The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process recognises a persons prior learning as evidence towards nationally recognised standards and/or qualifications.

This can be through courses the person has completed:

• that had an assessment process but were not based on unit standards
• that were based on unit standards

An person wishing to have their previously completed, unit-standard-based courses cross-credited to a National Certificate or Diploma:

• signs a NZITO training agreement in the National Qualification or LCP for which they are seeking RPL
• is assigned an assessor or Provider who works with them to identify the unit standards and/or qualification for which the person can provide evidence
• needs to provide an NZQA record of learning outlining the unit standards or achievement standards they wish to supply as evidence - or give us their NZQA ID number and date of birth

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

A candidate wishing to cross-credit to a National Certificate or Diploma a previously completed course that was not unit standard or achievement based:

• signs a NZITO training agreement in the National Qualification/LCP for which they are seeking RPL
• is assigned an assessor who works with them to identify the unit standards and/or the qualification for which the person provide evidence
• needs to provide details of their completed course, including a copy of the relevant module with course objectives that relate to the unit standards, and a copy of the course assessments and results.
• needs to submit evidence for assessment by the NZITO assessor.

The assessor reports to the NZITO on unit standards achieved through the RPL process, as well as any gaps identified during the assessment. The advisor uses the report to develop a training and assessment plan.

Note: RCC and RPl processes can occur concurrently. That is, an assessor can use both processes when working with an apprentice to recognise their achievements in a qualification.

The term candidate, trainee, apprentice are all used to mean the person seeking recognition for some form of assessment.