Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is the recognition by some South African Universities of any learning that occurred before the applicant decided to formally register for an academic qualification.
• The RPL programme enables you to gain recognition and credit for what you already know and can do.
• You receive credit for what you have learned from your experience rather than from the experience itself. For instance, if you have worked as an HR Practitioner for ten years, you will have learned a vast number of skills such as, how to facilitate a simple disciplinary hearing, how to manage the everyday Human Resources Administration and how Skills Development and Training is conducted.
• These are the kind of skills that you could receive credit for.
• RPL makes it possible for you to earn credit towards a University academic qualification and thus to receive recognition for skills and knowledge you already possess.
The RPL process uses a variety of tools to help you reflect on, identify, explain and show past learning that you’ve gained through formal and informal study. You may have gained your learning through work, life experience, training, independent study, volunteering, on-the-job training opportunities, travel, community activities, family activities and experiences, hobbies or by any other means.
You may apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for a specific subject if you can prove you’re already competent regarding the specific subject.
The learning outcomes of a subject are the competencies (skills, knowledge and attitudes) you’ll be expected to have gained by the time you’ve completed that subject. Your task will be to compare the learning that has occurred during your adult life with the learning outcomes of the subject for which you want to apply for credit. You‘ll have to show that you meet the set requirements or learning outcomes of those subjects.
As part of the RPL process, the Skills Development Facilitator will help you to identify your skills and knowledge, and to write them up in a portfolio. The portfolio of evidence will then be sent to the University for Assessment to determine whether your learning will be recognised. The university may subject you to other assessment methods such as challenge examinations, interviews or an RPL assignment.

This website provides quality advice and career-focused lifelong learning principles.
To learn more visit: www.mystudent4life.com