Candidates

Achieving a Statement of Attainment through RPL

Definition

RPL is the term used to describe a number of assessment processes that formally recognise the competencies (skills, knowledge and attitudes) an individual has acquired through formal or informal learning, work experience and/or life experience. RPL is an alternative pathway to a qualification and/or Statement of Attainment.

RPL processes encompass:

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) – the formal recognition of the skills and knowledge a person has, regardless of how or where these skills may have been obtained, ie through formal or informal training, work experience (paid and unpaid), voluntary work and life experience; and
• Credit Transfer – an arrangement to give a standard level of credit or formal recognition to a learner who has previously achieved competence in a training or educational environment.

RPL may be assessed either:

• Off the job – assessment is undertaken by an NVR Registered Training Organisation at their premises which may result in a qualification or Statement of Attainment and/or credit toward enrolment in an award course; or
• On the job – assessment is undertaken at a place or work by, or under the auspices of an NVR Registered Training Organisation.

A key principle of RPL is acceptance that an individual may gain competencies from many sources including:

• courses/training programs undertaken in Australia;
• courses/training programs undertaken overseas;
• paid or unpaid work experience;
• community or voluntary work; and
• life experience (eg. travel, hobbies, home duties and caring duties).

For information on nationally recognised qualifications in the mining industry visit www.ntis.gov.au or talk to your MARCSTA training provider.

Evidence Required by MARCSTA Candidates

As a candidate you will be able to demonstrate your skill and knowledge levels by providing credible evidence which must relate to each of the elements of competency. The evidence must relate to your own performance and there must be sufficient evidence for the training provider to be confident that you have really mastered the skill.

Evidence of your skills may consist of:

• Documents
  Letter or relevant papers which demonstrate that you have used the required skills. For example, plans, drawings, performance reviews, awards or prizes, site documents, induction records, work method statements, site diaries.
• References
  References from employers, clients, community groups etc.
• Certificates
  Copies of certificates, diplomas, statements of attendance or results from any relevant course.
• Licenses
  From interstate or overseas.
• Proof of Employment
  Pay slips, PAYG payment summary, computer records or other proof of employment.
• Products
  Photos, videos, samples of work may be used as evidence.

Checklist for Gathering Evidence

Validity: Does the evidence gathered support the performance criteria?

Authenticity: Is the supporting evidence genuine?

Currency: Can you still perform to the level shown in the evidence? Are the skills and knowledge shown in the evidence still relevant?

Adequacy: Does the evidence cover all of the performance criteria of the unit of competence?

Reliability: is the supporting evidence consistent? ie. Does the evidence gathered in a range of situations indicate the same or similar outcomes.

How to apply for RPL to achieve a Statement of Attainment

• Gather the evidence supporting your claim for recognition of your skills and knowledge in working safely and complete the Statement of Attainment Application RPL, RPL Candidate's Guide to Achieve Statement of Attainment and RPL Self Assessment Submission and RPL Workbook.
• Submit these copies to your MARCSTA training provider. Your training provider will advise the fee payable.
• A qualified assessor (who is also an experienced industry person) will then evaluate your application and supporting evidence. The MARCSTA assessor will evaluate the submitted evidence and
  • determine whether additional evidence of competency is required;
  • confirm the source of the documentation;
  • establish the authenticity of the information contained in the documentation; and
  • request further information to support your application. (Further information may include a request to a supervisor for supporting evidence).
• After the assessment, your MARCSTA training provider may find that you:
  • hold the competency and can be issued with a Statement of Attainment;
  • need to provide further documentary evidence of relevant work experience to enable the application to receive further consideration; and
  • have additional learning needs that you may wish to have addressed through a customised training program.
• If further assessment is required, a suitable place, date and time can be arranged at which you will be provided with the opportunity to demonstrate your skills to the assessor.  The assessor will guide you through this process and provide feedback. If further training is required, you will be advised of the processes involved. Some gaps may be simply knowledge based and you will be able to organise your own learning through accessing books, legislation or through mentoring by experienced industry personnel.

If you are unhappy with the outcome of the assessment process, contact your MARCSTA training provider who will explain the appeal process.

On successful completion of the RPL process, you will receive a Statement of Attainment.