Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) at Obelisk Training
Recognise Your Skills. Fast-Track Your Qualification
At Obelisk Training, we believe your hard work and experience deserve recognition. Many learners already have the skills needed to meet qualification requirements – whether gained through employment, volunteering, or other learning.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is our way of ensuring your prior knowledge is formally recognised, saving you both time and money on your study journey.
How Much Does RPL Cost?
At Obelisk, we keep the RPL process accessible:
- No application fee – unlike some RTOs, you don’t pay just to apply.
- Transparent fees – the overall cost depends on the course fee and the outcome of your RPL assessment.
- Never more than study – the cost of RPL will be comparable to, and never higher than, the cost of completing the same qualification through study.
Am I Eligible for RPL?
You may be a good candidate for RPL if you can answer yes to most of these questions:
- Is my prior learning relevant to the course?
- Are my skills and knowledge current? (Evidence must be recent, especially in fast-changing industries)
- Are my skills transferable to a range of settings or situations?
- Is my evidence authentic and verifiable?
- Is my experience at the right level for the unit or course?
- Do I have the foundation skills to support my knowledge (e.g., communication, problem-solving, digital literacy)?
If you’re unsure, our team can help you review your experience and map it against course requirements.
Am I Eligible for RPL?
Evidence is how you demonstrate your skills. It can take different forms:
Direct Evidence (your own work):
- Documents you created (reports, code, social media campaigns, project work).
- Videos/screenshots of you performing tasks.
- Demonstrations observed by an assessor.
Indirect Evidence (about your work):
- Position descriptions.
- Statements of results from training.
- Performance reviews or meeting minutes.
Supplementary Evidence (supporting documents):
- Job descriptions.
- References or testimonials from supervisors.
- Certificates from past training.
Important Considerations:
- All formal documents (like qualifications) must be certified as authentic.
- Templates or forms count only if you created them, and a third party can verify this.
- Evidence must clearly relate to the unit of competency.
- Video/audio recordings are acceptable if all participants have consented.
A strong RPL application usually includes a mix of direct, indirect, and supplementary evidence.
Examples of RPL Eligibility
Aisha – A Good RPL Candidate (Certificate IV in Marketing & Communication)
Aisha has worked as a marketing coordinator for four years. She regularly manages social media accounts, designs email campaigns, and reports on digital marketing performance. She applies for RPL for several units.
She provides campaign reports she authored, screenshots of live campaigns, testimonials from her manager, and performance data.
She also shares a portfolio of graphic content and meeting minutes from strategy sessions.
Result: Her evidence demonstrates competency, and Aisha is a strong candidate for RPL.
Daniel – Not Eligible for RPL (Certificate III in Information Technology)
Daniel has been a self-taught computer enthusiast, often helping family and friends with IT issues. He wants to gain a Certificate III in IT and hopes for RPL.
- While he has experience troubleshooting at home, he cannot provide workplace evidence such as formal tickets, supervisor verification, or project documents.
- Personal projects don’t demonstrate competency at the required level without documented evidence.
- Result: Daniel is not eligible for RPL in this case but can enrol in the course to build recognised skills.
Our RPL Process
We make the RPL process straightforward and supportive:
If You Don’t Qualify for RPL
Not every skill can be recognised through RPL. But don’t worry – at Obelisk, you won’t be left behind. If your RPL application is unsuccessful:
- We’ll create a training plan tailored to your needs.
- You’ll complete only the units or parts of units you still need to achieve competency.
- Our flexible, online learning options let you move forward efficiently.
Why Choose RPL with Obelisk?
Because we put our students first.
- No hidden fees – transparent, fair pricing.
- Guided process – clear instructions, assessor support, and learner-friendly kits.
- Fast-tracked learning – save time by avoiding repetition.
Frequently asked questions
How long does RPL take?
The timeframe depends on how quickly you can gather your evidence. Once submitted, most assessments are completed within 2 weeks.
What if I don’t have enough evidence?
If your evidence isn’t sufficient, we’ll guide you on what’s missing. Where gaps exist, we’ll create a training plan so you only complete the units you still need.
What kind of evidence should I provide?
Evidence may include work samples, portfolios, system screenshots, performance reviews, references from supervisors, or training certificates. A mix of direct and supporting evidence gives you the strongest application.
What happens if my RPL is not approved?
You can still complete the qualification with us. We’ll provide flexible study options to cover only what you need, without repeating skills you already have.
Do I need to pay to apply for RPL?
No. At Obelisk, we don’t charge an RPL application fee. You only pay the course fee, and the RPL process will never cost more than studying the same course.
Can I apply for RPL for just part of a course?
Yes. You don’t have to apply for the whole qualification – you can seek RPL for specific units where you have the required skills and knowledge.
Is RPL guaranteed?
No. Submitting an RPL application does not guarantee approval. A qualified assessor must confirm that your skills meet the requirements of the unit(s).