Frequently Asked Questions

RPL, or Recognition of Prior Learning, is a process where providers like Australian Special Skills and Services evaluate your prior work experience to grant you a nationally recognized qualification. This method eliminates the need for traditional classroom study, allowing you to maintain your work and life schedule without interruptions. Recognition of Prior Learning assesses your existing knowledge to determine its alignment with the desired qualification. An advantageous aspect is that it considers formal, non-formal, and informal learning experiences.

To obtain your RPL certificate, the process is simple – apply to Australian Special Skills and Services. Along with your application, you'll be required to submit evidence supporting your qualifications. This evidence may encompass documents like a report, a portfolio featuring work samples, or proof of assessment activities, including work observations or interviews.

Starting a 60-second free skills assessment is a convenient way to initiate the RPL process and confirm your eligibility. By providing basic information during the assessment, an assessor can then contact you to discuss your qualifications, skills, and the evidence required for the RPL application. This initial step helps streamline the process and ensures that you receive personalized guidance based on your individual circumstances.

In Australia, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is available to individuals who have acquired relevant skills and knowledge through work experience, formal education, or other life experiences. Eligible candidates for RPL may include:

1. Experienced Workers: Individuals with substantial work experience in a specific industry or occupation.
2. Existing Employees: Current employees looking to formalize their skills and obtain qualifications relevant to their job.
3. Job Seekers: Individuals seeking employment who possess skills and knowledge acquired outside of formal education.
4. Migrants: Newcomers to Australia with overseas qualifications and experience.
   Informal Learners: Those who have gained skills through non-formal or informal learning experiences.
5. Individuals with Previous Qualifications: Individuals with existing qualifications seeking recognition for additional skills acquired since obtaining their initial qualification.

To determine eligibility for RPL, individuals should consult with Australian Special Skills and Services and speak with one of our assessors. Each RPL provider may have specific criteria and processes, and they can provide guidance on the evidence required for assessment. Overall, RPL is designed to recognize and credit individuals for the skills and knowledge they have gained, irrespective of how or where they acquired them.

A trade license, also known as a business or occupational license, is a legal permit issued by a government authority that allows individuals or companies to engage in specific types of business activities or trades. The purpose of a trade license is to regulate and monitor businesses to ensure they comply with local laws, regulations, and safety standards.

It's crucial for businesses to research and understand the local licensing requirements applicable to their specific industry or trade. Failure to obtain the necessary trade license can lead to legal issues and business disruptions.

No, a trade qualification and a trade license are distinct concepts, each serving a different purpose in the context of professional or vocational activities:

1. Trade Qualification:
   • A trade qualification refers to the formal recognition of an individual's skills, knowledge, and competencies in a specific trade or vocational area.
   • It is typically obtained through completion of a recognized training program, apprenticeship, or formal education in a specific trade or occupation.
   • Examples of trade qualifications include certificates, diplomas, or other credentials awarded by educational institutions or training authorities.
   • Trade qualifications demonstrate that an individual has acquired the necessary expertise to perform tasks related to a particular trade.
2. Trade License:
   • A trade license, on the other hand, is a legal authorization granted by a government or local authority that permits a business or individual to engage in specific trade or business activities.
   • It is a regulatory requirement designed to ensure that businesses comply with local laws, safety standards, and other regulations.
   • Trade licenses are issued at the municipal or local government level and are often specific to the type of business or trade being conducted.
   • Having a trade license is a legal requirement for operating a business in many jurisdictions, and it does not necessarily signify an individual's qualification or competence in a trade.

In summary, a trade qualification represents an individual's educational or training achievement in a specific trade, while a trade license is a legal permit that allows businesses or individuals to conduct specific trade-related activities in compliance with local regulations.

Obtaining a trade license offers several benefits and is often a legal requirement in many jurisdictions. Here are some reasons why you should consider getting a trade license:

1. Legitimacy and Compliance:
   
   • A trade license demonstrates that your business operates legally and complies with local laws and regulations.
   • Operating without a required license may result in legal consequences, fines, or the closure of your business.
2. Consumer Trust:
   
   • Having a trade license can enhance your credibility and build trust with customers. It signifies that your business meets certain standards and adheres to regulations.
3. Public Safety:
   
   • Trade licenses are often associated with ensuring public safety. Authorities set standards to regulate businesses and trades to protect consumers and the community.
4. Access to Opportunities:
   
   • Some contracts, tenders, or business opportunities may require proof of a valid trade license. Having one can open doors to new projects and collaborations.
5. Avoidance of Penalties:
   
   • Non-compliance with licensing requirements may result in penalties, fines, or legal consequences. Obtaining and maintaining a trade license helps you avoid such issues.
6. Legal Protection:
   
   • A trade license can provide legal protection for your business. It offers a clear framework for operations and can be crucial in case of legal disputes.
7. Business Continuity:
   
   • Operating with a valid trade license ensures business continuity. Without the required license, your business may face disruptions or closures.
8. Regulatory Requirements:
   
   • Many jurisdictions have specific regulations for different trades and industries. A trade license ensures that your business adheres to these regulations.
9. Insurance and Financing:
   
   • Some insurance providers and financial institutions may require proof of a valid trade license before providing coverage or financial assistance.
10. Professional Image:
    
    • Displaying a trade license can enhance your professional image. It signals to clients, partners, and competitors that your business is reputable and committed to quality.

Before obtaining a trade license, it's essential to research and understand the specific requirements for your industry and location. Contacting local authorities or licensing bodies can provide detailed information on the application process and any associated fees.

Completing a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) qualification offers various benefits, making it an attractive option for individuals seeking formal recognition of their skills and knowledge. Here are some advantages of obtaining an RPL qualification:

1. Fast-Track to Qualification:
   
   • RPL allows individuals to accelerate the qualification process by recognizing and assessing existing skills and knowledge. This can significantly reduce the time needed to achieve a formal qualification.
2. Formal Recognition of Skills:
   
   • RPL provides official recognition of skills and knowledge acquired through work experience, training, or life experiences. It validates the expertise individuals have gained over time.
3. Time and Cost Savings:
   
   • By avoiding redundant training on skills already possessed, RPL can save both time and money compared to traditional educational pathways.
4. Flexible Learning:
   
   • RPL is a flexible learning option that accommodates individuals with diverse learning backgrounds. It allows for a customized assessment based on the individual's unique experiences.
5. Career Advancement:
   
   • Obtaining a recognized qualification through RPL can enhance career prospects and open doors to new opportunities. Employers often value employees with formal qualifications in addition to practical experience.
6. Increased Confidence:
   
   • Achieving a formal qualification through RPL can boost an individual's confidence in their abilities. It provides validation and acknowledgment of their skills and capabilities.
7. Aligns with Industry Standards:
   
   • RPL assessments are designed to align with industry standards and requirements, ensuring that the qualifications obtained are relevant and respected within the specific field.
8. Meeting Licensing or Regulatory Requirements:
   
   • In certain professions, obtaining a formal qualification is a requirement for licensing or meeting regulatory standards. RPL can help individuals fulfill these requirements.
9. Recognition of Informal Learning:
   
   • RPL acknowledges not only formal education and training but also informal learning experiences, such as on-the-job training and self-directed study.
10. Demonstrates Commitment to Professional Development:
    
    • Pursuing an RPL qualification demonstrates a commitment to ongoing professional development and a willingness to enhance one's skills and knowledge.

Before pursuing an RPL qualification, individuals should assess their eligibility, gather the necessary evidence, and consult with Australian Special Skills and Services to understand the specific requirements for their chosen qualification.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is important for several reasons, as it addresses the needs of individuals with diverse learning backgrounds and experiences. Here are key reasons why RPL is considered important:

1. Acknowledgment of Skills and Experience:
   
   • RPL recognizes and values the skills, knowledge, and experience individuals have gained through work, training, or life experiences. It acknowledges that learning occurs in various contexts.
2. Access to Formal Qualifications:
   
   • RPL provides a pathway for individuals to obtain formal qualifications based on their existing competencies. This is particularly beneficial for those who have extensive work experience but lack formal education in a specific field.
3. Efficiency in Learning:
   
   • RPL streamlines the learning process by focusing on what individuals already know. This efficiency reduces redundancy in training, saving time and resources.
4. Customized Learning Pathways:
   
   • RPL allows for the customization of learning pathways based on an individual's unique skills and experiences. This flexibility aligns with the diverse ways people acquire knowledge.
5. Support for Lifelong Learning:
   
   • Lifelong learning is encouraged through RPL, as it promotes the ongoing development and recognition of skills throughout an individual's career.
6. Career Advancement Opportunities:
   
   • RPL can enhance career prospects by providing individuals with formal qualifications that align with their existing skills. This, in turn, may open doors to new opportunities and career advancement.
7. Meeting Industry Standards:
   
   • RPL assessments are designed to align with industry standards and requirements, ensuring that individuals possess the necessary competencies and knowledge expected in their field.
8. Inclusivity and Diversity:
   
   • RPL supports inclusivity by recognizing skills acquired through diverse experiences, including work, volunteer activities, and informal learning. It caters to individuals from various backgrounds and learning styles.
9. Encourages Continuous Professional Development:
   
   • Individuals who pursue RPL demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and professional development. It encourages a proactive approach to staying current in their field.
10. Addresses Skills Gaps:
    
    • RPL can contribute to addressing skills gaps by validating and formalizing the existing skills of individuals. This is particularly relevant in industries facing shortages of qualified professionals.
11. Compliance with Regulatory Requirements:
    
    • In certain professions, obtaining formal qualifications is a regulatory requirement. RPL allows individuals to meet these requirements while recognizing their existing expertise.

In summary, RPL is crucial for recognizing and formalizing the diverse skills and experiences of individuals, promoting efficiency in learning, and supporting lifelong professional development. It contributes to an inclusive and adaptable education system that addresses the needs of a diverse workforce.

The cost of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of qualification, the complexity of the assessment process, and the policies of the RPL provider.

To determine the cost of RPL for a specific qualification, it is recommended to contact Australian Special Skills and Services directly. We can provide detailed information on our fee structure, any additional costs, and the services included in the RPL process.

Yes! At Australian Special Skills and Services we take your circumstances into consideration which is why we have payment options and plans available so you can focus on your RPL progress.

Australian Special Skills and Services offers the Lowest Price Guarantee. This means you’ll receive the lowest price and the highest level of service.

In many Australian states, obtaining a bricklaying licence is necessary to adhere to regulations and standards. For instance, in NSW, a licence is mandatory for residential building work exceeding $5000 (including GST) in labour and materials. Having a bricklaying licence not only helps meet regulatory requirements but also prevents potential penalties or fines. Moreover, it enables legal marketing of services, participation in contracts/tenders, and enhances earnings compared to unlicensed bricklayers.

To secure a bricklaying licence, you must satisfy the minimum requirements set by your state. In NSW, the following steps outline the process:

• Achieve a Bricklaying/Blocklaying qualification, such as CPC33020 - Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocklaying, with Australian Special Skills and Services.
• Complete construction induction training and acquire a White Card.
• Submit an application to Fair Trading NSW for your bricklaying licence.

Please visit the Bricklaying/Blocklaying RPL qualification page for more information.

In many Australian states, obtaining a waterproofing licence is essential to meet regulatory requirements and standards. In NSW, for instance, a licence is mandatory for residential waterproofing, including strata projects, exceeding $5000 in labour and materials. Having a waterproofing licence not only helps comply with regulatory bodies but also prevents potential penalties or fines. Additionally, it allows for legal marketing of services, participation in contracts/tenders, and increased earnings compared to unlicensed waterproofers.

To attain a waterproofing licence, you must fulfil the minimum requirements set by your state. In NSW, the following steps outline the process:

• Accomplish a Construction Waterproofing qualification, like CPC31420 - Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing, through organisations like Australian Special Skills and Services.
• Complete construction induction training and acquire a White Card.
• Submit an application to Fair Trading NSW for your waterproofing licence. Online Application Form

Please visit the Construction Waterproofing RPL qualification page for more information.

In most states across Australia, obtaining a carpentry licence is necessary to adhere to regulations and standards. For instance, in NSW, carpenters are required to have a licence for residential carpentry work exceeding $5000 in labour and materials. Possessing a carpentry licence not only ensures compliance with regulatory bodies but also helps avoid potential penalties or fines. Additionally, it allows for legal marketing of services, participation in contracts/tenders, and increased earnings compared to unlicensed carpenters.

To obtain a carpentry licence, it is essential to fulfil the minimum criteria set by your state. In NSW, the following steps outline the process of becoming a licensed carpenter:

• Successfully finish a carpentry qualification through Australian Special Skills and Services, like CPC30220 - Certificate III in Carpentry.
• Participate in construction induction training and secure a White Card.
• Submit an application to Fair Trading NSW for your carpentry licence. Online Application Form

Please visit the Carpentry RPL qualification page for more information.

In numerous Australian states, obtaining a builder's licence is a necessity to ensure adherence to regulations and standards. For instance, in NSW, a builder's licence is mandatory for engaging in residential building and construction projects, including strata, exceeding a total value of $5000 in labour and materials. Possessing a building licence not only guarantees compliance with regulatory bodies but also helps avoid penalties or fines. Additionally, it grants the legal ability to market services, as well as initiate contracts and tenders, providing licensed builders with more earning opportunities compared to their unlicensed counterparts.

To obtain a licence as a builder in the construction industry, it's crucial to fulfil the minimum requirements specified by your state. In NSW, the following steps outline the process of becoming a licensed builder:

• Achieve a building/construction qualification through Australian Special Skills and Services, such as:
  • CPC40120 - Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building)
  •  CPC50220 - Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)
• Complete construction induction training and acquire a White Card.
• Submit an application to Fair Trading NSW for your building and construction licence.

Please visit the Building and Construction RPL qualification page for more information. Online Application Form

In numerous states across Australia, obtaining a painter's licence is essential to ensure adherence to regulations and standards. For instance, in NSW, a painter's licence is required for undertaking residential painting work, including strata, with a total value exceeding $5000 in labour and materials. Possessing a painting licence not only guarantees compliance with regulatory bodies but also helps avoid penalties or fines. Additionally, it grants the legal ability to market services and initiate contracts/tenders, providing licensed painters with more earning opportunities compared to their unlicensed counterparts. Free 60 seconds Skill Check

To obtain a licence as a painter, it is necessary to fulfil the minimum requirements established by your state. In NSW, the following steps outline the process of becoming a licensed painter:

• Successfully completed a painting and decorating qualification through Australian Special Skills and Services, such as CPC30620 - Certificate III in Painting and Decorating.
• Undertake construction induction training and acquire a White Card.
• Submit an application to Fair Trading NSW for your painting licence

Please visit the Painting and Decorating RPL qualification page for more information.

In various states across Australia, obtaining a plumber's licence is imperative to ensure adherence to regulations and standards. For instance, in NSW, a licence is required before undertaking any plumbing, draining, or gasfitting work, including LP gasfitting, irrespective of the work's cost or whether it's residential, commercial, or industrial. Possessing a plumber's licence not only ensures compliance with regulatory bodies but also helps avoid penalties or fines. Additionally, it grants the legal ability to market services and initiate contracts/tenders, providing licensed plumbers with more earning opportunities compared to their unlicensed counterparts.

To acquire a licence as a plumber, it is essential to fulfil the minimum requirements established by your state. In NSW, the following steps outline the process of becoming a licensed plumber:

• Successfully complete a plumbing qualification with Australian Special Skills and Services, such as:
  
  • CPC32420 - Certificate III in Plumbing
  • CPC40920 - Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services
• Undertake construction induction training and obtain a White Card.
• Submit an application to Fair Trading NSW for your plumber's licence. Online Application Form

Please visit the Plumbing RPL qualification page for more information or take our Free Skill Check in just 60 seconds.

In numerous states across Australia, obtaining a wall and ceiling lining licence is essential to ensure adherence to regulations and standards. For instance, in NSW, a licence is required for wall and ceiling liners to undertake residential wall and ceiling lining work, including strata, with a total value exceeding $5000 in labour and materials.

Possessing a wall and ceiling lining licence not only ensures compliance with regulatory bodies but also helps avoid penalties or fines. Additionally, it grants the legal ability to market services and initiate contracts/tenders, providing licensed wall and ceiling liners with more earning opportunities compared to their unlicensed counterparts.

To obtain a licence as a wall and ceiling liner, it is necessary to fulfil the minimum requirements specified by your state. In NSW, the following steps outline the process of becoming a licensed wall and ceiling liner:

• Successfully complete a wall and ceiling lining qualification with Australian Special Skills and Services, such as CPC31220 - Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining.
• Undertake construction induction training and acquire a White Card.
• Submit an application to Fair Trading NSW for your wall and ceiling lining licence. Online Application Form

Please visit the Wall and Ceiling Lining RPL qualification page for more information.

lease visit the Wall and Ceiling Lining RPL qualification page for more information. or take our Free Skill Check in just 60 seconds.

In numerous states across Australia, obtaining a wall and floor tiling licence is essential to ensure compliance with regulations and standards. For instance, in NSW, a licence is required for wall and floor tilers to undertake residential wall and floor tiling work, including strata, with a total value exceeding $5000 in labour and materials.

Possessing a wall and floor tiling licence not only ensures adherence to regulatory requirements but also helps avoid penalties or fines. Additionally, it grants the legal ability to market services and initiate contracts/tenders, providing licensed wall and floor tilers with more earning opportunities compared to their unlicensed counterparts.

To obtain a licence as a tiler, it is essential to fulfil the minimum requirements specified by your state. In NSW, the following steps outline the process of becoming a licensed tiler:

• Successfully complete a wall and floor tiling qualification with Australian Special Skills and Services, such as CPC31320 - Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling.
• Undertake construction induction training and acquire a White Card.
• Submit an application to Fair Trading NSW for your wall and floor tiling licence. Online Application Form

Please visit the Wall and Floor Tiling RPL qualification page for more information.
or take our Free Skill Check in just 60 seconds.