Students who have extensive experience working in industry will have developed a range of skills and knowledge through their work and other life experience. Experienced people may be able to undertake Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and gain accreditation for units of competency based on   their previous experience. For those who are able to provide sufficient evidence of their skills and knowledge, Tocal College offers skills recognition services to attain a part or full qualification in:

  • Agriculture
  • Conservation & Ecosystem Management
  • Training and assessment.

Dairy staff planning onsite

Who is it for?

Recognition of Prior Learning is for people who have significant experience working in industry who are able to provide physical or documentary evidence of relevant skills and knowledge. RPL is an “evidence based” process where the candidate is required to provide documentary evidence and examples of their competence in carrying out task described by the Units of Competency which comprise the qualifications. Undertaking RPL can be complex and time consuming and will require a substantial commitment of time to complete.

The RPL process allows candidates to gain nationally recognised qualifications that reflect what they do. In many cases student will attain part of the qualification through RPL and complete other Units of Competency through online study or attending a training session in person.

Why get involved?

By participating in the RPL process, you can:

  • have your industry-based skills and knowledge recognised
  • improve the way you carry out your role
  • identify opportunities for professional development and training
  • obtain a nationally recognised qualification based on your current industry role
  • be part of a community of professional practice
  • increase your career opportunities
  • raise your profile as a skilled worker or manager and
  • improve your self-confidence.

How is RPL delivered?

Tocal College makes RPL available through two (2) processes:

  1. Desktop audit. This process required the candidate to compile their own evidence material for assessment for each unit of competency utilizing the assessment material supplied by Tocal College. This process is completed online using secure OneDrive folders which can only be accessed buy the candidate and by Tocal College training and assessment staff.

    Evidence may include:

    • Testimonials from third parties – employers, clients, contractors, suppliers etc
    • Work examples – correspondence, reports, photos, business or production records etc
    • Examples of work completed – infrastructure developed, crops or livestock, services delivered
  2. Workplace interview. This process involves Tocal College staff assessors visiting the candidate in the workplace and collecting the evidence listed above

Tocal College RPL assessment materials provide guidance to carry out this process and a range of relevant questions which the candidate is required to answer.

Please note: Tocal College is not able to offer RPL services for the full range of units of competence in all qualifications. Selection of units must be negotiated with college staff.

What does it cost?

Please contact Tocal College for pricing details. This program does not attract GST.

Time commitment

The time needed to complete a full or part qualification through RPL will be different for every candidate. The process can range from three to eight months, depending on the skills and experience of the individual.

Our track record

We have interviewed RPL cases throughout Australia since 1996. We have graduated more than 600 students by RPL and have worked with groups, organisations and individuals as diverse as:

  • individual farmers in dairying, beef, horticulture, cropping enterprises
  • bush regenerators and traditional land custodians
  • local government weeds and vertebrate pest officers CMA facilitators
  • NRM specialists
  • Australian Institute of Science and Technology Animal Health Australia
  • Cotton Australia Local Land Services
  • Livestock, Health and Pest Authority (LHPA) rangers.

What our students say

Thanks for your support and patience in guiding me through the process.

It’s a great way to achieve results if you have prior qualifications/experience.

I appreciate the availability of the RPL process, as it allows us to gain qualifications which otherwise we would not have the opportunity to do.

For more information

To obtain full details on the RPL process you can download the relevant handbook from the Useful links section, or contact us to have one mailed to you.