Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), formerly known as 'APL,' is an integral process that allows students to gain exemptions from certain aspects of their chosen academic program by acknowledging their learning from previous experiences or achievements during the admissions process. This practice is designed to recognize and value the skills and knowledge individuals have acquired, regardless of where or how they learned them.

RPL serves as a straightforward and transparent method of assessing someone's capabilities, deviating from conventional assessments that solely rely on credentials or qualifications. It doesn't take into account factors like a person's workplace, age, gender, or physical attributes. Instead, RPL enables individuals to showcase their competence in specific tasks or industries by presenting evidence of skills and knowledge accumulated throughout their lives.

In essence, RPL aligns with criterion-referenced assessment, evaluating skills and knowledge against specific criteria. Although the criteria may be less detailed than those found in competency standards, they are outcomes-based. This means the assessment focuses on the result of an action, such as writing a letter or creating a tangible product, rather than the process of learning itself.

In traditional teaching or training, the criteria for formative and summative assessments are often defined as teaching or training objectives. These objectives outline the expected behavior to be observed, the conditions under which the behavior should be performed, and the standards or criteria that the performance must meet. These standards represent the desired outcomes resulting from the learning or training activity.

Unlike process-based assessments, where the emphasis is on the learning journey, RPL shifts the focus to the tangible outcomes achieved by individuals. It provides a flexible and inclusive approach, allowing individuals to showcase their skills and knowledge in a manner that goes beyond conventional academic qualifications. Through RPL, individuals have the opportunity to prove their capabilities and contribute to their chosen fields based on the practical application of their acquired skills and knowledge throughout their life journey.