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Part B - Procedures

Recognition of Prior Learning


8. Applications for RPL – Format and Timing
9. Information to be provided in RPL Application (for entry or credit purposes)
10. Assessment by RPL Advisor
11. Approval of RPL to be Course Specific
12. Notification of RPL Decision on Application for Entry
13. Notification and Recording of RPL Decision on the Granting of Credit
14. Application for Review of or Appeal against a Decision


8. Applications for RPL – Format and Timing

8.1 Applications for entry/admission that involve consideration of RPL should be submitted in accordance with standard procedures applicable to that particular course and mode of entry. Further information is available from the website http://www.acu.edu.au/courses/.

8.2 Applications for RPL for credit purposes, lodged after admission, should be submitted in accordance with standard procedures (see http://www.acu.edu.au/about_acu/publications/handbooks/)[current Handbook].

8.3 All applications for RPL, whether for entry or credit purposes, must be supported by relevant documentary evidence (see Section 9).

8.4 Applications for RPL for credit purposes should be submitted as early as possible and normally at least 4 weeks before commencement of any semester*.

* Note: If applications are received later than this, students may not know the outcome of the decision before commencement of the semester.

In any event, applications for RPL for credit purposes should normally be submitted no later than the census date in the first semester of the student’s enrolment in the course.

8.5 An international student seeking to apply for RPL should apply directly to the ACU International Education Office at the time of applying for admission.

8.6 Decisions concerning international student applications will normally be made prior to the student’s first enrolment at ACU. Normally, credit, advanced standing or exemptions will not be granted after the student’s first semester of enrolment. (Note: International students who are on a student visa are reminded of the necessity to maintain a full-time load in order to comply with visa conditions.)

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9. Information to be provided in RPL Application (for entry or credit purposes)

9.1 An application for RPL must include a detailed description of the learning upon which the application is based and identify the specific purpose for which RPL is sought (eg acceptance of the learning for entry purposes, or exemption from a unit or course requirement or credit towards a course).

9.2 An application should be accompanied by supporting documentation which includes material or evidence which clearly identifies the applicant’s learning, indicating the knowledge, skills and experience acquired and the time at which they were acquired.

Example: Sources of evidence and supporting documentation could include:

  1. a detailed curriculum vitae and a letter of support from an appropriate person/organisation who/which can verify relevant details;
  2. certificates, reports, testimonials or affidavits relating to the applicant’s learning, skill or competency;
  3. certified supporting statements from employers;
  4. if the applicant has been self-employed, a copy of the ABN registration and a letter from an accountant or solicitor certifying the nature of the business and the period during which the applicant has been engaged in the business;
  5. in the case of prior non-formal learning –
    1. a certified copy of a statement of satisfactory completion of the study offered by a professional body, enterprise, private educational institution or other provider;
    2. a statement of the objectives, learning outcomes and content of the course;
    3. details of the contact hours of the course;
    4. information on the course presenter/s and their qualifications;
  6. examples of the student’s work drawn from the workplace, social, community or other settings in which the student applies their learning, skill or competency;
  7. reflective papers, journals, portfolio or a statement that relate/s the applicant’s prior learning to the learning or competency outcomes for which recognition is sought.

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10. Assessment by RPL Advisor

10.1 The RPL Advisor will undertake an assessment of the application based on the current information provided in regard to the specific professional requirements and learning and competency outcomes needed for entry or for credit to be granted for the particular units/course/qualification.

10.2 The RPL Advisor may invite the applicant for interview and/or may seek further information from the applicant about any aspect of the application and supporting documentary evidence.

10.3 A student may be required to undertake an examination or practical assessment to determine the achievement of the learning or competency outcomes.

Note: Care should be taken that the examination is not tied to particular case studies which the student might not have had the opportunity to study (an alternative might be to examine the student on a case study topic agreed to by the student, or based on the student’s background); and the examination may have a scope greater than the normal final examination for the subject if aspects of the content of that subject are assessed by methods other than the final examination.

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11. Approval of RPL to be Course Specific

In any case in which eligibility for entry to or credit towards a course on the basis of RPL is approved, the approval will relate to that specific course only and will not automatically be transferable to any other unit or course.

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12. Notification of RPL Decision on Application for Entry

Applicants will be advised of the outcome of an application for entry in accordance with standard admission processes and timelines.

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13. Notification and Recording of RPL Decision on the Granting of Credit

13.1 Where credit is granted, the RPL Advisor will advise Enrolments Section which will advise the applicant in writing of the decision and record the decision in the student system.

13.2 In any case in which the application is not approved in some or all of its aspects, the RPL Advisor will advise the applicant in writing of the reasons for the decision.

13.3 Decisions on RPL will be maintained in School records and notified to the Faculty (as for Credit Granted for formal learning).

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14. Application for Review of or Appeal against a Decision

A student who wishes to apply for review of or to appeal a decision about an RPL decision will do so in accordance with the Student Appeals Policy.

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1 See Academic Regulations