Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): turn your experience into a qualification.
Find out what's RPL, how it works, and why it may just be the solution to your certificate problem.
Takes 1 minute. No obligation.
What it is
What is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)?
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a formal assessment process that turns your existing work experience and skills into a nationally recognised qualification, without repeating training you don't need.
Instead of sitting in a classroom learning what you already do every day, a registered training organisation (RTO) assesses evidence of your real work against the requirements of a formal qualification, and issues the certificate once you meet them.
(Evidence can include: photos, references, invoices, etc...)
(Evidence can include: photos, references, invoices, etc...)
You'll see the same process called a few different things...
Recognition of Prior Learning is the correct Australian term, but people also search for it as accreditation of prior learning, recognised prior learning, or simply prior learning.
They all mean the same thing: getting formal credit for skills you already have.
Recognition of Prior Learning is the correct Australian term, but people also search for it as accreditation of prior learning, recognised prior learning, or simply prior learning.
They all mean the same thing: getting formal credit for skills you already have.
RPL is a standard, government-recognised pathway under the Australian Qualifications Framework.
It's not a shortcut or a loophole.
It's built for one situation: you've been on the tools for years, you can run rings around a fresh graduate, but you never got the piece of paper, and now a licence, a tender, or a client is asking for it.
It's not a shortcut or a loophole.
It's built for one situation: you've been on the tools for years, you can run rings around a fresh graduate, but you never got the piece of paper, and now a licence, a tender, or a client is asking for it.
Takes 1 minute. No obligation.
How it works
How does RPL work?
RPL usually follows four steps:
1. A Free skills and eligibility check
We look at your experience and tell you honestly whether RPL is realistic for the qualification you need. No cost, no obligation.
2. Evidence collection
You gather proof of your work. Proof can be photos and videos of jobs, references, invoices, contracts, payslips, and any old tickets. Most tradies already have far more than they realise.
3. Evidence Assessment
A qualified assessor from our partner RTO maps your evidence against every unit of the qualification. If a few units aren't covered, you complete short gap-training modules, only for the gaps, never the whole course.
4. Certificate issued
You receive the nationally recognised qualification, carrying the same code and the same standing as one earned in a classroom.
Is it legit
Is an RPL certificate legitimate?
Yes, it absolutely is! An RPL certificate is identical to one earned through classroom study: same qualification code, same national recognition, issued by a registered training organisation.
Licensing bodies, employers and regulators don't distinguish between a certificate earned through RPL and one earned through a course.
The certificate doesn't even state which pathway you took. What matters is that the RTO is registered and the assessment is genuine, which is why we work only with government-approved RTO partners on the national register, where you can check them yourself.
Licensing bodies, employers and regulators don't distinguish between a certificate earned through RPL and one earned through a course.
The certificate doesn't even state which pathway you took. What matters is that the RTO is registered and the assessment is genuine, which is why we work only with government-approved RTO partners on the national register, where you can check them yourself.
Duration
How long does RPL take?
Most RPL assessments complete within 4–6 weeks of submitting your evidence. The biggest variable is how quickly you gather your evidence, our assessors move fast once it's in.
Compare that with the one to four years a course or apprenticeship takes, and the reason experienced workers choose RPL is obvious.
Compare that with the one to four years a course or apprenticeship takes, and the reason experienced workers choose RPL is obvious.
Compare
RPL vs TAFE + apprenticeship
Both lead to the same nationally recognised qualification. The difference is who it suits:
With
Without
Your years on the tools count toward the qualification (RPL)
Assessed on skills you already have — not re-taught them
Finish in a fraction of the time of a full course
One clear path mapped to your actual licence, not just a certificate
In-person assessment through accredited partners
TAFE itself offers RPL too, so the choice often isn't RPL versus TAFE, it's which provider assesses you.
A specialist provider usually means faster turnaround, hands-on evidence support, and assessors who work with tradies every day.
A specialist provider usually means faster turnaround, hands-on evidence support, and assessors who work with tradies every day.
LicencePath can help you get your certificate through RPL or gap-training so you can apply for your trade licence.
Is it for me?
Who RPL is for — and who it isn't
We'd rather tell you straight than sell you the wrong thing. RPL is for people whose experience is real and provable.
If you have little or no hands-on experience, RPL isn't for you, an apprenticeship or a course is the right path, and any provider who tells you otherwise is selling, not assessing.
That honesty is also why RPL works: the evidence has to be there. When it is, there's no reason to repeat years of training to prove what you already do every day.
If you have little or no hands-on experience, RPL isn't for you, an apprenticeship or a course is the right path, and any provider who tells you otherwise is selling, not assessing.
That honesty is also why RPL works: the evidence has to be there. When it is, there's no reason to repeat years of training to prove what you already do every day.
Qualifications
What qualifications can you get through RPL?
We handle RPL for the qualifications behind Australia's trade licences. Each page explains what evidence counts, what the qualification unlocks in your state.
You can find and read about your certificate below:
You can find and read about your certificate below:
Looking for a licence?
Why Licencepath:
Why students choose this LicencePath for RPL
Many RPL providers ask you to gather your evidence and take photos of your work (compliantly) on your own. Often times that drags the RPL process to months of back-and-forth calls on what's been approved and what's missing.
But with LicencePath: You get to avoid the hassle of sending photos, videos, and months of back-and-forth calls. Simply visit one of our partner training facilities, get assessed by a verified trainer, and speed up your evidence process.
But with LicencePath: You get to avoid the hassle of sending photos, videos, and months of back-and-forth calls. Simply visit one of our partner training facilities, get assessed by a verified trainer, and speed up your evidence process.
Get your skills checked faster.
Visit one of our partner training facilities, get assessed by a verified trainer.
See if you Qualify through experience
Find out how many units your experience can cover and what gaps you may need to fill.
Gap-train what's missing
If you're missing a few units, you can fill in the gaps of your knowledge without extra hidden fees.
Get help with you licence application
We support you through your licensing applications when needed.
No apprenticeship required
Recognition of prior learning and gap-training do not require you to complete any apprenticeships.
Nationally Recognised Pathway
Turn your experience into a nationally recognised qualification.
Over 2700+ consultations
Join 2,700+ tradies who got expert licence advice and application support.
Built around full-time work.
We're confident in what we do:
Get assessed by a verified trainer in just a few days.
Avoid the hassle of sending photos, videos, and months of back-and-forth calls. Simply visit one of our partner training facilities, get assessed by a verified trainer, and speed up your evidence process.
Available in New South Whales only.
Guaranteed
Our Guarantee | Exclusive to LicencePath.
Here's our Iron clad LicencePath guarantee. If you're eligible, come in for an assessment and our partner training facilitites or RTOs find your skills aren’t enough to earn your trade certificate, we’ll gap-train you on what's missing or refund your payment in full.
Takes 1 minute. No obligation.
What others have asked:
Common Questions & FAQs
What does RPL stand for?
RPL stands for Recognition of Prior Learning — turning existing work experience into a formal, nationally recognised qualification.
Is RPL the same as accreditation of prior learning?
Yes, accreditation of prior learning, recognised prior learning and recognition of prior learning all describe the same process. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the standard term used in the Australian system.
Is RPL recognised for licensing?
Yes, state licensing bodies require the qualification, not a particular way of earning it. (Some licences, like an unrestricted electrician's licence, add their own experience-verification steps on top, our trade pages explain each one.)
Can I work while doing RPL?
Yes, that's the point. There are no classes to attend; evidence collection and assessment happen around your normal work.
Government Links: