Skills Recognition is a process where evidence is collected and a judgment made by an assessor against the requirements of one or more units of competency from a relevant industry Training Package. It is often called RPL or Recognition of Prior Learning. It’s important to know that competencies and qualifications have been created to describe/match real work roles. 

If you have experience and believe that you have built skills and knowledge around your work role you may be eligible for skills recognition (RPL).

Please also read our guide - RPL Student Information

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that assesses an individual's existing skills and knowledge against the competency outcomes of Nationally Accredited units and qualifications. This prior learning may have been achieved through informal learning, on-the-job learning, work experience, self-tuition or life experience. RPL may mean that a person can achieve competency in a full or partial qualification, therefore reducing their requirement for formal study. RPL is also sometime referred to as Recognition and Recognition of Current Competence (RCC). You may receive RPL for part or all of your qualification.

Australian Early Childhood College aims to provide students with recognition wherever possible, and we have a process for determining RPL which does not place an excessive burden on the student. All students are given an opportunity to have their skills recognised when they first enrol, and students are able, and encouraged, to apply for recognition at any time during their studies. To apply for RPL you need to talk to your trainer/assessor about which units you might be eligible for, and they will advise you on the evidence you need to provide. RPL is an assessment process, you will prove your skills and knowledge by providing enough evidence to us. We must collect sufficient evidence to meet the requirtements of a unit of competency. Evidence can include (but are not limited to):

• a resume
• a current job description
• copies of training certificates/transcripts
• third party references such as a performance appraisal
• reports and other documents you have developed at work
• confirmation of knowledge through oral assessment interviews
• confirmation of skills through interviewing students' supervisors and managers

Credit Transfer (CT) allows individuals to count their previously completed studies achieved with other training providers such as TAFE or private RTOs and colleges toward their current qualification. It is also sometimes referred to as Advanced Standing.

For Credit Transfer you will need to provide certified copies of certificates AND a transcript which details the units you previously studied.

Our recognition experts are ready to discuss your personalised pathway to a formal qualification. For any questions about RPL please contact our office on 02 4822 7109 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

Our code of practice and training and assessment programs are designed for, students who are currently working in the field in which they intend to train. Therefore all our students are working in Nationally Regulated Children's Services, If you do not currently work in a Service and you would like to complete a qualification, it is important to contact us to discuss if our programs are right for you. 

Choosing your preferred Registered Training Organisation (RTO) is an important process.  This RTO will support and guide you through your chosen qualification.  Fair Trading NSW has published on their website some recommendations for potential students to undertake before choosing their RTO.  We recommend all students to go through these recommendations before they decide they are ready to enrol.  Please read these recommendations here.

When you are ready to enrol in a National Qualification, then we need to confirm that you have completed the following pre-enrolment steps first;

• Have you discussed the qualification you wish to complete with staff in the Australian Early Childhood College Office?
• Do you meet the eligibility requirements for this qualification when enrolling with the Australian Early Childhood College?
• Are you aware of your commitment requirements?
• Have your read the course outline for the qualification you are enrolling in?
• Have you completed any pre-enrolment tasks?
• Have you been made aware of all the costs?
• Do you have the support of your employer?
• Do you need to complete any contract paperwork, for example, will this enrolment be linked to a Traineeship?
• Do you hold or need to obtain a current Unique Student Identifier (USI)?
• If you are enrolling in a Government Funded Program (such as a traineeship) read carefully the information around that States requirements on the appropriate pages of this website.

If you do not know the answer to any of the questions above then it is important that you contact our office by phone on 02 4822 7109 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. All students are required to complete a pre-enrolment interview prior to enrolment to ensure you have all the accurate information about the program you are interested in.

When you are fully informed, we will then ask you to fill in an enrolment form and ask you to read through our Policies and Student Handbook - Children's Services version. 

You will then be provided with course materials and a training and assessment plan will be negotiated. During this process you will also be given an opportunity to apply for and receive Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Credit Transfer.

Students of Australian Early Childhood College (Recognition First) have certain rights and responsibilities when studying with our organisation, and as a Registered Training Organisation we too have responsibilities regarding our provision of services to clients.

Clients and students are strongly encouraged to make themselves aware of these key policies and procedures before and during your training:

Access and Equity Policy - this policy describes how Australian Early Childhood College guarantees that all eligible students are able to access our services regardless of their background.

Appeals Policy - this policy relates to the appeal of any assessment decisions.

Client Appeals Form - this form can be used by learners to lodge an appeal against an assessment decision. 

Complaints Policy - this policy relates to how we manage and resolve any complaints.

Client Complaints Form - this form can be used to lodge a complaint.

Client Services Policy - this policy outlines our commitment to providing quality training and assessment services to our clients.

Fees and Refunds Policy - this policy applies to fees, charges and refunds applicable to our provision of training. Australian Early Childhood College ensures that fees, charges and refunds are collected and administered in accordance with the provisions of applicable legislative and contractual requirements.

Privacy Policy - this policy relates to how Australian Early Childhood College protects and maintains the privacy, confidentiality, accuracy and security of our clients' personal information.

Third Party Information Request Form - this form is used if a student wishes to give permission for Australian Early Childhood College to disclose information to a third party.

Student Handbook (Children's Services Version) - this document is a Children's Services learner's introduction to our organisation and sets out important information all students need to be aware of when training with Australian Early Childhood College.

Requirements for Written Assessments - this document sets out the requirements students must follow when submitting written assessments to Australian Early Childhood College.

Cover Sheet - this document must be attached to any written assessments or documentation submitted to Australian Early Childhood College.

Our policies and procedures are living documents and are updated regularly, please return to this page at regular intervals to ensure you are accessing the most current information. If you require a hard copy of any of these documents, have any questions or would like more information about any of policies and procedures please contact our office on 02 4822 7109 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Our trainers and staff are very happy to explain any of our policies and procedures in more detail.

If you are studying or hoping to study in a traineeship or other government funded program it is important you also read the detailed information provided on this website relevant to the State and funding program you are working under.