How RPL works
From the job to the certificate.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) lets you use the skills you already have to work towards a nationally recognised Australian qualification.
01 / What is RPL?
Your skills, assessed.
Many people learn their trade on the job. They become skilled and experienced, but they never get a formal certificate. RPL is the process of checking those skills against an Australian qualification.
Instead of attending classes, you show evidence of the work you do. A qualified assessor then compares your evidence with the units in the qualification. If you meet the requirements, a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) can issue the qualification.
RPLDirect helps you through this process. We help you choose the right qualification, prepare your evidence and stay on track. We do not issue qualifications ourselves.
RPL could be a good fit if…
- You have worked in your trade or role for a few years
- You can show your work with references, photos, payslips or similar
- You want a formal qualification for the skills you already use
- You would rather keep working than go back to the classroom
RPL may not suit you yet if…
- You are new to the industry and still learning the basics
- You cannot show any proof of the work you have done
- You need training in skills you have not used on the job yet
Not sure? The free skills check will help you find out.
02 / How it works
Four steps fromFrom the job
to the certificate.
Free skills checkFREE
Answer a few quick questions. We match your experience to the right qualification.
Build your evidence
Your consultant helps you gather your resume, references, photos and payslips.Your consultant helps you gather your resume, references, photos of your work and payslips.
Skills assessment
A qualified assessor reviews your evidence and may ask a few questions.A qualified assessor reviews your evidence and may ask you a few questions about your work.
Get qualified
Receive your nationally recognised Australian qualification.Receive your nationally recognised Australian qualification — ready for work, licensing or your next move.
03 / Why RPL
No classroom.
No starting over.
Save time
Skip the subjects you already know. Get recognised for the skills you use every day.
Save money
No tuition fees for years of study you don't need.
Keep working, anywhere
No time off work. Send your evidence from wherever you are in the world.
EVIDENCE CHECKLIST
What can you use as evidence?
- Resume or CV
- Reference letters from employers
- Photos and videos of your work
- Payslips or employment contracts
- Licences, tickets and white cards
- Previous certificates and transcripts
- Invoices, if you run your own business
Not sure what you have? We'll help you build it.
04 / Good to know
Honest answers.
- Every application is assessed on its own evidence. A successful outcome is never guaranteed.
- A qualification on its own does not guarantee a visa, a licence or a job. Some trades also need a separate state licence.
- You can check the official details of any qualification on training.gov.au.
05 / FAQ
Questions,
answered.
Can't find what you need? Message us on WhatsApp and a consultant will reply.
Chat on WhatsAppWhat is RPL?
RPL stands for Recognition of Prior Learning. It is a way to have the skills you already use at work assessed against a nationally recognised Australian qualification. Instead of sitting in a classroom, you show evidence of what you can do.
Who can apply for RPL?
RPL suits people who have been doing a job for a while and can show it. Most people have a few years of hands-on experience in their trade or role. Every case is different, so start with a free skills check and we will tell you what looks possible.
What evidence do I need?
Common evidence includes a resume, reference letters from employers, payslips, photos or videos of your work, licences or tickets, and any previous certificates. You do not need everything. We help you work out what you have and what is missing.
How long does RPL take?
It depends on the qualification and how quickly you can gather your evidence. Many people finish much faster than a full course. We will give you a clearer idea once we understand your experience.
How much does RPL cost?
The cost depends on the qualification and your situation. Please contact us for a quote. The skills check is free and there is no obligation.
Can I use experience I gained overseas?
Often, yes. Overseas work experience can be used as evidence if you can show it clearly, for example with references and proof of employment. Tell us where you worked in the skills check and we will guide you.
Is the qualification nationally recognised?
Yes. The qualifications on this site are from the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). If you are successful, the qualification is issued by a Registered Training Organisation and is recognised across Australia.
What happens after I apply?
A member of our team will contact you, usually by your preferred method, to talk about your experience. If RPL looks like a good fit, we explain the next steps, help you build your evidence, and support you through the assessment.
Your years on
the job count.
Start with a free skills check — no cost, no commitment.Start with a free skills check. We'll tell you which qualification matches your experience — no cost, no commitment.