Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment only process that formally recognises your skills and knowledge gained through formal, non-formal and informal learning- including work experience, employment, training and life experience. It is not a shortcut or guaranteed path to a qualification; all applicants must demonstrate competence to the same standard as those undertaking structured training.
There are two ways you may apply for an exemption from a subject:
1. Credit Transfer
Credit Transfer relates to formal qualifications or units of competencies that have been gained from the previous study at a recognised training organisation (RTO) or TAFE that are the same as the units delivered at ACES (see below). As part of this application, you need to supply a Certificate/Diploma of the qualification AND a ‘Statement of Attainment’ which has been certified by the appropriate authority. Fees do not apply for this application. Building biology students who have completed the ‘BSBSMB404 Undertake Small Business Planning’ OR ‘BSBESB401 Research and Develop Business Plans’ from a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) or TAFE will be granted a Credit Transfer for this unit.
Download: Credit Transfer Form
2. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of Prior Learning is the acknowledgment of skills and knowledge obtained through:
- Employment
- Formal training (conducted by industry or education)
- Work experience (including informal training)
- Life experience
RPL applications are assessed by qualified assessors with current industry skills and knowledge and in line with the 2025 Standards for RTOs. RPL applicants must meet the same competency standards as students completing the course.
The Process
The RPL process requires the applicant to demonstrate currency of skills and knowledge and to ‘map’ their skills and knowledge to the requirements of the national unit of competency (UOC) ie subject. Applying and receiving RPL through ACES involves four phases – Application, Submission & Evidence, Assessment and Decision & Feedback.
Phase 1: Application and Advice
We encourage applicants to contact ACES to discuss their intention to apply for RPL prior to completing this application. Complete and submit the ‘RPL Application Form’ available HERE and pay the RPL fee of $350 HERE (1300 889 845). A separate application form and RPL Fee must be completed for each UOC (subject) you wish to apply for. NOTE: the fee is not refundable regardless of the outcome.
Phase 2: Submission and Evidence
Submit the RPL Application Form, including an Evidence Matrix mapping your prior learning and experience to each unit of competency. Evidence must be current (within the past 5 years), authentic (certified by the appropriate authority), sufficient and relevant. You can find the unit of competencies for the Building Biology course HERE. For an application to be successful, you must meet the requirements of the entire unit of competency (in the same way a student would meet the standard completing the course). An example of an Assessment Matrix can be downloaded HERE.
Evidence Requirements
Your evidence must
- Be current (within the past 5 years), authentic, sufficient and relevant
- Clearly demonstrate your skills and knowledge against each section of the unit of competency
- Be presented in a clear and concise manner, with certified copies where required
- Be verifiable for authenticity (eg contact details for employers, clients)
Examples of evidence:
- Certified transcripts and qualifications
- Letters from employers or industry professionals
- Work samples, reports, published work
- Video or recordings of practical demonstrations
- Portfolios, business documents, project work
- Business plan, profit and loss statement, balance sheet, market research conducted
Phase 3: The Assessment
Your application will be assessed by a qualified assessor with industry experience. The assessment process applies the same vigour as all other assessments. Where an application is deemed to be incomplete, you will be advised of options for further evidence required, gap training or alternative assessment. The process of assessment may take up to four weeks from receipt of a completed application.
Phase 4: Decision and Feedback
All decisions are documented. You will receive a written outcome, including feedback and, if applicable, a gap training plan. If RPL is not granted, you will be informed of the reasons and alternative pathways.
Appeals
You have the right to appeal RPL decisions through the ACES Complaints and Appeals Policy available HERE.
Download: RPL Application Form
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can’t prove some areas in the Assessment Matrix?
The ‘Assessment Matrix’ section of the ‘RPL Application Form’ outlines all the components of the unit of competency to enable you to determine how well your skills and knowledge satisfy the unit’s requirements. There maybe some areas you simply don’t have evidence for, just leave them blank. The assessor will be using a ‘holistic’ assessment approach and may be able to identify linkages between your evidence and the requirements that you have not noticed.
What do I do once I’ve collected all the evidence?
Once you’ve completed the ‘RPL Application Form’, and paid the RPL fee, email your completed application with the relevant evidence to nicole@aces.edu.au with the title “RPL Application’. All documentation is filed as evidence of competence and held at ACES. You should retain a copy of your RPL application and supporting evidence, for your own records.
What is gap training?
If your evidence does not fully meet competency requirements, you will be advised of gap training options, including clear information on delivery and costs.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about the RPL process or need assistance with your application, please contact us at 1300 889 845.
Note: Fees for RPL applications are non-refundable, regardless of the outcome. Each application and fee applies to a single unit of competency (subject).
To translate these forms into your native language, go to GOOGLE TRANSLATER
