Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer
Students may already have skills, study or work experience that relate to a course. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and credit transfer are ways to have that previous learning considered before or during enrolment.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL is an assessment process. It looks at whether your existing skills and knowledge meet the requirements of one or more units in a qualification.
Your learning might come from work, previous study, volunteering, self-directed projects, community activity or industry experience. For programming courses, useful evidence may include working applications, code repositories, project documentation, client work, job tasks, workplace references or prior training records.
Credit transfer
Credit transfer applies when you have already completed equivalent nationally recognised units. You may be asked to provide a statement of attainment, transcript or USI transcript so completed units can be checked.
Credit transfer is different from RPL. RPL assesses skills and knowledge. Credit transfer recognises completed units that match the current qualification requirements.
Evidence you may need
- Academic transcripts, statements of attainment or certificates
- USI transcript information for completed nationally recognised training
- Work samples, GitHub repositories, application screenshots or project documentation
- Position descriptions, resumes, references or employer letters
- Records of workplace tasks, client work or technical responsibilities
- Interviews, practical demonstrations or challenge tasks if more evidence is required
How to prepare
- Start early. Raise RPL or credit transfer before enrolment is finalised where possible, because it can affect study planning.
- Match evidence to units. Strong evidence should show what you can do, how recently you did it, and how it relates to the course requirements.
- Keep records clear. Use readable file names and explain what each item demonstrates.
- Do not assume automatic approval. RPL and credit transfer must be reviewed before an outcome can be confirmed.
Ask about RPL or credit transfer
If you want prior learning considered, send an enquiry before enrolment and include the course you are considering, your relevant experience and whether you have completed any nationally recognised IT units.