RPL - Learners

RPL is the process for recognising learning that has its source in experience and/or previous formal, non-formal and informal learning contexts.

Using RPL for the recognition of non-formal and informal learning involves a review of past experiences. As a learner, you reflect on your experience in order to discover and then express what these experiences have taught you. RPL is a process through which learning gained from experience can be recognised and used. It also includes learning gained through non-formal learning and training programmes in the workplace, in the community and in the voluntary sector. You can gain a range of knowledge and skills through:

  • family life (home-making, caring, domestic organisation);
  • work (paid or unpaid);
  • community, voluntary or leisure activities; and/or
  • key experiences and events in life.

The RPL process can help you to value and build on the learning you have gained informally. RPL enables you to realise what you have learnt through your experiences and to demonstrate this to others. It reveals your potential and capacity to learn from future experiences.

This recognition may allow you to go on to do more study or training. It may also help you to:

  • plan your career;
  • plan your personal development; and
  • play a more active part in your community.

RPL can be used by a wide range of people either to help them re-enter learning or to contribute towards a programme of learning. Through RPL it may be possible to make a claim for SCQF Credit Points which can reduce the amount of time needed to achieve the required learning programme or qualification. Individuals who might benefit include:

  • people who have been out of the education system for a long time and/or who may lack formal qualifications and/or confidence as learners;
  • adults returning to education;
  • unemployed people looking for a way to demonstrate their learning to prospective employers;
  • people wanting to improve upon existing qualifications;
  • those wanting to re-train or change careers;
  • students at colleges,universities and other learning and training providers;
  • people who have taken non-formal learning or training in the workplace or through community-based learning;
  • people who have gained a range of skills and knowledge through volunteering or through activities or projects within their community; and
  • school students who have been involved in extra-curricular activities.

RPL can be used where you can demonstrate that through your experience, you have already gained the relevant knowledge and skills required for particular units of a learning programme or qualification or for a particular job role.

RPL can help you to consider your options and make decisions about the direction you want to take. The experience of using RPL may benefit you in the following ways:

  • you will have the opportunity to reflect on what you have achieved so far through your experiences in terms of learning and skills;
  • you will think about your goals and what you need to do in order to achieve them: e.g. do a training course, pursue a vocational award, go to college or university or other learning and training provider, apply for, or change, jobs; and
  • it also helps to build confidence - it gives you the tools to identify the learning you have gained through experience, recognise your strengths and value your achievements.

To receive assistance with RPL, you should contact your preferred learning provider, such as your local college or private training provider.