Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL evaluates what you already know and can do — whether learned at work, in the community, or through previous studies — and turns it into formal credit or access towards a recognised qualification. In line with SAQA guidelines, your prior learning is made visible, mediated and assessed for access, credit or certification.
Save Time & Money
Get credit for skills you already have so you only study what’s missing. RPL can reduce the modules you still need to complete and fast-track your qualification.
Open Doors
Use RPL for access into a programme when you don’t meet formal entry requirements, or for credit towards a full or part-qualification.
Boost Your Career
Convert real workplace experience into formal recognition that employers, professional bodies and quality councils understand and respect.
Current RPL fee: R800 • Includes screening, guidance and assessment of your evidence.
How the RPL Process Works
RPL at Shiloh Training is a guided process. We help you map your existing experience and learning against the outcomes of our programmes so that you can earn access or credit towards a recognised qualification.
Typical fee: R800 – covers screening, guidance and assessment of your evidence.
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Step 1
Quick Screening (Free)
We talk through your goals, experience and any previous learning, and compare it to a target qualification or part-qualification. This helps us confirm if RPL is the right route for you.
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Step 2
Apply & Pay the RPL Fee
Once you’re a good fit, you complete the RPL application and pay the R800 fee. We then issue your RPL starter pack, including a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) checklist and guidance notes.
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Step 3
Gather Your Evidence
You compile proof of your learning and experience – such as certificates, workplace documents, supervisor letters, lesson plans, reports, care plans, photos/videos and a detailed CV. We help you map each piece of evidence to the outcomes of the programme.
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Step 4
Assessment of Your PoE
A qualified assessor reviews your Portfolio of Evidence. You may also complete a practical demonstration, professional conversation, or challenge tasks if needed to confirm competence.
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Step 5
Feedback & Gap Plan
We give detailed feedback on the outcomes you meet and identify any gaps. Where gaps exist, we recommend targeted learning, short courses or further assessments to help you complete the remaining requirements.
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Step 6
Recording & Endorsement
Your RPL results are recorded. Where applicable, credits are captured towards the qualification and submitted through the relevant quality assurance processes (QCTO / SETA / quality partners) for endorsement and certification pathways.
Types of RPL
- RPL for Access – an alternative entry route into a programme if you do not meet the usual admission criteria.
- RPL for Credit – credits granted towards a qualification or part-qualification where your evidence shows you already meet specific outcomes.
Who Can Apply?
- People with relevant workplace experience (paid or voluntary).
- Those who completed short courses, in-house training or older unit standard credits.
- Anyone who gained skills informally on the job that match our programme outcomes.
What Evidence Can I Submit?
- Certificates, Statements of Results and transcripts.
- Workplace documents (lesson plans, reports, rosters, care plans, etc.).
- Supervisor letters or affidavits confirming your role and tasks.
- Photos/videos of your work (with permissions) and a detailed CV with references.
Start with the quick screening – we’ll help you decide the best RPL route for your goals.
RPL – Frequently Asked Questions
Still unsure if Recognition of Prior Learning is right for you? Here are answers to the most common questions from our students.
How long does RPL take? +
Timelines depend mainly on how quickly you compile your evidence and how many credits or outcomes you are applying for. After the free screening we give you a personalised plan with realistic timeframes. Assessment, recording and endorsement then follow the normal QCTO / SETA quality assurance processes.
What if I don’t have enough evidence? +
During assessment we identify where evidence is strong, weak or missing. If there are gaps, we don’t just decline your RPL – we help you close them. This may include targeted gap training, additional workplace tasks, reflective activities or alternative assessments so that you can meet the remaining outcomes.
Will I get a certificate? +
Where your RPL credits lead to full completion of a qualification and all external quality assurance requirements are met, certification is issued by the relevant authority (for example QCTO or another quality council). If you achieve only part of the qualification, you still receive formal credits and results that count towards final completion.
Is RPL the same as doing a full course? +
RPL does not replace learning – it recognises learning you have already done. Where your experience matches the required outcomes, you can receive credit. Where there are gaps, you may still need to complete some modules or assessments through normal study routes.
Not sure if you qualify? Send us your CV and we’ll advise on possible RPL options.