The Great Failings of RTOs to Get Their RPL Compliance Sorted
- Written by Ben Klatt, Skills Recognition International
Registered training organisations (RTOs) are letting down clients trying to secure their Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) certification. A whopping 72% of RTOs are failing audits by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (QSQA) on assessment. Their clients’ careers are on the line, but their compliance issues are slowing down the accreditation process. Not only that, they are also causing distrust in the RTO system as a whole.
How Does RPL Certification Work?
RPL certification allows people to transfer their skills from prior work and study experience into nationally recognised course requirements. Some parts of a course will be ‘checked off,’ meaning that accreditations can be completed in less time. Essentially, it is a way to fast-track accreditation.
RPL starts with an assessment. An RTO will look into a student’s past qualifications, skills, and knowledge. They will assess which course units the student has a demonstrated understanding of learning outcomes and competency of required skills. This assessment requires proof and documentation from the student, which can include:
- Records of previous training
- Overseas study records
- Employer declarations
- A demonstration of tasks
- Samples of work
- Resume
- Other relevant evidence
After assessment, the student will be recognised for certain units and will only have to complete the remaining requirements for the course.
Where Do RTOs Go Wrong with RPL Certification?
There is only so much that a student can do. They can be completely capable and eligible to gain RPL certification but still get let down by their RTO. So, what are RTOs missing? The answer is compliance! RTOs need to be confident in the intricacies of RPL approval before offering these courses.
The issue is that RTOs are failing to properly assess their students for RPL requirements. RPL need specialised systems and staff, but RTOs aren’t putting enough resources into it. It requires dedicated, qualified, and experienced assessors who have the time to get to know their clients and properly recognise their skills and experience.
What Is the Solution?
Those looking to gain accreditations with an RPL need an RTO that they can trust. The best thing is to do your research. An RTO should prioritise compliance, training and having the right resources. The ways that you can investigate this is through:
- Checking the RTO’s registration information and enquiring about their audit results.
- Enquiring with an RTO and asking questions. If you experience good customer service, you know that the RTO puts effort into having trained and compliant staff and assessors.
- Getting a skills assessment. They are usually free, so you won’t need to be locked in with a fee.
Daily Bulletin
