RPL it Australia

RPL it Australia: nationally recognised qualifications based on work experience

RPL it Australia is a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) service provider that helps experienced workers obtain qualifications officially recognised in Australia. Its approach is to assess the knowledge and skills already acquired throughout a person's career instead of requiring a conventional academic pathway. The company acts as an intermediary between the candidate and partner Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), which are the bodies that issue the final qualification.

The firm maintains that this pathway saves time, money and effort: there is no need to study subjects you have already mastered, the cost is lower than full enrolment, and assessment is based on work history, a portfolio of evidence and practical demonstrations, with no classes or coursework.

The four-step process

The method is structured in four phases. The first is a free skills review, in which the team guides the applicant towards the qualification best suited to their goals. In the second, an assigned consultant helps compile a portfolio of evidence that may include previous qualifications, academic transcripts, certificates, photographs, videos, work samples, reference letters and a resume, among other documents.

The third phase consists of a review of that portfolio by one of the partner RTOs. If the assessor needs additional evidence, they may contact the candidate and, when areas requiring improvement are identified, a trainer is assigned to help upskill in those areas at no additional cost where applicable. In the fourth phase, the RTO issues the nationally recognised qualification, equivalent to one obtained through full-time study and valid for professional licensing applications.

Qualification areas available

The catalogue covers a wide variety of sectors. Among the published areas are agriculture and horticulture, animal care and management, automotives, aviation, business and finance, community and health, construction and engineering, creative arts and culture, hair and beauty, hospitality and tourism, information technology and education, manufacturing, maritime and seafood, public safety and defence, real estate and security, retail and fitness, transport and logistics, and utilities and water.

The company states that it offers more than 200 qualifications and that the usual timeframe from assessment is four to six weeks, with the option to begin through the free skills review. It serves clients both in Australia and overseas and assigns dedicated skills assessment specialists to each applicant. It also mentions a price match promise, subject to conditions, and flexible interest-free payment plans.

Applicant profiles and motivations

Among the reasons that lead clients to apply for RPL, the company lists obtaining a trade licence, support for visa and immigration processes, fast-tracking university pathways, satisfying professional industry criteria, finding a new job, getting a promotion at work, applying for a pay rise, and personal and professional recognition.

Accepted evidence and entry requirements

To support experience, the firm accepts a resume with job roles performed, photographs or videos of practical skills, job descriptions, previous qualifications and transcripts, reference letters from employers, managers and colleagues, previous training and certifications, licences and white cards, invoices and business reports, email correspondence and meeting records.

According to the information published, anyone with relevant industry experience can apply, without the need for formal qualifications or prior apprenticeships. Paid and voluntary work, on-the-job training, life experience and informal learning are all taken into account.

Relationship with issuing organisations

RPL it Australia emphasises that the qualifications are nationally recognised and are issued by its partner RTOs. The company, incorporated as RPL it Australia Pty Ltd, provides student support services and notes that applicants should seek professional advice on professional licensing or visas, and contact the relevant regulatory authority for licensing matters.

Location and contact

Level 35, International Towers Sydney, 100 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo NSW 2000 · Phone: 1300 93 60 93 · Email: info@rplit.com.au · Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 to 17:00; Saturday and Sunday closed. Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).