About Us

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

At the National Business Institute of Australia (NBIA), we understand that learning doesn’t just happen in a structured online or formal setting.

If you've gained skills through previous working experience, volunteering, life experience skills, or informal training for example, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)could be your assessment pathway to gaining a Nationally Recognised qualification.

What is RPL?

RPL is an assessment process that evaluates your existing skills, knowledge and experience against the requirements of a Nationally Recognised qualification or unit of competency.

By building a portfolio of evidence to meet the assessment requirements, you could gain a unit of competency or qualification in a shorter amount of time, with less to no formal learning required and/or reducing your long term costs.

RPL provides a structured way to assess your informal and non-formal learning.

Who is RPL for?

RPL could be suitable for the following scenarios:

  • People with extensive work experience

  • Migrants with overseas qualifications or skills

  • Business owners, managers, or supervisors

  • Volunteers or carers with practical knowledge

  • Anyone returning to study who’s gained on-the-job learning

    Please contact our Course Advisors to discuss if this might meet your situation. admin@nbia.edu.au

    What Kind of Evidence Will I need to Provide?

    To assess your application, our assessors will ask for evidence such as (not limited to):

    • Current resume or employment history

    • Position description and performance reviews

    • Work samples or portfolios

    • Photos/videos of tasks performed

    • References from supervisors or clients

    • Certificates from previous training

    • Volunteer work records

    Our NBIA assessors will be able to guide you on what to provide.

    The RPL Process at NBIA

    1. Initial Conversation – We discuss your goals and help you understand the process.

    2. Self-Assessment – You complete a Application Form to see how your skills align with the unit/s.

    3. Evidence Gathering – If you are successful with the above, you will be guided by the assessor to submit your portfolio of evidence.

    4. Assessment – Our assessors review your evidence against the national standards.

    5. Outcome – You may be granted full or partial recognition. If there are any gaps, our assessors will recommend a learning plan to help you complete the assessments required.

    How Long Does The RPL Process Take?

    The timeline of the RPL process depends on:

    a. the preparation of the evidence by the candidate. It is labelled and aligned directly to the element and performance criteria.

    b. Amount of evidence being submitted.

    c. The level of the unit or qualification that the candidate is seeking RPL for.

    d. Whether the candidate is apply RPL to one unit, several units or an entire qualification.

    Our team will communicate with the candidate through the process so that they understand where the assessment is at and how it is progressing.

    What are the Fees for RPL?

    RPL fees vary depending on the qualification and number of units of competency being assessed. It will depend on the AQF level of the unit (ie. Certificate IV, Diploma or Advanced Diploma).

    Connect with our Course Advisors for more information today. admin@nbia.edu.au or 03 9584 0900