The benefits of an RPL Qualification

 Many professionals spend years honing their skills and taking on greater responsibilities without receiving formal recognition for their expertise. 

Despite career advancements and promotions, they often lack the official qualifications that truly reflect their capabilities.

AIM WA’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pathway addresses this gap by offering a flexible option that removes the need for classroom attendance or exams.

How does Recognition of Prior Learning work?

Recognition of Prior Learning is a vital component of vocational education and training, enabling professionals to gain formal recognition for their skills and experience.

By validating the skills gained through current work experience, RPL provides a pathway to achieving a nationally recognised qualification, enhancing career opportunities and professional growth.

Individuals complete these qualifications at their own pace by providing evidence from their current workplace to demonstrate their competencies through an assessment process, advancing their careers while benefiting their organisations.

RPL case study

For City of Nedlands Information Technology (IT) Governance Coordinator Nalin Dias, the RPL pathway was exactly what he needed.

Realising the importance of formalising his experience but not wanting to step away from his full-time role, Mr Dias finished AIM WA’s 10833NAT Diploma of Contract Management - now BSB50120 Diploma of Business (Procurement) - in just six months.

Mr Dias’ 17-year career at the council had seen some major shifts.

“I worked in IT for 14 years and led the team, but after a one-year secondment at the City of Vincent, where I managed both IT and projects, I wanted a new challenge,” he said.

“That’s when I moved into governance, overseeing insurance, risk and records management.

“It’s a completely different field from IT, which is what excites me.”

Already holding a range of IT qualifications, including a Bachelor of Science and various Microsoft and Cisco certifications, Mr Dias’ desire to gain a formal qualification in procurement led him back to the diploma he had started in 2012 but postponed due to a busy work schedule.

AIM WA RPL participant Nalin Dias

“AIM WA was really flexible,” he said.

“Although I was given one year to complete it, I managed to submit all the required evidence, including managerial signoffs, in half the time.

“AIM WA’s customer service and support were outstanding, making the whole process much easier.

“It provided me with a good understanding of how to gather the evidence and told me how to manage my time.

“Without the Institute’s help and encouragement, I wouldn’t have been able to complete the RPL qualification.

“AIM WA really want to help you get through it, which is something I haven’t seen at other Institutes.”

Recognition of prior learning benefits

For professionals, the RPL pathway offers a faster and more cost-effective route to obtaining formal qualifications, which can significantly enhance career prospects and increase earning potential.

It also provides a sense of achievement and formal recognition for the skills and knowledge already possessed. 

Mr Dias said the benefits of completing the diploma extended beyond personal achievement.

“The material refreshed my understanding of key theory and helped me apply best practices in my role,” he said.

“I’m now far more proactive in handling contracts, which has positively impacted my work at the City of Nedlands."

“I’d highly recommend AIM WA’s RPL qualification pathway to anyone wanting to formalise their knowledge and skills.”

For organisations, RPL contributes to a more skilled and knowledgeable workforce, leading to improved productivity and competitiveness.

Additionally, it helps address skills shortages and gaps in the labour market by providing a framework for recognising and valuing existing skills and knowledge, ultimately benefiting the broader economy.

AIM WA Registered Training Organisation Support Officer Janet Depiazzi AIMM said individuals could enrol if they were currently employed in a role relevant to the qualification and have at least two years’ experience.

RPL certifications are awarded by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and are nationally recognised in Australia.

“Getting recognised for your achievements is a great way to boost self-esteem and morale,” she said.

“It also opens up opportunities for career advancement.

“Why wouldn’t you want formal recognition for all the hard work you’re already doing in the workplace?”

Ms Depiazzi said AIM WA offered qualifications in leadership and management, project management and business (procurement), with qualification levels to suit various roles within these vocations.

She added that individuals in current or future mining statutory positions can also complete the required health and safety risk management units to maintain workplace compliance.

Completing an RPL qualification

Ms Depiazzi said the assessments for an RPL qualification consist of knowledge questions, process tasks and evidence collection.

Participants can start as soon as their application is approved.

“Once enrolled, participants can access support sessions via Microsoft Teams. These sessions will assist with navigating the online portal and understanding assessment expectations,” Ms Depiazzi said.

“Participants can also access support through the online portal and regular check-ins throughout their enrolment.

“We’re also available via email or phone whenever they need assistance.

“Even if a participant’s workplace changes, we will still support them in completing their qualification.”

Online qualification pathway

For those who do not qualify for RPL qualifications, AIM WA has a new online learning option available for select qualifications.

The new delivery strategy will offer assessment through scenario-based activities built around a simulated business.

This is supported by materials and activities that will fill any knowledge gaps and provide a solid learning base for successfully completing the qualifications.

Learn more about the Recognition of Prior Learning and Online Learning pathways with the following related articles.