Recognition of Prior Learning procedure

Scope

Centres are required to develop procedures for recognising prior learning that include the following elements:

• raising awareness of the opportunities that recognition of prior learning offer
• guidance on evidence gathering
• assessment of evidence
• awarding credit.

The groups which need to be included

Staff responsible for assessment and internal verification will be involved in the process for recognising prior learning.

The principles

Learners should be encouraged to avoid duplication of learning and assessment by the transfer of credit from within or outside the Qualification and Credit Framework and by the assessment and validation of achievements that have not been certificated/accredited.  Learners will be required to produce valid, current and reliable evidence of learning to support claims based on experience.  A learner may claim RPL against a whole unit or several units.  It is not possible to award part units, but where the RPL evidence does not fully meet the needs of a complete unit, the missing information may be provided via the same assessment processes that are undertaken by taught groups of learners.

Useful links

QCA RPL process

RPL policy and procedure
IV Process
Sampling Framework
Enquiries, complaints and appeals policy relating to results and quality assurance process