Turn old skills into new qualifications
Apply for a free* Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessment and have your experience counted towards a TAFE qualification – which means you won't have to re-learn what you already know.
Volunteered with your local footy team? Started, but didn't finish, another training course? Worked in the industry for a couple of years? It may count.
*Applies to eligible NT residents when applying for an NT Government subsidised course
Get started with RPL
To seek Recognition of Prior Learning for a TAFE course at CDU, simply lodge an expression of interest and we'll be in touch to discuss your options.
How RPL works at CDU
Recognition of Prior Learning is a process that determines whether the skills, knowledge and experience you've gained through your previous study, work or life experience can count towards a TAFE qualification at CDU.
Based on this experience, you may be able to partially or completely qualify for a certificate or diploma, without having to undertake further study.
RPL is a seven stage process at CDU. Get started by expressing your interest.
Frequently asked questions
From what experience counts to what to expect, here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions about RPL.
How much does RPL cost?
All RPL applications are free from administration fees until 30 June 2023.
For eligible NT residents applying for NTG subsidised qualifications there is no RPL assessment fees for 2023. Check your eligibility on nt.gov.au.
For non-NTG subsidised training or non-NT residents, a flat RPL assessment fee of $5.00 per nominal hour applies for each unit.
How long do I have to have been working before applying for RPL?
You don't need to have a set number of months' or years' work experience to apply for RPL. Rather than focusing on how long you've been working, we consider how developed your knowledge and skills are for managing and solving problems in different situations at work.
Will my previous qualifications count towards RPL?
Yes, possibly. We'll ask for more information when you apply and consider if we can support a credit transfer from previous studies.
I've been working for the same organisation for a few years. Is this enough to gain RPL?
This will depend on the level of knowledge and skills you have developed in that time. Your time spent working in an organisation is not enough evidence alone to grant RPL. We will need to see that you're competent in specific activities, which will form part of your application and assessment process.
How is it possible to get a qualification without attending all formal training? Is the qualification recognised?
Yes, a qualification you gain through RPL is the same as any gained through study elsewhere in Australia.
The RPL process is formally recognised by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
What are the benefits to my employer of supporting me through RPL?
By supporting you through RPL, your employer has an opportunity to make their business more productive, responsive and profitable.
What do I do if I can't find copies of supporting documentation or evidence?
Talk to your assessor about what documentation you do have available. They can provide advice on the range of activities we can undertake to determine your skill level.
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