The Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) process involves recognising a candidates exisiting skills and knowledge and assessing them against nationally recognised standards.

RCC usually applies to apprentices/trainees who have been working in a particular organisation and/or industry sector but do not have formal qualifications recognising that experience.

The assessment usually includes:

• assessing the candidate at a whole-qualification or skill-set level
• cross -referencing evidence
• acquiring confirmation of their past performance
• assessing documentary evidence about past events
• gathering evidence of their current performance to meet national standards
• validating evidence of pst training and assessment.

RCC can be seen as a fast track assessment process for candidates who have clear expertise and experience. At times actual assessment may be a more efficient option to validate competency.

A person applying for RCC:

• signs a NZITO training agreement for the appropriate National Certificate/LCP (Limited Credit Package)
• is assigned an assessor, who works with them to identify the unit standards and/or the qualification for which the person can provide evidence
• works with the assessor to identify the evidence required to meet the agreed standards and set a timeline for the assessment
• submits evidence for assessment by the contract assessor.

The assessor reports to the NZITO on the unit standards achieved through RCC, as well as any training gaps identified during the assessment. The trainee/NZITO/company uses the report to develop a training plan with the apprentice.

Assessors can use oral questions or written tests to assess theory unit standards or elements - however, written tests are preferred. The assessors may also ask to see some evidence of completed jobs or observe the candidate performing selected tasks. If they use oral questioning, the questions and replies should be recorded.

Evidence up to five years old is considered 'current'.