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Applying for Credit & RPL

In accordance with the requirements of the Standards for Registered Training Organisations, SMIC provides the opportunity for students to apply to have prior learning recognised toward a qualification or units of competence for which they are enrolled.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a way of giving credit for past experience. It acknowledges that workplace skills and knowledge may be gained through a variety of ways including informal learning or through work-based or life-experience.
RPL involves the assessment of previously unrecognised skills and knowledge that an individual has achieved outside the formal education and training system. This unrecognised learning is assessed against the requirements of a unit of competence, in respect of both entry requirements and outcomes to be achieved.

By removing the need for duplication of learning, RPL encourages an individual to continue upgrading their skills and knowledge through structured education and training towards formal qualifications and improved employment outcomes. This has benefits for the individual and industry. Most importantly, it should be noted that recognition is just another form of assessment.

The following guidelines apply for RPL:

  • Any student is entitled to apply for recognition in a course or qualification in which they are currently enrolled.
  • Students may not apply for RPL for units of competence or a qualification which are not included in Sydney Metropolitan International College scope of registration.
  • Whilst students may apply for RPL at any time, they are encouraged to apply before commencing a training program. This will reduce unnecessary training and guide the student down a more efficient path to competence.
  • Students who are currently enrolled in a training program are eligible to apply for recognition in that program at no additional charge.
  • Assessment via recognition applies the principles of assessment and the rules of evidence.
  • RPL may only be awarded for whole units of competence.
  • Where a student applies for and is granted Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) after issuing of CoE, the length of the CoE will be reduced via PRISMS. This may affect the student’s VISA.

For further information on RPL, please refer to the College’s policies and procedures on RPL.

Credit Transfer

Credit transfer is the recognition of learning achieved through formal education and training. Under the Standards for Registered Training Organisations, qualifications and statements of attainment issued by any RTO are to be accepted and recognised by all other RTOs. Credit Transfer allows a student to be awarded a unit of competency/module based on successful completion of the unit which has been previously awarded.

If you are seeking credit transfer you are required to present your statement of attainment or qualification for examination by Sydney Metropolitan International College. You must provide satisfactory evidence that the statement of attainment or qualification is yours and that it has been issued by an Australian RTO. Statements of attainment or qualifications should be in the correct format as outlined in the Australian Qualifications Framework Implementation Handbook. You are required to submit copies only which must be certified as a true copy of the original.

The following guidelines apply to credit transfers:

  • Any student is entitled to apply for credit transfer in a course or qualification in which they are currently enrolled.
  • Students may not apply for credit transfer for units of competence or qualification which is not included in Sydney Metropolitan International College scope of registration.
  • Whilst students may apply for credit transfer at any time, they are encouraged to apply before commencing a training program. This will reduce unnecessary training and guide the student down a more efficient path to competence.
  • The student does not incur any fees for credit transfer.
  • Credit transfer may only be awarded for whole units of competence. Where a mapping guide identifies a partial credit, this will not be considered for credit transfer and applicants will be advised to seek Recognition instead.
  • Where a student applies for and is granted Credit Transfer after issuing of CoE, the length of the CoE will be reduced via PRISMS. This may affect the student’s VISA.

For further information on credit transfer and RPL, please check SMIC’s policies and procedures.