Two main ways to get qualified — RPL or formal study
If you’re building a trade career in Australia, you generally have two main pathways to a qualification:
- The traditional route — studying through TAFE or completing an apprenticeship.
- The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) route — where your existing experience is assessed against national standards.
Both lead to the same nationally recognised qualification, but the journey (and the time it takes to start earning more) can be very different.
For experienced workers already on the tools, RPL can be the faster, more cost-effective option — letting you prove what you already know and get certified without spending years in a classroom.
Comparison: RPL vs Apprenticeships and TAFE
Criteria | RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) | Traditional Apprenticeship / TAFE |
Time to complete | 2–8 weeks on average once evidence is submitted (ASQA, 2024) | 3–4 years (typical apprenticeship length) |
Learning format | Skills and experience assessed through portfolio, interviews, and workplace evidence | Combination of on-the-job training and classroom study |
Cost | Usually a few thousand dollars (varies by trade and RTO) | May be subsidised, but long time off full pay means higher opportunity cost |
Earning potential while training | Continue full-time work while being assessed | Apprentice wages are often 40–60% of a qualified rate (Fair Work Ombudsman) |
Best for | Experienced workers, migrants, or those with years on the tools but no qualification | School leavers or new entrants needing structured training |
Outcome | Same nationally recognised qualification as completing the full course | Same nationally recognised qualification |
If you’ve already done the work, RPL fast-tracks your trade recognition. If you’re starting fresh, TAFE or apprenticeship training is the right foundation.
Case Study: Earning faster through RPL
Take James, a carpenter from Brisbane with 10 years on the job but no formal paperwork. Without a trade certificate, he couldn’t apply for a builder’s licence or tender for higher-value contracts.
Through Skills Certified, James completed his Certificate III in Carpentry (CPC30220) via RPL. After gathering site photos, references and payslips, his qualification was issued in just five weeks.
Instead of spending three years in a classroom, James moved straight into subcontracting roles — increasing his income by over $20,000 per year.
That’s the power of RPL: turning real experience into recognised qualifications — and higher earning potential — without starting from scratch.
When to choose RPL
RPL isn’t for everyone — it’s designed for workers who already have trade experience and can prove their skills through evidence. You’re an ideal candidate if:
- You’ve worked in a trade for 2+ years without holding a formal qualification
- You’re a migrant worker with overseas training or experience that needs Australian recognition
- You’ve partially completed an apprenticeship and now want to finish faster
- You’re seeking a licence or registration, but need to show formal qualifications
- You’re a contractor or site supervisor looking to move up or specialise
If you’re brand new to the industry, a traditional apprenticeship or TAFE pathway will help you build your foundational skills. But if you already have those skills, RPL can save you time, money, and lost income.
Next steps: Book your free RPL skills assessment
Skills Certified makes getting qualified simple:
- Free Skills Assessment – Talk to our team about your experience and career goals.
- Evidence Portfolio – Collect proof of your work, such as references, photos, payslips, and contracts.
- Assessment – One of our partner RTOs reviews your portfolio against national standards.
- Get Qualified – Receive your nationally recognised qualification, identical to one earned through study.
With Skills Certified, most candidates receive their qualification within 4 weeks of submitting evidence. It’s fast, stress-free, and nationally recognised across all states and territories.
Book your free RPL assessment today and see how quickly you can convert experience into a qualification.
