RPL is a process of identifying your knowledge and skills against a qualification or part thereof. The process involves the identification, mediation, assessment an acknowledgement and skills obtained through informal, non-formal and /or formal learning.
RPL is suitable for individuals who have considerable work experience, but not meet the entry requirements of their chosen course and may want to entry into a qualification. The RPL application is evaluated against the entry requirements of the qualification. If access is granted, the qualification on the lower level is not awarded. RPL is also for individuals who have been working in a certain career field for a number of years even though they did not have the qualification related to that field. The knowledge gained and experience gained serve as evidence that can be used in the process of RPL for that individual to get a qualification or part of it.
The RPL Process is about:
Identifying what the learner knows and can do.
Matching the candidate’s skills, knowledge and experience to specific standards and the associated assessment criteria of the qualification.
Assessing the candidate against the relevant standards.
Crediting candidate for skills, knowledge and experience built up through formal, informal and non-formal learning that occurred in the past.
Benefits of the RPL process to employers.
Fast tracking workers through the skills recognition process.
Reduction in costs of training.
Reduction in down-time while workers are in training.
Efficient identification of ‘skills gaps’ allowing for more focus.
Benefits of the RPL process to the employees.
Assist candidates in identifying gaps in knowledge and skills.
Helps candidates to meet the requirements of a particular job role or qualification.
Encourages employees to continue upgrading their skills and knowledge through structured training.
Improves employment opportunities.
The aim of the process is to make it possible to obtain formal recognition for knowledge gained throughout life, such as in workplace and own experiences. The process also entails providing support to a candidate to ensure that knowledge is discovered and displayed in terms of relevant qualification registered on the National Qualification Framework (NQF).
