Successful outcomes in other training or educational institutions within Australia may be recognised so you don’t have to study the same thing twice. Life skills or prior working experience may also enable you to gain recognition for parts of the course.

In the TAFEWA system you can be recognised for your skills through one of the following three processes: credit transfer, national recognition or skills recognition. These have been described below.

For those who have studied overseas, your international qualification(s) may also exempt you from parts of the course. This involves a process called overseas equivalence.

For further information about applying for each of these processes, contact your local TAFEWA college.

Credit transfer

Credit transfer allows students to count relevant, successfully completed study - through study at TAFEWA colleges, accredited private providers, professional organisations or enterprises and universities - towards their current courses or qualifications.

Credit transfer involves assessing a previously completed course or subject to determine if it provides equivalent learning or competency outcomes to those required within the current course.

National recognition

If you have completed a unit or module at a registered training organisation (RTO) elsewhere in Australia you do not need to repeat these units again at TAFEWA.

National recognition means that all RTOs issue and accept qualifications in line with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Qualifications and statements of attainment issued by one RTO are recognised by any other RTO in Australia.

Skills recognition (also known as RPL - Recognition of Prior Learning)

Learning at school, TAFE or university isn’t the only way people gain skills and knowledge. Many highly skilled people have gained and developed their skills through different pathways such as paid employment, community work, volunteering and taking part in informal training.

Skills developed this way are very valuable to employers and communities. The people who have them have usually spent many years training in the workplace. In times of changing employment, it can often be important to show skills to your next employer. That can be difficult when you do not have qualifications to show them. Having your skills formally recognised in a nationally accredited system can really boost your resume and open doors for new job opportunities. You can also use recognised skills as a way of getting into further training – perhaps in an entirely different career. To have skills formally recognised assessors must make sure you have the skill to the industry standard. This means that you will need to provide evidence.

You and the assessor will work together to identify what evidence you have, and to identify whether it meets the industry standard. You may find that you do have all the skills for a qualification, or the assessor might recommend some further training to help you to get one.

Recognition of skills does take time and money. It is an investment in yourself and could be your pathway to a better job.

What to do next?

1  Make contact with TAFEWA

Call your nearest TAFEWA college for advice. You will be invited to an information session where you will find out how the skills recognition process works. You will be provided with a self assessment checklist for the qualification you are seeking recognition for.

2  Talk with an assessor about your skills and knowledge.

When you’ve had a chance to consider the self assessment, contact the TAFEWA college where you intend to study to set up an appointment between yourself and an assessor. This talk will be the first step in showing the assessor what skills and knowledge you have relevant to the qualification. Bring along any documentary evidence you may have to support your claim for recognition. For example: job descriptions, records of employment, references from employers and any other evidence that is relevant to the work that you do. You can bring someone with you if you feel they can help to support you in showing your skills.

3  What other evidence is required?

After evaluating your evidence, the assessor will make a judgment about what further evidence you might need to provide. This may involve observing you in the workplace or in a similar environment. It may also involve an assessor contacting employers/referees to confirm what you have told them. The assessor will only contact employers/referees with your approval.

4  Assessment is finalised.

Once all of the evidence is gathered, the assessor will let you know which skills have been recognised. You may receive recognition for a full or part qualification. If you get recognition for part of a qualification, you will also find out what other training you require to get one in full.

For further information contact the Career Development Centre
T: 1800 999 167
E: career.developmentcentre@det.wa.edu.au
W: det.wa.edu.au/training/cdc

Overseas equivalence

Overseas equivalence is an arrangement to give formal recognition to an individual who has completed a course or qualification overseas. The Overseas Qualifications Unit can assist this process. This may be used to assist the individual gain entry into another qualification in Australia, or to get a job. 

For more information on overseas equivalence visit one of these websites: 

Overseas Qualification Unit

Education and Training International

Fast Track apprenticeships

This program provides an opportunity for mature aged applicants with proven industry experience in selected trades, to achieve a nationally recognised trade certificate. Approved participants will be placed into a formal apprenticeship agreement and registered with The Department of Education and Training. For further information contact the Senior Project Officer – Fast Track Apprenticeships at ApprentiCentre on 13 19 54.