Recognition of prior learning

No study.
No classroom.
Just the certificate.

If you already do the work, your experience can be assessed and turned into a nationally recognised qualification, from Certificate III to Advanced Diploma, across care, education, property and finance.

  • Assessed in 2–3 weeks
  • Nationally recognised
  • One clear fee
Who it's for

You probably already qualify if...

RPL is for people who learned the job by doing it. If one of these sounds like work you do now, or have done before, and you've built up solid experience in it, it's worth a free eligibility check.

Experience counts as evidence
You've done the hard part already.
  • You support people in aged care, disability or community services, with personal care, daily living or community access
  • You work with children in an early learning service, planning play and keeping them safe and settled
  • You support students in a school, as a teacher's aide or learning support officer
  • You train or assess people at work, from inductions to on-the-job sign-offs
  • You sell, lease or manage property at a real estate agency
  • You arrange home loans or finance for clients, as a broker or on a lending team
An older couple laughing together outdoors
Most common outcome

Full qualification, no gap training needed.

In as little as 2–3 weeks, you could go from unqualified to holding a nationally recognised qualification.

The process

Four steps, no textbooks

  1. 01

    Free consult

    Book a free consult. An advisor talks through your experience and confirms you're a fit.

  2. 02

    Gather your evidence

    Pull together references, work samples and records. We tell you exactly what counts.

  3. 03

    Assessor review

    A qualified assessor maps your evidence to each unit. Any gaps are covered with a short conversation, not a course.

  4. 04

    Certificate issued

    Your nationally recognised qualification lands in your inbox, issued by our partner RTO.

Check your eligibility in 60 seconds

No obligation. An Apollos advisor will call within one business day to confirm your pathway and answer questions.

  • Free, no commitment
  • Your details stay private
  • Real person, not a bot
FAQ

Straight answers

How RPL works

What is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)?

RPL is a formal assessment of the skills you already have. Instead of sitting through a course, a qualified assessor from our partner RTO checks your work experience against the units in the qualification. If you meet the standard, you're awarded the qualification.

Is an RPL qualification the same as a studied one?

Yes. It's the same nationally recognised qualification with the same code. The only difference is how you showed your skills: through your experience, not classes.

Is the qualification nationally recognised?

Yes. Every qualification is recognised across Australia and is issued by our partner Registered Training Organisation.

Do I need to go back to study or attend classes?

No. RPL assesses what you already know from doing the work, so there are no classes to attend.

Is there still an assessment?

Yes. Every person is assessed by a qualified assessor. You provide evidence of your experience, and the assessor confirms it against the qualification's requirements.

Eligibility

Do I qualify if I'm not working in the industry right now?

You can. What matters is your experience, not whether you're in a role today. If you've done the work before, you may still qualify.

How much experience do I need?

It depends on the qualification and the kind of work you've done. Book a free eligibility check and an advisor will tell you where you stand.

Does volunteer work or unpaid caring count?

It can. Relevant volunteer work and caring experience may count as evidence, as long as it matches what the qualification covers. Your advisor will confirm this in your eligibility check.

Which qualification is right for me, Cert III or Cert IV?

Cert III suits most support, aged care and home care workers. Cert IV is for people with more responsibility, like team leaders or those supporting clients with complex needs. Not sure? Your advisor will recommend the one that fits your experience.

Evidence and process

What evidence do I need to provide?

Usually your resume, a reference letter, and proof of identity: driver licence, Medicare card, and passport or citizenship certificate. You'll also need your Unique Student Identifier (USI) screenshot and USI VET transcript. Your advisor will tell you if anything else would help your case.

What if I don't have payslips or formal records?

That's common, and it doesn't rule you out. A reference letter from a supervisor or employer often fills the gap. Your advisor will help you work out what you have.

What if I'm missing evidence for a unit?

Your assessor will talk you through your options, which might be extra documents, a reference, or a short conversation about how you do the work.

How long does the whole process take?

It can take anywhere from 2 to 3 weeks.

What happens after I book my free consult?

An Apollos advisor calls you within one business day to check your eligibility. If you qualify, you pay your fee, submit your evidence, and the RTO completes your assessment.

Cost and payment

How much does it cost, and what's included?

Each qualification has a set fee, shown on its course page. Your fee covers your RPL assessment and, if you're assessed as competent, your nationally recognised qualification.

Can I pay in instalments?

Unfortunately not. We don't offer payment plans, and all payments are made before you receive your certificate.

What happens if I'm not eligible? Do I get a refund?

The eligibility check happens before you pay, so you'll know whether you qualify before any money changes hands.

Certificate and after

Who issues my certificate, Apollos or the RTO?

Your certificate is issued by our partner RTO. Apollos is not an RTO. We guide you through the process and connect you with the RTO.

Do I need a First Aid certificate, police check or Working with Children Check as well?

Not to get your certificate. You'll need: driver licence, Medicare card, passport or citizenship certificate, resume, reference letter, USI screenshot and USI VET transcript. Some employers may ask for extra checks when you apply for a job.

Can I get more than one qualification through RPL?

Yes, if your experience covers more than one. Mention it in your consult and your advisor will check each one.

Free · No obligation

Book a free consult

Tell us a little about yourself and an advisor will be in touch to book a time. Your qualification comes through Recognition of Prior Learning, so there's no study required.