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RPL Policy

Centre: ACLAS Global International Education Group

Effective: 2025-07-05 | Review Date: 2026-07-05

Policy Owner: Centre Quality Lead

1. Purpose

This policy sets out how ACLAS Global International Education Group recognises learning that a learner has already achieved—through formal study, work experience, or other means—so that they do not have to repeat it. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) enables learners to progress more efficiently through their OTHM qualification.

2. What Is RPL?

RPL is the process of assessing a learner's prior learning or experience against the learning outcomes and assessment criteria of an OTHM unit. If the evidence is sufficient, the learner may be granted credit for that unit without having to complete the standard assessment.

The Centre recognises two types:

  • Credit Transfer: Recognition of certificated achievement—for example, a previously completed OTHM unit, a qualification from another recognised awarding organisation, or a relevant higher education module.
  • Experiential Learning: Recognition of knowledge and skills gained through work, volunteering, self-study, or professional training that was not formally certificated.

3. Principles

  • RPL decisions are based on evidence, not assertion. The learner must demonstrate that they meet the learning outcomes and assessment criteria.
  • The standard of evidence required for RPL is the same as that required for any other assessment—valid, reliable, sufficient, and authentic.
  • RPL is assessed by a qualified Assessor and is subject to IQA in the same way as any other assessment decision.
  • RPL does not compromise the integrity or standard of the qualification.
  • The final decision on whether to grant RPL rests with the Centre, subject to any OTHM requirements or limitations.

4. Limits

  • Prior learning must normally have been achieved within the last 5 years. Older learning may be considered if the learner can demonstrate that their knowledge remains current through recent practice or CPD.
  • A maximum of 50% of the total credit value of an OTHM qualification may be achieved through RPL. The remaining units must be completed through the Centre's programme.
  • RPL is not available for units where the qualification specification mandates that assessment must involve a practical demonstration or live observation, unless the learner can provide equivalent evidence.

5. The RPL Process

Step 1 — Information and Guidance

  • Learners are informed about RPL during induction.
  • A learner who is interested in RPL discusses it with their Assessor or the Centre Quality Lead.
  • The Centre provides the learner with the RPL Application Form and the learning outcomes and assessment criteria for the relevant unit(s).

Step 2 — Application

The learner submits:

1. A completed RPL Application Form, identifying the unit(s) for which RPL is sought and mapping their prior learning/experience to the specific learning outcomes and assessment criteria.

2. Supporting evidence. This may include:

- Certificates and academic transcripts (for credit transfer)

- A portfolio of work samples

- Employer references or testimonials on company letterhead

- Job descriptions, performance appraisals, or project records

- Witness testimonies from managers or colleagues (signed and dated)

- A reflective account written by the learner explaining how their experience meets the criteria

- Any other evidence relevant to the unit

Step 3 — Assessment

1. The Assessor reviews the application and evidence against the unit's learning outcomes and assessment criteria.

2. If the evidence is sufficient, the Assessor recommends that RPL be granted.

3. If the evidence is insufficient or only partially meets the criteria, the Assessor may:

- Request additional evidence from the learner, or

- Conduct a professional discussion (recorded) to explore the learner's knowledge further, or

- Set a supplementary assessment task targeting the specific criteria not yet met.

Step 4 — IQA

  • The RPL decision, along with the evidence and the Assessor's rationale, is sampled by the Lead IQA in accordance with the IQA Policy.
  • The Lead IQA confirms whether the decision is valid and the evidence sufficient.

Step 5 — Outcome

  • The learner is notified in writing within 15 working days of the application being complete.
  • If RPL is granted, the unit is recorded as achieved on the learner's assessment plan and marksheet.
  • If RPL is not granted, the learner is given the reasons and informed that they may complete the unit through the standard assessment route, or appeal through the Appeals Policy.

6. Fees

  • An RPL application fee of $95 per unit is payable at the time of application. This fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
  • If RPL is granted, the learner does not pay the standard unit assessment fee for that unit.

7. Record Keeping

Records of all RPL applications—including the application form, evidence submitted, the Assessor's rationale, the IQA record, and the outcome letter—are retained for a minimum of 3 years.

8. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually.

Approved by: ______________________ (Centre Director)

Date: ______________________