Both recognition of prior learning and credit transfer can shorten your course and reduce what you pay. Every student is entitled to apply for both, and we will tell you at enrolment if we think you have a case.
Credit transfer
The simpler of the two. If you have already completed the same unit of competency with ACHC or any other registered training organisation, we grant credit for it. You need to provide a verified transcript or Statement of Attainment, or let us look the units up against your USI transcript.
Credit transfer is not a judgement call — if the unit code matches, or the unit is formally equivalent to the one in your course, credit is granted. There is no assessment and no fee.
Recognition of prior learning (RPL)
RPL recognises skills and knowledge you already hold from paid work, volunteering, life experience or training that did not lead to a formal qualification. Instead of studying the unit, you demonstrate that you can already meet its requirements.
It suits people who have been working in care without a qualification — which describes a lot of our students.
What evidence looks like
- A current position description and a reference from a supervisor who can speak to your competence
- Records of workplace training, toolbox sessions or in-service education
- Examples of your own work — care notes, incident reports, plans you have contributed to (with identifying details removed)
- A conversation with an assessor, and where needed a practical demonstration
Evidence has to be valid, current, sufficient and genuinely yours. An assessor will work through it with you rather than leaving you to guess what is needed.
How to apply
Download the RPL & Credit Transfer Application from Our Resources and submit it with your evidence. Apply before your course starts if you can — it is much harder to unpick once you are partway through a unit.
If your application is unsuccessful you will be told why, in writing, and you can appeal the decision. The full process is in the RPL & Credit Transfer Policy on Our Policies.