Recognition of prior learning (RPL) arrangements and credit transfer

If you only have bookkeeping or financial services experience as an employee you may be eligible for RPL for some of the Group 1 and 2 units in the Certificate IV in Bookkeeping but not for the contract bookkeeper units in Group 3.

The BAS and Payroll units are not offered by RPL as this process is unacceptable to the Tax Practitioners Board.

The RPL assessment process

The RPL process formally assesses your current experience and skills and identifies any further training you may need to complete in order to obtain a Certificate IV in Bookkeeping. The process involves:

1. Your completing an application form which will enable us to assess your suitability for RPL.

2. A face-to-face interview of around 3-4 hours in which we will question you on your knowledge, skills, experience and abilities.

3. Your providing us with written evidence of your knowledge, skills, experience and academic achievements.

4. You completing a number of assessments that fill in the gaps in your skills.

If you would like to proceed with this RPL process you will need to first contact our RPL specialist, Marian Brown, and then to complete an RPL Application Form in addition to the standard BIA Application Form.

Please be aware that because of the one-on-one nature of the process, RPL is generally more expensive than taking the Certificate IV course itself. Furthermore it is a demanding, time consuming process that requires you to produce evidence of your recent (within the last 4 years) work, verified in writing by your clients and with references from Tax Agents who you have worked with. Many people will find it easier to prove their knowledge and ability by simply completing the assessment questions and assignments in our Certificate IV in Bookkeeping course or if you are already a transitional BAS Agent our fasttrack Certificate IV Course for BAS Agents.

We recommend that you study the following information before applying for RPL.

“Recognition of prior learning, also referred to as RPL or recognition of current competencies, is the formal recognition of a person's current skills and knowledge, no matter how, when or where the learning occurred. Even if you have never formally studied or trained in a particular area, you may have gained knowledge and skills through your education, training, work and life experience.”            

RPL assessment processes

In order to recognise prior learning it is necessary to:

• Compare the informal or non-formal learning the individual has achieved against the learning outcomes or performance criteria of the course or qualification for which the student is using as a basis for seeking entry or the award of credit, and

• Determine appropriate evidence to support the claim of prior learning.

The processes used to assess RPL applications may take the following forms, which are not mutually exclusive:

1. Participation in exactly the same or modified versions of the assessment unit (i.e. recognition of a current competency);

2. Assessment based on a portfolio of evidence;

3. Direct observation of demonstration of skill or competence;

4. Reflective papers, journals or portfolios that relate past learning to the learning or competency outcomes of the current course or qualification;

5. Provision of examples of the student's work drawn from the workplace, social, community or other setting in which the student applies their learning, skill or competence;

6. Testimonials of learning, skill or competence; and combinations of any of the above.

Steps in the RPL process

Step 1 – Provide information of your skills and experience

General employment documents

• detailed CV or work history

• position descriptions

• certificates/results of assessment

• details of in house courses, workshops, seminars, orientation or induction sessions

• references/letters from previous employers/supervisors

Workplace documents (NB: please block out any confidential client information)

• task sheets / job sheets

• documents you have produced that show you can use software eg. letters, memos, spreadsheets

• copies of equipment maintenance registers you have completed (eg. organising printer repairs and service, equipment log books)

• financial reports and period-end financial statements you have prepared

• taxation documents and reconciliations you have completed

• working papers for operational budgets you have prepared

• asset and inventory records you have maintained

• file notes or memos showing where you have provided advice in a legal contex

• any other documentation that may demonstrate industry experience

Depending on the industry you have worked in, you may or may not have documentary evidence available. This should not deter you from seeking RPL as the Assessor will work with you during the RPL process.

You will also need to supply contact details of two work referees who can confirm your skills in the industry.

Step 2 – Conversation with Assessor

Step 3 – Practical demonstration of your skills

Further steps

How do I check my skills against the course information?

Available support

Who can apply for Recognition of Prior Learning?

• Do you have the underpinning knowledge required in the unit?

• Can you demonstrate the skills required in the unit?

• Can you apply the knowledge and skills in a work situation?

• Can you apply the knowledge and skills in a range of work situations?

• Are your knowledge and skills current?

• Can you provide evidence of your skills and knowledge?

Guidelines for supplying evidence

• Valid. Evidence must focus on the specified skills and knowledge in the Performance Criteria and Evidence Guide of the unit of competency.

• Sufficient. Evidence must satisfy all elements of the unit of competency taking into account the Range of Variables and Evidence Guide. To ensure you are supplying enough evidence it may be necessary to use supplementary sources such as – verbal confirmation, written testimonials, completed performance appraisals, certificates, job descriptions or third party reports.

• Authentic. Evidence must relate to the performance of the person applying for RPL, not that of another person.

• Current. This is a particularly important aspect as you must be able to demonstrate your evidence is still relevant and current according to the competency requirements. As a general rule, if evidence is over two years old it’s probably too old, unless you have been continually working in that environment and applying those skills and knowledge.

Tips and hints to help you prepare for recognition

Here are some tips and hints for you:

1. At your interview be prepared to talk about your job roles and your work history. Bring your resume and jot down a few points about where you have worked, either paid or unpaid, and what you did there.

2. Bring your position description and any performance appraisals you have from any finance industry offices or facilities you have worked in.

3. Consider the possibilities for workplace contact. Are you in a workplace that is supporting your goal to get qualified? Would you feel comfortable to have the assessor contact your workplace or previous workplaces so your skills can be validated?

4. Think about who can confirm your skill level. Think about current or recent supervisors who have seen you work in the past 18 months and will be able to confirm your skills. The assessor will need to contact them. You may also have community contacts or even clients themselves who can vouch for your skill level.

5. Collect any certificates from in-house training or formal training you have done in the past.

6. You can speak with your training organisation (BIA) about other ways you can show your skills in the financial services industry. These could be letters from employers, records of your professional development sessions, employers or clients in related industries or government agencies, acknowledgements, workplace forms (as long as they don’t show client details) or other relevant documents.

Evidence guide

The following are the main types of evidence you should include where appropriate

• Your CV or resume

• Signed, original references and letters from past employers outlining your responsibilities and achievements.

• Certified copies of AQF qualifications you have already obtained, eg Statements of Attainment; Certificate; Diploma; Degree.

• Awards or certificates you have obtained at work or through your prior studies.

• Examples of work you have completed (this evidence may be documents, photographs, or videos)

• Observation. The Institute may arrange for you to demonstrate your competency to BIA trainers/assessors.

Note – this is not an exhaustive list.

Appeal options

Applicants will have the opportunity to appeal RPL decision made by the Institute via the Compliments, Complaints & Appeals procedure.  See further information about complaints and appeals in this Student Handbook or on the Institute website.