Applying for Credit and RPL in TAFE Courses
Ensure you submit your application at least four (4) weeks before the commencement of your intake. Refer to the CQUniversity Academic Calendars for key dates.
Credit Application Process
If you are a new TAFE student, you can submit your credit application within your ApplyOnline course admission application.
You must attach the following documentation to your credit application:
- A copy of your verifiable USI transcript. Instructions on how to generate your verifiable USI transcript can be found on the USI website, OR
- A copy of your official academic transcript or record of results. Unofficial transcripts are not accepted for Credit Transfer Applications.
If you are an existing TAFE student, you can submit your credit application via the Credit Application Portal.
You must attach the following documentation to your credit application:
- A copy of your verifiable USI transcript. Instructions on how to generate your verifiable USI transcript can be found on the USI website, OR
- A copy of your official academic transcript or record of results. Unofficial transcripts are not accepted for Credit Transfer Applications.
Credit Documentation
Transcripts and Other Supporting Documentation
In line with our regulatory compliance requirements, CQUniversity is required to verify all prior TAFE transcripts before awarding credit. Therefore, if we are unable to verify your transcript via one of our verification pathways, we may require further documentation to assist with this process. If required, instructions will be communicated to you via your student email.
Your application for credit will be assessed after you have accepted your offer with CQUniversity and submitted all supporting documentation. CQUniversity will not be responsible for obtaining documents from other institutions, organisations or individuals.
Pre-Assessments
CQUniversity does not complete credit pre-assessments towards TAFE courses.
RPL Application Process
The RPL process requires your skills to be assessed against industry standards and the specific requirements of a course. You will be required to undertake a comprehensive self-assessment against the performance criteria, performance and knowledge evidence of each unit of competency and provide a range of supporting documentation that is used as evidence to demonstrate your existing skills and knowledge. A workplace supervisor/manager will need to be nominated to verify that you can/have performed the skill and developed the knowledge required of a unit of competency.
Our Assessor will carefully review your portfolio of evidence, complete a competency conversation and contact your nominated Third Party to confirm your performance in a work setting. This will enable them to assess how your skills and knowledge are equivalent to the course.
- Search for your course of interest and click on the apply now button on the course page. You can then select Recognition of Prior Learning.
- Complete the RPL Self Evaluation of your skills and knowledge against the unit of competency requirements. A list of required evidence is provided within the self-evaluation and is essential to support your application.
- On submission, the RPL Team will access your completed self-evaluation and provide an official quote.
- Once you have approved your quote, the RPL Team will generate your invoice for payment. Payment in full will be required to enable the commencement of your assessment.
- Upload your portfolio of required evidence and nominate your Third Party (Employer) Verification via our Online system.
- Our assessors will complete the assessment process to determine competency achievement.
- Any remaining units not achieved via an RPL process will need to be completed via the study pathway to receive your qualification.
If you have any queries or are unsure about the course, please contact CQUniversity's RPL Administration Team at 07 4970 7249 or via email rpl@cqu.edu.au.
Frequently Asked Questions
For credit, a transcript is requested and the process should begin straight away. It's recommended that students provide as evidence their verifiable USI Transcript.
If you are unsure of which units to apply for credit towards, you can leave this section blank and attach your transcript for assessment.
Credit for prior learning will be assessed only after you have accepted your offer with CQUniversity, and applications should be submitted at least 4 weeks before the relevant study intake commences.
If you are receiving a message that states ‘No unit exists’ when attempting to add your previous TAFE unit/s to your credit application, please just enter the unit details and click the plus sign to add this unit to your application.
The length of time you have been working for an organisation may not be sufficient evidence to satisfy the RPL process – you must demonstrate that you have the skills required to meet the standard set by industry. Developing new skills in your workplace is also important and regular training should be undertaken.
The cost will vary for each individual as this is dependent on your chosen qualification. It will also depend on your entitlement to any funding or concession that is available and also whether you will be eligible for Transfer Credits.
Costing information will be given to you by our Administration Team when you make your enquiry and obtain the RPL Application Pack.
You can find fees for your chosen course through our Find a Course page.
Yes, it is possible to gain a whole qualification through an RPL pathway with the exception of an apprentice. An apprentice must undertake at least one unit through normal training delivery. Some candidates achieve partial qualifications of one or two units of competency to suit their employment /career goals.
If you have current skills and knowledge, but are not employed, you can apply for RPL. However, if a workplace observation is required this may occur at CQUniversity Campus or other suitable location negotiated with your RPL assessor. It is preferable that you be currently employed in the area you are seeking RPL in as you will need to be able to provide current workplace documentation evidence.
