Recognition Information Kit
What is recognition?
TAFE NSW recognises the skills and knowledge you have gained through previous studies, work and life
experiences.
When you commence your course we can assess your existing skills through a recognition process. This process
determines whether or not you are already competent in some of the subject areas or competencies covered in
your course.
This process recognises the skills and knowledge that you may have gained on-the-job, in your life experience and
through formal training.
Some people have worked successfully for years in occupations but have no formal qualifications for that
occupation – despite having all the required skills and knowledge.
If you are one of those people, you can benefit from the recognition process.
In assessing the skills and knowledge you already have, we may consider:
• paid or unpaid work • part-time, full-time or casual work • experience in Australia and overseas
• on-the-job training • work experience in occupations not directly related to the qualification you are seeking
You may also have developed valuable skills by working for a community or voluntary organisation or through
other life experiences such as hobbies, sport and leisure activities. Life experience gained through these different
areas may be recognised as meeting some of your course assessment requirements.
If you have formal qualifications from a TAFE, university, school or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) in
Australia, containing content that is included in the qualification you want to study, you can apply for recognition.
On-the-job training programs may also be relevant.
If you hold qualifications gained overseas we will carefully consider them during the recognition process. Your
documents and qualifications will need to be certified and must be in English or translated into English.
How much recognition?
You can apply for up to and including 100% of a qualification or a course.
Recognition is granted on the basis of documentary evidence of formal studies completed within TAFE NSW or
with other educational organisations where credit transfer arrangements exist, for example, formal qualifications
from TAFE, university, school (HSC) or other private RTOs in Australia.
What are the benefits of recognition?
The benefits of recognition include:
• You will be recognised for what you already know, and may complete training in a shorter period of time. • You don’t have to undertake training where you can prove you already have the skills and knowledge to do
the job.
• You can apply for 100% recognition if you already have the skills and knowledge that you would learn from
an entire course.
• The qualification you gain through recognition has the same value as those gained through normal course
work at TAFE NSW.
• You have the ability to update your existing qualification to ensure that you can obtain formal recognition for
your current competence.
How do I find out?
When you find out about the course you want to study you should ask the teachers to tell you about the
recognition process.
They will give you details of the units of competency and other information that will assist you to make a decision
about whether or not to apply for recognition.
You might be asked to undertake a self-assessment that will help you to decide your readiness to undertake the
recognition process.
How to complete a self-assessment?
Self-assessment involves comparing your skills, knowledge, qualifications and experience with the competencies for
which you are seeking recognition.
When considering recognition, you need to ask yourself:
• Have I done this recently, do I still remember it thoroughly?
• Have I practised it enough to be confident?
• Can I describe how I do this?
• Do I have any documentation to support my claim?
• Could I demonstrate this to someone else?
If you answer YES to all these questions you could apply for recognition.
A Self–Assessment Checklist is a or series of questions provided by your teacher that will help you decide if your
skills and experience are a reasonable match with the units of competency.
How to make the decision to proceed?
Make an appointment with your teacher to discuss your completed Self-Assessment Checklist and the evidence that
you would need to collect if you apply for recognition.
If you decide to apply for recognition, your teacher will provide you with information about the types of evidence
that you will need to collect and organise for the recognition process.
Your teacher will also provide you with information about the timeframe and process for the submission and
assessment of your evidence.
Note: If are an international student and are successful in achieving recognition, you may be in breach of
the conditions of your visa. Contact the Manager, International Student Programs on 02 6962 0445 if you are
considering applying for recognition to discuss the impliactions it can have on your visa requirements.
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What are the types of recognition?
The TAFE NSW Recognition Policy identifies four main types of recognition services. These include:
Pre-arranged Recognition of Prior Learning
This refers to previously negotiated arrangements between TAFE NSW and other training providers and institutions
such as the NSW Board of Studies, Universities and Adult and Community Education (ACE) colleges. Pre-arranged
Recognition Prior Learning (RPL) is automatically granted to students who satisfy the agreed pre-arranged
requirements.
National Recognition
TAFE NSW recognises qualifications that are part of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Under these
arrangements, AQF qualifications gained from other registered training organisations will be recognised by TAFE
NSW. This type of recognition is called National Recognition.
TAFE NSW Credit Transfer
If you have successfully completed exactly the same competence, or a unit similar in content and outcome to a
unit of competency in your current course, your result may be transferred. Please note that there may be some
competencies where it is not possible to transfer your result.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the acknowledgement of your current skills and knowledge acquired through
previous education, training, work and/or life experience. This may include skills and knowledge gained through
community or volunteer work and previous learning, work and/or life experience.
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What is the process for applying for RPL?
Step 1
Contact the relevant staff
member to discuss
Recognition
Step 1
Speak with a Course Information Officer, Teacher or Head
Teacher to discuss the recognition process and identify what
evidence you will require.
Step 2
Prepare your evidence that relates to the units of competency
in your qualification.
Step 3
Step 2
Gather evidence to
support your claim
Submit your recognition application to the Head Teacher or
assessor who will assess the evidence you provide.
Step 3
Present evidence
for assessment
Step 4
Within three weeks of submitting your application, you will
be notified of the result by Student Administration.
You will be sent a current transcript with the recognition you have been
granted.
Step 4
Recognition
granted
Recognition
not granted
If you are not successful in receiving recognition you will be advised in
writing of your options.
Step 1
Contact the relevant staff member to discuss recognition
Step 2
Gather evidence to support your claim
Step 3
Present evidence for assessment
Step 4
Recognition granted
Recognition NOT granted
* Continue studying
* Provide more evidence
* Appeal decision
Continue
studying
Provide more
evidence
Appeal
decision
How to gather evidence?
All evidence you provide will be checked by the recognition assessor to ensure it is valid and authentic. Evidence
provided needs to map to the unit/s of competency. It is quality of evidence that counts, not quantity. This means:
1 Does the evidence cover the critical aspects? Is it sufficent?
2 Have you provided originals or certified copies?
You should start compiling your evidence once you have reached agreement with your teachers about the units of
competency you are seeking recognition for. Allow yourself plenty of time to collect your evidence.
There are many ‘Types of Evidence’ that you can use, depending on which are most appropriate to your units of
competency. These are usually arranged in a portfolio that is provided to a qualified recognition assessor.
In addition to looking at your evidence, the recognition assessor may check your current
knowledge by oral questioning, written questioning and/or skills testing.
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What types of evidence can be used?
There are several types of evidence you can collect to show your skills, knowledge and experience for assessment
against a unit of competence.
The best applications will include both direct and indirect evidence.
Direct Evidence
Indirect Evidence
Certificates
You can provide copies of your qualifications:
• certificates
• diplomas
• degrees
• statements of results
• courses completed at work.
Written records
You can provide copies of:
• diaries
• records
• journals
• job descriptions.
Work samples
You can provide samples of your work:
• drawings or photographs
• reports
• written materials
• projects
• objects
• works of art.
Email evidence
You can provide copies of email communications which verify:
• customer feedback
• work activities
• written skills.
Records of workplace activities
You can provide documents that verify your work activities:
• notes
• emails
• reports
• completed worksheets
• workplace agreements
• contracts.
Supporting letters
You can provide letters that verify your claims from:
• employers
• people you have worked with (paid and unpaid work)
• community groups.
Workplace visit
Your recognition assessor may need to visit your workplace to
observe you undertaking work tasks. Documents
You can provide evidence that shows what you have done in
your life:
• media articles
• meritorious awards.
Skills Test
Your recognition assessor may choose to set you a Skills Test
so you can demonstrate your competency.
Resume / work history
You can provide a resume that lists your work history, key
responsibilities, achievements and qualifications.
Interview
You may be asked to talk to your recognition assessor at an
interview.
Referees
You can put forward the names of people who are willing
to be contacted by your recognition assessor to verify your
evidence.
What are the best types of evidence?
If you want your application to be successful, you should submit the best evidence available. You will only have one
chance to resubmit evidence. The best evidence is:
•
current – you should be able to demonstrate that your skills are up-to-date and that you can use them now if
required
•
relevant – the skills you are claiming to have should relate directly to the relevant unit of competency and be
at a comparable standard
•
authentic – you need to be able to show that your claims are genuine (this is where letters from employers
and others are very helpful)
•
transferable – skills you have learned in one situation must be capable of being applied to other situations
eg. if you are making claims against computing skills, you should be capable of demonstrating those skills on
any appropriate machine or system, not just the one in your office.
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Below are some guidelines about the different types of evidence that might be used to assist in your application.
Interviews
It may be possible for you to demonstrate competence by explaining particular areas directly to your recognition
assessor. This would happen in an interview that your recognition assessor would arrange.
Be aware that you would have to attend the interview prepared. You should have the relevant documents or other
material to hand and ensure that your responses relate directly to the learning outcomes.
Skills Test
You may be asked to demonstrate competence by completing an assessment agreed upon by you and your
recognition assessor.
Samples of your work
If possible, you should submit your application with examples of work that demonstrate your competence against
a particular unit of competency. For example, a person applying for recognition in a word processing unit may
choose to submit examples of merged letters, complex tabulations, assignments, reports or similar.
Supporting letters
A supporting letter should not be confused with a reference. Its purpose would be to help confirm the authenticity
of the information in your application.
It should provide details about your duties, experience and responsibilities that are relevant to the learning
outcomes or competencies of the unit of competency. Such a letter should also indicate the level of skill
demonstrated by you in your work.
A supporting letter should always:
• be written on official stationery
• be written by a person who knows the applicant and has direct knowledge of the activity on which the claim is
based
• state clearly the relationship between the author and the applicant
• give full details of the activity, indicating the relevance of the knowledge and experience including
• provide an evaluation of the level of the applicant’s knowledge and performance. Currency of evidence
Evidence that is older than three years must be supported by up-to-date evidence of your continued application of
the relevant competence. You will need to demonstrate a continuum of application and if not, you must be able to
demonstrate current competence in an appropriate way.
Verification of evidence
Any copies of original qualifications, certificates or documents you submit must be certified by a Justice of the
Peace (JP). Alternatively the Head Teacher can view the original document and write a certification on the copy.
Helpful tips
Here are some Do’s and Don’ts to help you with your application:
Do:
•
•
•
•
Show reasons why you are competent.
Use examples to show you are competent.
Gain external support for your examples. Wherever possible, back up your claims with reports from supervisors
and other people who can comment on what you can do and how well you can do it. You may include prizes,
awards or newspaper items that support your skills and expertise.
Explain the results or outcomes of your competent performance.
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Don’t:
•
•
•
•
Assume you’re competent because you have been doing the job for a long time.
Say you are competent without providing examples.
Rely only on your own word to prove your competence. This is the weakest form of evidence.
Just say what you did without explaining the results you achieved.
How to prepare a portfolio?
A portfolio is a collection of logically arranged evidence showing that you already have the skills and knowledge
required by the unit(s) of competency or course you are seeking recognition in.
What types of evidence should you provide?
Evidence is any information that proves what you know and can do. To support your application for recognition,
your evidence must show that your experience and skills match the learning outcomes of the specified unit(s) of
competency or course.
Example of how to match your evidence to a unit of competency
The following is an example of evidence that might be provided to meet a learning outcome called
‘To Operate a Gas Barbecue’. To Operate a Gas Barbecue the skills and knowledge to be assessed would be:
• the safe preparation and use of gas barbecues
• the ability to ignite barbecues using safe lighting methods and to monitor heat
• the proper cooking of food using gas barbecues • the safe and effective cleaning up of all barbecue surfaces and equipment. The evidence you supply might be:
• a copy of the instructions you wrote for staff at your workplace on how to use gas barbecues safely
• a video of you demonstrating how to light a barbecue properly and monitor heat effectively
• a photocopy of the award you won for cooking the best steak on a gas barbecue at the Annual Chef’s Picnic
• a signed and dated letter from your supervisor relating how you always clean the barbecue workspace and
equipment in line with company OH&S requirements.
Before you submit your portfolio:
• make sure you include certified copies of your documents or show the originals to the Head Teacher so they
can certify them
• present your portfolio in a way that shows how your experience, skills and knowledge match the learning
outcomes of the unit(s) of competency
• be selective and disciplined about your choice of evidence • organise your material in a logical order, with a clear format and in plain English. Applicants should note that:
• your recognition assessor may request an interview with you if details of your portfolio need to be clarified
• a skills test may be required so you can demonstrate your skills and knowledge. • your recognition assessor may contact relevant authorities to check the authenticity of documents submitted
as your evidence
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FAQS
When can I apply?
You can apply for recognition at any time however you should apply during the enrolment process or as soon as
possible afterwards. The sooner you apply, the sooner you will know the outcome. You should continue to attend
classes while you wait to learn the outcome of your application.
You should receive a response within three weeks of your application.
Will recognition affect graded awards?
Some TAFE NSW courses provide graded qualifications. This means that when you complete the course, your
testamur will show your level of achievement – PASS, CREDIT or DISTINCTION.
The level you obtain in these courses depends on your results in certain units that have been specified as
“contributing to the grade” for the course.
You need results in the form of marks or grades from at least 50% of the units that contribute to the grading of
these qualifications in order for a grade to be calculated. If you do not have the required marks or grades you will
receive an ungraded qualification.
Note: In some units that attract grades, you will not receive a grade if you accept recognition. If you wish to
achieve a graded qualification you will need to consider this when applying for recognition. You may decide to
study some units to ensure a chance of gaining a highy graded qualification rather than applying for recognition
for these. Your Head Teacher will be able to advise you.
Note: If you have been granted a large number of exemptions through the recognition process, your grading for
your qualification may be affected. If you wish to achieve a graded qualification (eg. to enable you to articulate to
university at a later date) you will need to consider this when applying for recognition. Ask your Head Teacher for
further information.
Can I appeal the outcome of a recognition assessment?
You can lodge an appeal if you feel that the process used to assess your application for recognition was unfair. You
must appeal in writing within ten days of receiving the notification of the result of your application. Your appeal
must be sent to the Head Teacher of your course.
Should I still attend class while my recognition application is being processed?
It is strongly recommended that you don’t miss any of your classes in case you are not successful in your application
for recognition.
How long will it take to process my application for recognition?
TAFE NSW policy recommends a period of three weeks for assessment and notification. If we need to ask you for
more evidence or your application needs to go to more than one recognition assessor the process can take more
time. For 100% recognition applications, the time period will be of greater duration.
Will my records be secure?
TAFE NSW undertakes to keep all records in a safe and secure environment. However, your porfolio will be
assessed by a recognition assessor and may be examined by State Training Authorities for purposes of audit,
accountability and registration.
Will my benefits be affected if I get recognition?
If you access income support, or hold a temporary visa, and are grantedrecognition it may mean that you will not
study the same numer of hours per week. This may affect the conditions of your payments or visa.
How much will it cost?
If you are currently enrolled as a student at TAFE NSW Institute, the recognition service is free. If you are not
currently enrolled a feel wil apply.
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Links for other helpful information
TAFE NSW – Course Information
http://www.tafensw.edu.au/howex/simpleSearch.do
Recognition of Prior Learning and Experience (TAFE NSW website)
https://www.tafensw.edu.au/courses/rpl/
HSC/TAFE Credit Transfer
http://www.det.nsw.edu.au/hsctafe
TAFE NSW / Universities Credit Transfer & Articulation
https://www.tafensw.edu.au/tafeunicredit/index.htm
Skills and Trade Recognition (State Training Services)
https://www.training.nsw.gov.au/skills_recognition/index.html
Australian Apprenticeship Centres (AACs)
https://www.training.nsw.gov.au/aacs/
Recognition of Secondary and Overseas School Qualification
http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/manuals/certificate_equivalence.html
Department of Immigration and Citizenship – Australian Skills Recognition Information (ASRI)
http://www.immi.gov.au/asri/os-qual-units.htm
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