In order for your skills to be formally recognised as part of a national qualification, Assessors must make sure that you (the candidate) have the required skills and knowledge to meet the industry standard as specified in the relevant Training Package.
You must be involved in the RPL process so that all the experience, skills and knowledge you have gained over time can be correctly identified and suitably demonstrated. This evidence is gathered and used in recognition of all or some of the units for the qualification you wish to gain.
All assessment requirements will be discussed with you in advance and you will be given the opportunity to ask questions and clarify requirements. Being prepared for the assessment process and knowing what you need to provide can save you valuable time and ensure that the RPL assessment is as simple and stress-free as possible.
Here are some tips to make the application process and interview easier for you.
1. Your Assessor will ask you to talk about your work roles and your employment history.
2. The following is a list of some of the documents you can provide as examples of your work history:
• Personal Identification documents (Driver’s license, passport, USI number)
• CV or Resume
• References from current or former employers
• References from current or former supervisors/managers
• Performance appraisals current or former positions
• Performance development reviews (PDR’s)
• Current or former employment contracts
• Current or former position descriptions
• Any formal qualifications (Certificates, qualifications, diplomas, degrees)
• Military service records (PM Keys Long)
• Overseas deployment certificates
• Military course reports
• Service history reports (Emergency services personnel)
• Any promotion course reports (Military, in-house corporate)
• Statutory declaration for evidence not able to be shown
• Statutory declaration from a person who can attest to you having performed a certain role/task
• Any licences or tickets held, e.g. forklift, crane
• Photographs of work undertaken
• Diaries/task sheets/job sheets/logbooks
• Site training records
• Site competencies held record
• Membership of relevant professional associations
• Hobbies/interests/special skills outside work
• Industry awards
• Any other documentation that may demonstrate skills, knowledge and experience or support your claim.
Depending on where you have worked and what the work may have included, you may or may not have documentary evidence. Do not be put off if you do not have documentary evidence, as the Assessor will work with you during the assessment process.
Confidentiality issues
It is important that sensitive information is not included as part of your Supporting Documentation (as identified in Section 6 and any other documentation you wish to use as evidence). You may need authorisation from your supervisor to use some of your evidence, so it is always best to check the privacy and confidentiality policies of the organisation. Client names should be deleted and financial figures or other personal details should be blacked out and made unidentifiable.
David Kirkby – General Manager OPEC College
