Have you ever found yourself applying for jobs you have loads of experience in, only to be rejected because you don’t have formal qualifications? This can be demoralising and set you backon the path to furthering your career.
When it comes to furthering your career and boosting the certifications on your resume, there are a few different paths you can take: skills certification, online study, or traditional classroom learning.
Living through a pandemic for the past 2 years has made working and studying remotely is a much more achievable option for people looking to build up their qualifications, which makes RPL certification and online study viable options over in-person training and assessment options.
There are a few things to consider when deciding whether skills certification or online study is right for you: your previous experience, your goals, and what type of learning environment you prefer.
What is online study?
Online study can be a great option if you have some flexibility in your schedule, as you will not need to attend classes in person. However, online study can be a very isolating way to learn, and can also be very demanding, as you will need to be self-motivated and disciplined.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL is a great way to take what you already know and put it to good use. It is an assessment process that can be used to grant you credit for previous study, work experience, or life experience.
Getting RPL certification can save you time and money, and hopefully will leave you feeling like you have nothing to prove to a prospective employer, as your competency and experience speaks for itself.
How RPL works
RPL works by assessing your current skills and knowledge against the learning outcomes of a particular course or qualification. If it is determined that you have already achieved the necessary skills and knowledge, then you may be granted RPL and exempt from having to complete certain parts of the qualification.
RPL can save you time and money as you will not need to complete the parts of the course that you have already mastered. RPL can also give you a head start in your chosen field, as you will already have some of the required skills and knowledge.
Keep in mind, through RPL need to have the experience first, so if you're waiting to get your foot in the door to your preferred industry, online study might be a better option for you.
How an RPL Assessment Can Help You
If you’re not qualified, employers will likely require you to do all of the educational work over again, as a method of ensuring your competency. However, you can talk to that prospective employer about the possibility of conducting an RPL Assessment instead.
RPL assessments are conducted by registered training organisations (RTO’s) across Australia, who can help you decrease the amount of time you spend learning skills that they already know, by simply putting the skills that you already have and the things you already know to good use.
You need to gather as much evidence as you can to support the fact that you already possess the skills necessary to obtain the desired work – this means any qualifications, reference letters, and a current resume, along with any examples of your previous work such as photos, videos, and plans.
Find out if you've got the skills and experience needed to get an RPL in your chosen field with our FREE 60-second skills check!
