Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy

Policy Schedule

Policy Title	Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy
Policy Owner	Director, Thrive Training and Education
Date Implemented	June 2025
Last Review Date	24 July 2026
Next Scheduled Review Date	July 2027
Review Frequency	12 months
Review Triggers	Annually. Upon Feedback as part of Continuous Improvement. At the discretion of the Director, Thrive Training and Education.

Version Control	Version	Date Approved	Approved By	Amendments
First Version	V1.0	1 June 2025	Director, Thrive Training and Education.	First approved Version
	V1.1	24 January 2026	Director, Thrive Training and Education.	Added Section 5.6
Current	V1.2	27 July 2026	Director, Thrive Training and Education	Legislative and minor amendments to 7, 8 and 11

Relevant Legislation

Australian Privacy Principles
Australian Qualifications Framework
Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth)
Credential Policy
Data Provision Requirements 2020
Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (Cth)
Education Services for Overseas Students Regulations 2019 (Cth)
National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018
National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011 (Cth)
National Vocational Education and Training Regulator (Compliance Standards for NVR Registered Training Organisations and Fit and Proper Person Requirements) Instrument 2025
National Vocational Education and Training Regulator (Outcome Standards for Registered Training Organisations) Instrument 2025
Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic)
Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 (Vic)
Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)
Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2025
Student Identifiers Act 2014 (Cth)
Student Identifiers Regulation 2024 (Cth)
Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (ACT)
Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW)
Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld)
Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA)
Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (Tas)
Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA)
Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2011 (NT)
Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Regulations 2011 (NT)
Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (ACT)
Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Qld)
Work Health and Safety Regulation 2025 (NSW)
Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012 (SA)
Work Health and Safety Regulations 2022 (Tas)
Work Health and Safety (General) Regulations 2022 (WA)

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that Thrive Training and Education provides fair, transparent, and consistent processes for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer.

This policy supports students in gaining formal recognition for skills, knowledge, and qualifications they have already acquired — whether through previous study, work experience, or life experience.

By implementing this policy, Thrive Training and Education aims to:

Promote access and equity by acknowledging diverse learning pathways.
Reduce unnecessary duplication of learning and assessment.
Ensure compliance with the Revised Standards for RTOs 2025, the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), and other relevant legislation.
Maintain the integrity and quality of qualifications issued by ensuring all recognition processes are rigorous, evidence-based, and aligned with national standards.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

All current and prospective students of Thrive Training and Education.
All staff involved in the administration, assessment, and approval of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT) applications.

3. Policy Statement

Thrive Training and Education is committed to:

Recognising and valuing prior learning and formal qualifications.
Ensuring fair, transparent, and evidence-based assessment processes.
Maintaining the integrity and credibility of qualifications issued.
Complying with the Outcome Standards and Credential Policy under the revised 2025 Standards.
Ensuring that all assessment practices, including RPL, are subject to systematic validation.

Thrive Training and Education shall:

Provide clear, accessible information about RPL and Credit Transfer in policies on our website.
Offer support through information sessions, guidance from assessors, and feedback mechanisms.
Ensure decisions are communicated in plain language and within published timeframes.
Not issue entire qualifications on the basis of RPL.

4. Definitions

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process that assesses the competencies of an individual that may have been acquired through formal, non-formal and informal learning to determine the extent to which that individual meets the requirements specified in a training package or VET accredited course (ASQA 2025).

Formal Learning is formal structured programs leading to AQF qualifications, for example, Certificates, Diplomas or Degrees (ASQA 2025).

Informal Learning is learning from experience, such as work, hobbies or volunteering (ASQA 2025).

Non-Formal Learning is structured programs not leading to AQF qualifications, such as inhouse training (ASQA 2025).

Credit Transfer (CT) is recognition that an individual has previously completed a unit of their course through VET or higher education (ASQA 2025).

5. Procedure: Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Thrive Training and Education advises students (RPL candidates) of the following procedure for RPL:

Utilise the RPL Information guidance. This covers:
- The purpose and process of RPL.
- How to complete the application.
- What types of evidence are accepted and required.
- The responsibilities of the RPL candidate, including self-assessment.
- The role and responsibilities of third parties.
- The role and responsibilities of the Assessor.
Preliminary Evidence Gathering. You will be required to gather the evidence you wish to use to support your RPL application. You should consider the evidence of a broad range of experiences and learning pathways you may have undertaken, such as records of training you have previously completed, assessment items you may have prepared, assessment records, declarations from your employer/s, signed position descriptions, or a copy of your student record provided by ASQA. Ensure you follow the naming protocol for evidence you present to make it easier for your Assessor to identify.
Submit Your RPL Application Form and attach your evidence via the Thrive Training and Education Online Portal.
Preliminary Assessment. Your Assessor will receive your application and evaluate the evidence you have provided against the unit requirements. Your Assessor may identify any gaps or areas that may need further clarification.
Book an RPL Information Session with your Assessor. You will meet to discuss the RPL process and the preliminary evidence you have submitted. You will also be offered the opportunity to ask your Assessor any questions about the RPL process during this information session.
Customised RPL Plan. Your Assessor will develop a customised plan outlining the steps, methods and evidence required for you to complete the RPL assessment. This will include any timelines you need to adhere to. You may wish to meet with your Assessor again at this stage to ask any questions. Your Assessor will provide guidance and support on the process.
Competency Conversation/Interview. You may also be required to participate in a recorded competency conversation/interview with your Assessor to discuss your skills, knowledge, and experience.
Final Submission. You will submit your final evidence in accordance with your Customised RPL Plan via the Thrive Training and Education Online Portal Performance Assessment and Knowledge Assessment areas for each unit of competency.
Await the Outcome. Your Assessor will conduct the final assessment and notify you of the outcome within 20 working days. Successful RPL outcomes will be recorded in your student academic record. If you wish to appeal your Assessor’s decision, you may do so within 10 working days in accordance with 3.4 Complaints and Appeals Policy.

5.3 Third Party Responsibilities in RPL

In the context of RPL, a third party refers to an individual, other than the Assessor, who is able to provide informed commentary on an RPL candidate’s workplace skills, knowledge, and experience. These individuals may include supervisors, managers, colleagues, or clients who are professionally familiar with the candidate’s work and are not personally related to them.

Third-party reports serve as supplementary evidence in the RPL process and must reflect an honest and accurate assessment of the candidate’s competencies. These reports should specifically address how the candidate’s demonstrated capabilities align with the performance criteria and assessment requirements of the relevant units of competency.

Third parties are encouraged to consult authoritative sources such as training.gov.au or the Unit Assessment Requirements provided by Thrive Training and Education to ensure their feedback is appropriately aligned with national standards.

5.4 Self-Assessment and Preparation

Candidates applying for RPL are required to undertake a self-assessment using the checklist provided in the RPL Kit to determine their readiness. As part of this process, RPL candidates must compile and submit a portfolio of evidence in accordance with Thrive Training and Education’s guidelines and timeframes.

Evidence submitted must meet the following criteria:

Valid: Evidence must directly relate to the unit of competency being assessed and demonstrate the candidate’s ability to apply relevant skills and knowledge in appropriate contexts.
Sufficient: The quantity and quality of evidence must be adequate to enable the assessor to make a confident and informed judgment about the candidate’s competence.
Authentic: Evidence must be the candidate’s own work and verifiable by the assessor.
Current: Evidence must reflect the candidate’s present skills, knowledge, and experience. Ideally, evidence should be from within the past five years to ensure relevance, particularly in industries subject to rapid change.

To support an RPL application, candidates are encouraged to submit a diverse range of evidence types that demonstrate their competencies. Acceptable forms of evidence may include, but are not limited to:

Workplace Documentation

Job descriptions and duty statements
Policies, procedures, or manuals authored or contributed to
Internal communications (e.g., emails, reports)
Project documentation or outcomes
Performance appraisals or review reports
Diaries, task sheets, job sheets, or logbooks
Supervisor or third-party reports aligned with unit requirements

Formal and Informal Qualifications

Certificates or statements of attainment (certified by a Justice of the Peace)
Licenses relevant to the industry or role
Memberships in professional associations
Industry awards or recognitions

Visual and Creative Evidence

Photographs of completed work
Videos or visual demonstrations
Samples or portfolios of work

Personal and Community-Based Experience

Curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé
References or letters from previous employers or supervisors
Hobbies, interests, or special skills relevant to the units of competency

Other Supporting Materials

Any other documentation that demonstrates trade or industry experience or supports the claim for competency

5.5 Appeals

Appeals will be reviewed by an independent panel in accordance with 3.4 Thrive Training and Education Complaints and Appeals Policy. RPL candidates are responsible for the costs associated with appointing an independent panel. Should the appeal be upheld, then the associated costs shall be reimbursed to the candidate by Thrive Training and Education.

Related Policy: 3.4 Complaints and Appeals Policy.

5.6 Notifications

Where an overseas student has been granted RPL after the overseas student’s visa has been granted, Thrive Training and Education shall report any change in course duration in PRISMS.

6. Procedure: Credit Transfer (CT)

Thrive Training and Education has the following procedure for CT:

6.1 Application

Students must complete and submit a Credit Transfer Application Form. Certified copies of AQF certification documentation or authenticated USI transcripts must be provided.

6.2 Assessment

Thrive Training and Education will verify the authenticity of submitted documents.

The equivalence of previously completed units will be assessed against current training package requirements. Thrive Training and Education will verify the authenticity of submitted documents.

Thrive Training and Education shall confirm:

The evidence matches the unit code and title.
The issuing RTO is registered.
The qualification is current.
Authentication via the USI registry or contact the issuing RTO.
The evidence is not altered or falsified.

6.3 Decision and Notification

Students will be notified of the outcome within 10 working days.

Approved credits will be recorded in the student management system and reflected in the academic transcript.

6.4 Delays

If the CT decision process is expected to exceed 10 working days, the student will be notified in writing and kept informed of progress.

7. Responsibilities

Thrive Training and Education informs students of their right to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT), which must be offered as a rigorous, fair, and evidence-based assessment pathway aligned with unit requirements.

Thrive Training and Education will recognise and grant credit for AQF qualifications and statements of attainment from other RTOs.

Students: Submit complete and accurate documentation and evidence.
Reasonable adjustment will be available throughout the RPL process while maintaining the integrity of the unit requirements.
Where AI-assisted tools have been used to prepare evidence, applicants must declare their use. Assessors will verify authenticity through questioning, demonstrations, interviews or other validation methods before making a competency decision.
Electronic evidence submitted through online systems must be protected using organisational cyber security controls and integrity verification processes.
Assessors: Conduct fair, valid, and reliable assessments in accordance with ASQA standards.
Assessors and independent appeal panel members must disclose any actual, perceived or potential conflict of interest before participating in an RPL or Credit Transfer decision.
Administration staff: Ensure timely processing, recordkeeping, and communication of outcomes.

8. Privacy and Records Retention

All RPL and Credit Transfer evidence containing personal information will be collected, stored, accessed, disclosed, retained and securely destroyed in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988, the Australian Privacy Principles and the Notifiable Data Breaches scheme. Access is limited to authorised personnel.

RPL and Credit Transfer records will be retained and securely destroyed in accordance with legislative requirements and 4.3 Student Records and Issuance of Qualifications Policy.

Related Policy: 4.3 Student Records and Issuance of Qualifications Policy.

9. Assessor Qualifications and Validation

All Assessors conducting RPL must:

Hold relevant vocational competencies and assessor qualifications as per the Standards for RTOs.
Participate in regular validation activities to ensure consistency and quality of RPL decisions.
Maintain professional development records related to assessment and recognition practices.

Related Policy: 2.1 Trainer and Assessor Requirements Policy.

10. Risk Management in RPL and Credit Transfer

Thrive Training and Education will monitor and manage risks associated with RPL and Credit Transfer, including:

Non-genuine applications: Use of third-party verification and interviews.
Insufficient or outdated evidence: Clear guidance on currency and sufficiency.
Inconsistent assessor decisions: Regular moderation and validation sessions.
Fraudulent documentation: Mandatory certification by a JP and document verification protocols.

11. Self-Assurance and Continuous Improvement

The RPL and Credit Transfer processes will be reviewed annually using the following reflective questions:

Are students consistently informed of their rights to RPL and Credit Transfer?
Are assessors applying the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence uniformly?
Are outcomes validated and benchmarked across assessors?
Are student feedback and appeals used to improve the process?

Legislative and regulatory scanning will be undertaken periodically to identify changes to ASQA requirements, AQF, ESOS, Privacy legislation and other applicable legislation, with policy updates implemented where required.

Outcomes of these reviews will be documented and used to inform policy updates and staff training.

Related Policy: 4.6 Continuous Improvement Policy.

12. Supporting Documents

Recognition of Prior Learning Kit, including RPL Application Form and Self-Assessment Checklist.
Credit Transfer Application Form.
3.2 Student Code of Conduct.
3.4 Complaints and Appeals Policy.
4.3 Student Records and Issuance of Qualifications Policy.
4.6 Continuous Improvement Policy.