Credit transfers and pathways

Credit transfer for VET to higher education (HE)

Guaranteed credit transfer arrangements are available to students commencing a bachelor degree at Charles Darwin University with completed certificate IV, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree qualifications in the same field or discipline at Charles Darwin University. Students who hold completed qualifications should refer to the additional information provided by using one of the following links:

Pathways for higher education to higher education

For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other institutions (including the Australia Defence Force) refer to Pathways for higher education to higher education.

Credit transfer for units completed at other universities (HE)

If you have completed units at other universities or TAFE/VET providers, and you think they may count towards the award requirements of the course you are enrolled in at CDU, download the HE113 Application for Exemption , attach a certified copy of your results and unit outlines for the units you have undertaken. Submit the form, results and unit outlines to the Information Centre.

Note: You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view pdf files. Get Adobe Acrobat reader.

Credit transfer in VET

Sometimes you can count relevant units/modules that you have already completed towards your current course. Credit transfer may also be known as advanced standing. You will receive exemptions with credit (in other words your course of study is reduced).

Download the VET110 VET Application for Exemption/Recognition of Previous Studies, attach a certified copy of your results and submit the form and results. For units that have been completed in non-training package courses, you will also need to provide unit outlines.

Recognition of prior learning (VET only)

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows for recognition of competencies currently held, regardless of how, when or where the learning occurred. RPL assesses your prior learning to determine the extent to which you are currently competent against the competency requirements of a unit or required learning outcomes of a module or a whole qualification/course.

This learning includes knowledge and skills that you may have acquired by:

Previous study (including courses at school or college, through adult education classes or training programs at work);
Work experience (including both work that is paid and unpaid); and
Life experience (for example leisure pursuits or voluntary work).

Who is responsible for the process?

The RPL process involves providing valid evidence that demonstrates conclusively that you have the necessary skills and knowledge. You as the applicant are required to match your experience and current skills against specific criteria as outlined in the RPL Book/Record of Evidence. An RPL assessor (usually your trainer) will determine whether your evidence meets the requirements of each unit/module.

The RPL process

Once you make a decision to apply for RPL, discuss the requirements with your assessor.
Work out a plan together with your assessor on when and how you will submit your evidence.
Collect your evidence for each unit of competence or module.
Arrange a time for assessment.
Review and submit further evidence if required.

For more information download the Recognition of Prior Learning Guide for Applicants (.doc).

Professional assessment (HE only)

Students who on the basis of their professional background, are seeking to be assessed as meeting the requirements of the unit, are required to enrol in the unit for which they are seeking the assessment. Student charges apply as per any other unit enrolment. Students are issued with the grade of PA - professional assessment.

Professional recognition (PR) of knowledge and skills

The use of PR is restricted to courses where entry is based on extended knowledge in a field of study (i.e. non-conversion courses) e.g. masters by coursework, graduate diplomas and graduate certificates. The maximum amount of PR counting towards the course requirements is not to exceed 50 per cent of the total requirements of the course. As of 10 August 2007, this process is restricted to courses in the Graduate School for Health.

The Professional Practice unit will be graded and count towards the course requirements as an elective, rather than just being used as a ‘vehicle’ for professional recognition, and will be included in the maximum 50 per cent PR of the total course requirements.

Students enrolling in the Professional Practice unit are liable for payment of CGS-supported fees, or full-fees, depending on the course status the student is enrolled in at the time of seeking professional recognition. Payment of fees is liable by the census date of the relevant teaching period.

Students seeking PR for unit/s in a course will enrol in the accredited Professional Practice unit.

Students may submit a portfolio or other professionally appropriate documentation for assessment for PR against the learning outcomes of one or more units in the relevant course, but may not exceed 50 per cent of the total requirements of the course.

A professional recognition review panel will be established for each course where Professional Recognition (PR) is in place. Each panel will consist of two members – one internal and one external to the University.

Assessment of portfolio or other professionally appropriate documentation will be undertaken by the panel and will determine for which, if any units, the student may be granted PR; students do not enrol in, nor pay fees for any unit (s) for which they are granted Professional Recognition, i.e. PR has the same status as credit transfer in HE.