Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning acknowledges knowledge, skills and experience gained through formal, informal and experiential learning.
Experience does carry weight in education and training
South Africa is a constantly changing and developing nation. There have been changes in everything from a complete shift in government, to more open-minded views on issues ranging from HIV and AIDS to employment equity in the workplace.
It seems fitting, then, that there is restitution for those who were unable to benefit from various levels of education when they applied for jobs or were seeking advancement in their current company. The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) has implemented a policy that will enable South Africa to utilise the true potential of its human capital.
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy ensures that people who were in any way or form unable to access education and training in the past now have the opportunity to have their learning recognised.
Formal education has traditionally carried greater weight than education gained through experience. RPL provides an opportunity to address this by recognising learning obtained formally, informally or experientially.
RPL is not an easier route to a qualification. Applicants are still required to meet all the requirements of the qualification they wish to obtain.
Underlying Principles of RPL
Fair Access
Fair access to education and training programmes for individuals who wish to further their learning.
Redressing Past Inequality
Redressing past unfair education practices that prevented people from studying further.
Recognition & Credit
Recognising and crediting learning in relation to formal qualifications and unit standards where learning has already been attained.
Experience Matters
Learning gained through informal and non-formal means may be recognised where it meets the required standards.
Quality Assurance
In order to protect the integrity and standards of education and training, the policy provides quality assurance mechanisms for the implementation of RPL.
- Institutional policies of providers offering RPL services.
- Services and support for people requesting recognition of their prior learning.
- Training and registration of assessors and support staff who deal with RPL.
- Methods and processes used for the assessment of prior learning.
- Moderation of RPL processes and assessment.
- Fees charged for RPL services.
- Curricula and the inclusion of RPL.
The RPL Implementation Guide
The Criteria and Guidelines for the Implementation of RPL provide education and training providers with guidance regarding the implementation of Recognition of Prior Learning.
- Conducting a pre-implementation audit to identify the environment in which RPL will be implemented, its purpose and the target group or groups.
- Developing a sector or provider-specific plan for the implementation of RPL.
- Building the capacity of education and training institutions, staff and resources.
- Designing fit-for-purpose assessment methodologies and instruments.
- Developing moderation measures covering the overall process, assessment and assessment results.
Who Is Eligible for RPL?
People who may benefit from RPL include individuals who:
- Have never attended formal schooling but have experience gained through work and life.
- Have not finished formal education but have learned a great deal in the workplace.
- Lack the minimum requirements for entry into formal learning programmes, but believe that they meet those requirements through informal learning.
- Are under-qualified and wish to up-skill and improve their qualifications.
- Have attended short courses but do not have a formal qualification in the particular area.
- Have taught themselves practical or technical skills.
How Is Prior Learning Recognised?
Prior learning may be recognised and credited through an appropriate form of assessment.
Assessments use a registered NQF qualification as a benchmark. The assessment process considers the learner's skills, knowledge and experience against the specific requirements of the qualification or learning outcomes.
The process usually includes:
- Identifying the qualifications, unit standards or learning outcomes for which the learner believes they meet the requirements.
- Matching the learner's skills, knowledge and experience with the specific requirements.
- Assessing the learner using appropriate forms of assessment.
- Crediting the learner for skills, knowledge and experience attained.
Who Conducts the Assessment for RPL?
Education and training providers conduct assessments for Recognition of Prior Learning. Their responsibilities include:
- Developing policies and strategies for the implementation of RPL, including admission and access criteria in line with the relevant quality assurance requirements.
- Screening candidates for RPL and suggesting alternatives where RPL may not be viable at that stage.
- Advising candidates on the process, evidence required and assessment that will be undertaken.
- Assisting candidates to collect and structure evidence and prepare for assessment.
- Developing fit-for-purpose assessment methodologies and instruments.
- Assessing candidates' prior learning in relation to registered qualifications, unit standards and learning outcomes.
- Moderating the RPL approach, assessment instruments, assessment and results.
- Reporting results to the relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance body.
Where can you get more information on RPL?
Consult the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) website for information and publications relating to Recognition of Prior Learning.
Relevant publications include:
- The Recognition of Prior Learning in the context of the South African National Qualifications Framework.
- The Criteria and Guidelines for the Implementation of the Recognition of Prior Learning.
Visit the SAQA website for information about quality assurance bodies and education and training providers offering RPL services.
SAQA Directorate: Quality Assurance and Development
Telephone: (012) 431-5097
Want to know more about Recognition of Prior Learning?
Contact CIGFARO for guidance on membership, professional designations and how prior learning may relate to your professional development journey.
Contact CIGFARORecognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning acknowledges knowledge, skills and experience gained through formal, informal and experiential learning.
Experience does carry weight in education and training
South Africa is a constantly changing and developing nation. There have been changes in everything from a complete shift in government, to more open-minded views on issues ranging from HIV and AIDS to employment equity in the workplace.
It seems fitting, then, that there is restitution for those who were unable to benefit from various levels of education when they applied for jobs or were seeking advancement in their current company. The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) has implemented a policy that will enable South Africa to utilise the true potential of its human capital.
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy ensures that people who were in any way or form unable to access education and training in the past now have the opportunity to have their learning recognised.
Formal education has traditionally carried greater weight than education gained through experience. RPL provides an opportunity to address this by recognising learning obtained formally, informally or experientially.
RPL is not an easier route to a qualification. Applicants are still required to meet all the requirements of the qualification they wish to obtain.
Underlying Principles of RPL
Fair Access
Fair access to education and training programmes for individuals who wish to further their learning.
Redressing Past Inequality
Redressing past unfair education practices that prevented people from studying further.
Recognition & Credit
Recognising and crediting learning in relation to formal qualifications and unit standards where learning has already been attained.
Experience Matters
Learning gained through informal and non-formal means may be recognised where it meets the required standards.
Quality Assurance
In order to protect the integrity and standards of education and training, the policy provides quality assurance mechanisms for the implementation of RPL.
- Institutional policies of providers offering RPL services.
- Services and support for people requesting recognition of their prior learning.
- Training and registration of assessors and support staff who deal with RPL.
- Methods and processes used for the assessment of prior learning.
- Moderation of RPL processes and assessment.
- Fees charged for RPL services.
- Curricula and the inclusion of RPL.
The RPL Implementation Guide
The Criteria and Guidelines for the Implementation of RPL provide education and training providers with guidance regarding the implementation of Recognition of Prior Learning.
- Conducting a pre-implementation audit to identify the environment in which RPL will be implemented, its purpose and the target group or groups.
- Developing a sector or provider-specific plan for the implementation of RPL.
- Building the capacity of education and training institutions, staff and resources.
- Designing fit-for-purpose assessment methodologies and instruments.
- Developing moderation measures covering the overall process, assessment and assessment results.
Who Is Eligible for RPL?
People who may benefit from RPL include individuals who:
- Have never attended formal schooling but have experience gained through work and life.
- Have not finished formal education but have learned a great deal in the workplace.
- Lack the minimum requirements for entry into formal learning programmes, but believe that they meet those requirements through informal learning.
- Are under-qualified and wish to up-skill and improve their qualifications.
- Have attended short courses but do not have a formal qualification in the particular area.
- Have taught themselves practical or technical skills.
How Is Prior Learning Recognised?
Prior learning may be recognised and credited through an appropriate form of assessment.
Assessments use a registered NQF qualification as a benchmark. The assessment process considers the learner's skills, knowledge and experience against the specific requirements of the qualification or learning outcomes.
The process usually includes:
- Identifying the qualifications, unit standards or learning outcomes for which the learner believes they meet the requirements.
- Matching the learner's skills, knowledge and experience with the specific requirements.
- Assessing the learner using appropriate forms of assessment.
- Crediting the learner for skills, knowledge and experience attained.
Who Conducts the Assessment for RPL?
Education and training providers conduct assessments for Recognition of Prior Learning. Their responsibilities include:
- Developing policies and strategies for the implementation of RPL, including admission and access criteria in line with the relevant quality assurance requirements.
- Screening candidates for RPL and suggesting alternatives where RPL may not be viable at that stage.
- Advising candidates on the process, evidence required and assessment that will be undertaken.
- Assisting candidates to collect and structure evidence and prepare for assessment.
- Developing fit-for-purpose assessment methodologies and instruments.
- Assessing candidates' prior learning in relation to registered qualifications, unit standards and learning outcomes.
- Moderating the RPL approach, assessment instruments, assessment and results.
- Reporting results to the relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance body.
Where can you get more information on RPL?
Consult the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) website for information and publications relating to Recognition of Prior Learning.
Relevant publications include:
- The Recognition of Prior Learning in the context of the South African National Qualifications Framework.
- The Criteria and Guidelines for the Implementation of the Recognition of Prior Learning.
Visit the SAQA website for information about quality assurance bodies and education and training providers offering RPL services.
SAQA Directorate: Quality Assurance and Development
Telephone: (012) 431-5097
Want to know more about Recognition of Prior Learning?
Contact CIGFARO for guidance on membership, professional designations and how prior learning may relate to your professional development journey.
Contact CIGFARO