated by a number of other pieces, it can help to build up a picture of your competencies.  Your evidence must meet the rules of evidence, which are as follows.
 
•Relevant - your evidence relates directly to each element and performance criteria.
 
•Authentic - your evidence proves that you have the skills and knowledge required and your claim can be verified.
 
•Current - your evidence provides proof that your learning is still valid.
 
•Sufficient - you have enough evidence to support your claim against each element and selection criteria. A discussion with your assessor/facilitator will help you decide how much evidence is required.  
 
 
 
 
How Much RPL can I get?
If you have the evidence to show that you can demonstrate the skills and knowledge needed, the minimum RPL is one unit of competence and the maximum is a full qualification.  
 
 
 
 
Do Training Providers have to offer RPL Services?
Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) are required to demonstrate that RPL services have been offered to all enrolling students and that appropriate information and advice has been made available.
 
New government initiatives have put a greater focus on RPL. The onus is now on RTOs to offer RPL prior to enrolment, rather than the student being responsible for enquiring about it.  
 
 
 
 
When should I apply for RPL ?
Although you can apply for RPL at any time, it is best to do it during enrolment time or as soon as possible afterwards. If you are wanting to RPL entire course or part of the course you need to advise your intention on registration.  
 
 
 
 
What will it cost in time and money?
Preparing evidence for your RPL application will take time - the responsibility for gathering the evidence lies with you. The more preparation you do the less time the application may take, however there really is no 'set' time - it really depends on how much evidence you gather and how easy it is to put together. 
 
All RPL applications must be completed in 12 months.   If you are already enrolled in the course leading to the qualification you are seeking, there may be no charge. If you are not enrolled, there is usually a fee for your RPL claim to be assessed.  
 
Cost for RPL on registration is $300 application fee. $100 per unit of competency  (13 in total) Total fee is $1600 for entire course.*
 
*If a unit is exact there will be no fee charged for that unit. *Gap training units will be $200 each.
 
(Gap training is that not enough evidence was provided for unit of competency and you need to complete a practical task assigned by trainer)  
 
 
 
 
How Long will the process take?
Your RPL assessor will try to complete the process as quickly as possible for you, but how soon they can make a decision on your RPL application depends mainly on how well you have prepared your evidence, and how well your evidence meets the requirements of the Unit/s of Competency.
 
About three weeks is probably a reasonable time to expect a decision after you have lodged your application with all your evidence for RPL  
 
 
 
 
What do I do if I don't have enough evidence?
If you do not have enough evidence to apply for PRL, you should consider undertaking further training to broaden your range of knowledge and skills in that specific competency area.  Bookkeeping School can help you with training options.  
 
 
 
 
Where can I find out more about RPL?
There's a number of websites available to help you find out more about RPL.
 
The following websites are recommended for reliable information.   
  
The National Skills Recognition website has a range of useful information, broken down into easy-to-find topics. www.skillsrecognition.gov.au  
 
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) RPL website is the 'official' source of information about RPL within Australia. www.aqf.edu.au