Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Get formal recognition for your skills and experience
What is RPL?
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which allows a person who has formal, non-formal and informal learning to be measured, mediated for recognition across different contexts and certified against the requirements for credit, access, inclusion or advancement in the formal education and training system or workplace.
What is the Aim of RPL?
The aim is to make it possible to obtain formal recognition for skills and knowledge gained throughout life, such as in workplaces, self-study, in-house training and development, formal education and training or experiences. The RPL process also includes providing guidance and support to a candidate from managers, mentors, coaches, facilitators and assessors, to ensure that knowledge is discovered and displayed in terms of a relevant qualification registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
The above methods of gaining knowledge and skills was previously not accepted as a formal route of awarding national qualifications, but with the new system it is encouraged as employees who have been in a certain job for years without formal recognition, can through an RPL assessment where experience is measured against a qualification, be awarded formal recognition as a national qualification allocated to that career or job profile.
It should however be noted that a candidate who wishes to undertake an assessment against national standards should make him or herself familiar with the specific criteria and evidence required.
Benefits of RPL to Candidates and Companies
- Avoids wastage of time and money because staff members do not need to attend training in-class / formally
- Allows candidates to become qualified
- Promotes lifelong learning
- Candidates become internationally comparable
- Accelerates access to further / higher learning
Pre-Screening Requirements
The RPL evidence facilitator meets with the candidate to conduct pre-screening to ascertain viability of application. The candidate will not be found viable if they have not completed Grade 10 and provide proof of 4-year full time working experience in the Beauty and Hairdressing sector.
The RPL Process
RPL Application
The candidate must complete an RPL application form.
RPL Pre-screening
The RPL evidence facilitator meets with the candidate to conduct pre-screening to ascertain viability of application. The candidate will not be found viable if they have not completed Grade 10 and provide proof of 4-year full time working experience in the Beauty and Hairdressing sector.
RPL Registration
Once the candidate has been found eligible for the RPL process, the registration process needs to be completed and the payment needs to be made and the candidate can be prepared for the RPL process.
RPL Preparation
The candidate will prepare for the following:
- Attend a pre-assessment meeting
- Assessment plan: An assessment plan will be developed by the academy
- Reviewing unit standard(s) and requirements to be met
- Type and source of evidence to be provided
- Dates and times of assessment will be set
- Compiling a POE: Susca Watts Academy will provide a portfolio of evidence that needs to be completed by the candidate within 3 months
- Preparing for Theory & Practical Assessment: Training assessment approaches, tools and mechanisms
- Collecting evidence (done by candidate)
Conduct the Assessment
- Complete a theory questionnaire
- Complete a practical demonstration
- Submit evidence (case studies, log sheets, testimonials)
- Submit POE
Assessment Feedback
- All evidence will be assessed against the qualification
- The assessor outcome feedback will be given from the assessor to the candidate
- The assessment feedback will be given from the candidate to the assessor
Optional Remediation
Only applicable if the candidate was found not yet competent.
Moderation
- Once all evidence has been assessed, the moderation process will follow
- The moderator outcome feedback will be given from moderator to assessor
- The moderator outcome feedback will be given from assessor to candidate
Certification
If the candidate has successfully met the qualification criteria and has been found competent in all components of assessment, the candidate will be issued a certificate.
Portfolio of Evidence (POE) Timeline
The Portfolio of Evidence (POE) must be completed by the candidate within 3 months from the date provided by Susca Watts Academy.
Need More Information About RPL?
Contact our RPL department for more information about how to get your skills and experience formally recognized.
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