Recognition of Prior Learning

What is RPL? Formal definition: RPL is a form of assessment that judges if a learner can evidence that they can meet the assessment requirements for a unit or units through knowledge, understanding or skills they already possess and thus be awarded the credit for the unit/s or qualification. RPL Sample Induction Slides

How does it work? You can help learners to look at the training and appraisal records and jobs tasks to select the most suitable units from qualifications to use for the RPL process It will be a work-based process led by the learner and involving other staff at their organisation including line managers and the training and development staff to assist with the evidence gathering Through work, training, voluntary work, hobbies and interests, people gain new skills, understanding and knowledge We shall work with the learners to gather their evidence of the skills and knowledge that they have that match units from qualifications to give them formal recognition for those skills and knowledge RPL Sample Induction Slides

What will learners get out of RPL? Formal recognition of some of their skills and knowledge by being awarded at least one unit, and probably more from one or more qualifications Then be able to gain more units or a qualification by RPL or by completing training A new CV and training plan that records the next stage – further RPL or training This process is required to get each learner’s evidence to the point of being ready to award credit – and the process of gaining credit will be undertaken by the centre at the earliest possible time RPL Sample Induction Slides

Qualifications and units Vocational qualifications are constructed from units and to gain a qualification candidates are assessed against a recognised combination of the units contained in a qualification Each unit is defined by: degree of difficulty by level size by credit value (1 credit = 10 hours learning) learning outcomes (unit content) assessment criteria (standards to achieve unit) An example of a Q card is provided in your pack RPL Sample Induction Slides

Banked credit from training New credit from training How will RPL work? Experience Skills Knowledge Learner Banked credit from training RPL credit New credit from training Qualification RPL Process Induction Mentoring Evidence Assessment Award of credit Provider (s) Progression can be in smaller steps assisted by the accumulation and transfer of credit. This allows for more flexible career pathways, with reduced repetition, as learners can build on previously ‘banked’ credit in the same areas. Emphasise that units will be different sizes or credit values. Credit can be transferred across more than one provider, and from more than one awarding organisation. RPL Sample Induction Slides

Process of RPL (1) Induction - awareness and information Mentoring –the mentor will give support, guidance and advice and to assess the learners’ capacity to complete RPL for units Mentor will work with learners to develop a time bound action plan to gather evidence The evidence for award of credit must be current, authentic, valid, reliable and sufficient RPL Sample Induction Slides

Process of RPL (2) The evidence of skills, knowledge and understanding can take a variety of forms Certificates (formal qualifications or statements of attainment) References from line managers Testimonials Witness testaments Observations Assessments Written work / work samples RPL Sample Induction Slides

Process of RPL (3) Assessment of evidence Done by an assessor Internal Verification of the assessment Check of the assessment to ensure that it has been done with the necessary rigour to meet regulatory and ILM’s requirements Finally, this is externally verified by the ILM to award credit RPL Sample Induction Slides

Benefits of RPL RPL is a motivator and boosts confidence by giving formal recognition for the skills, knowledge and understanding gained within or outside the workplace the opportunity to take the recognition forward to further RPL or training to achieve more units or qualifications and thus give the qualifications for a new role or job or promotion can provide a more efficient and economical route to qualifications avoids the need to repeat training and can assist career development by recognising the scope and level of skills, understanding and experience RPL Sample Induction Slides

In summary… The process will require: Effective working with learner and centre Managers’ understanding of the RPL process Access to learner’ records Access to line managers to endorse evidence Sessions with the learners that accommodate their work patterns but achieve the project outcomes Good communication between all involved RPL Sample Induction Slides

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