Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy and Process Introduction The process of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) provides learners and Centres with an alternative method by which a learner can demonstrate that they can meet the assessment requirements of a qualification component. The approach taken to Recognition of Prior Learning requires the same level of quality assurance as applied to any other approach to assessment. The policy and process provides all Gateway Qualifications stakeholders information and guidance on implementing a fair and consistent approach to the Recognition of Prior Learning. In developing and publishing this policy and process, Gateway Qualifications is providing evidence in meeting compliance against the Ofqual, CCEA and Qualifications Wales General Conditions of Recognition condition E10 Recognition of Prior Learning. This policy and process must be read in conjunction with the specific Qualification Specification document which may contain additional criteria which will override the approach provided in this document. Purpose The purpose of this policy and process is to provide support, clarification and guidance to Gateway Qualifications stakeholders on implementing the policy and approach regarding the recognition of a learner s previous achievements and / or qualifications. The intended audience for this document is: Gateway Qualifications staff and wider workforce Centre staff responsible for quality assurance Centre Assessors and Internal Quality Assurers Key stakeholders involved in qualification development Qualifications Regulators. Scope This policy applies to Gateway Qualifications offer, including those on the Regulated Qualifications Framework, and other national frameworks in Wales, and Northern Ireland. However, not all qualifications allow the use of Recognition of Prior Learning. Version -1.0 May 2017 Page 1 of 6
Where the use of Recognition of Prior Learning is permitted, this will be stated within the Qualification Specification. The use of Recognition of Prior Learning is not mandatory. However, if centres choose to implement it, they must have an internal policy on Recognition of Prior Learning and the appropriate resources required. Definition of Recognition of Prior Learning Ofqual provides the following definition of Recognition of Prior Learning, which is applied by Gateway Qualifications: A method of assessment that considers whether a learner can demonstrate that they can meet the assessment requirements for a unit through knowledge, understanding or skills they already possess and do not need to develop through a course of learning 1. In addition, Ofqual s, General Conditions of Recognition, Condition E10 sets out the following requirements with which awarding organisations need to comply: E10.2 For the purposes of this Condition, recognition of prior learning is the (a) identification by an awarding organisation of any learning undertaken, and/or attainment, by a Learner (i) prior to that Learner taking a qualification which the awarding organisation makes available or proposes to make available, and (ii) which is relevant to the knowledge, skills and understanding which will be assessed as part of that qualification, and (b) recognition by an awarding organisation of that learning and/or attainment through amendment to the requirements which a Learner must have satisfied before the Learner will be assessed or that qualification will be awarded. Recognition of Prior Learning principles Recognition of Prior Learning is the recognition of non-certificated learning towards a full (not partial) unit or qualification. The process must be negotiated by the learner with the centre and must be claimed as part of a course. The centre is responsible for assessment and claiming achievement. There is no difference between 1 Ofqual regulatory arrangements for the Qualifications and Credit Framework- Glossary, Ofqual, August 2008 Version 1.0 May 2017 Page 2 of 6
achievement of the required standards by Recognition of Prior Learning and achievement through a formal programme of study. All assessment should follow the principles of: Validity Authenticity Sufficiency Reliability Currency Fairness. Further amplification on the assessment principles is provided in the Gateway Qualifications guidance document Assessment Practice. It is important to note that Recognition of Prior Learning is an alternative route to achievement. Evidence must be produced for Recognition of Prior Learning which is subject to the same assessment and quality assurance requirements as applied to evidence produced as part of a course (see assessment below). Prior learning and achievement must be current to be used by the learner, which will normally be within the last two years. The relevant Qualification Specificationwill state particular requirements in respect of Recognition of Prior Learning. Recognition of Prior Learning can be used to claim full (not partial) units and qualifications. However it would be unusual for it to be appropriate for a full qualification as it would be unlikely that a learner could demonstrate evidence to match the full range of assessment requirements. It is important to be aware that Gateway Qualifications excludes the use of Recognition of Prior Learning in the following situations: Licence to practice Health and safety requirements Regulated professions Work placements Units and qualifications which are subject to external assessment. If further clarification is required about the units and qualifications that are eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning, centres should contact Gateway Qualifications before submitting a request for Recognition of Prior Learning. Version 1.0 May 2017 Page 3 of 6
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Process Ways of recognising prior learning: 1. Where Recognition of Prior Learning is permitted for the qualification, the centre or learner must complete the RPL form and submit this with all evidence of previous relevant knowledge, skills and competences. This must be assessed against the assessment criteria of the unit(s) for which Recognition of Prior Learning is being sought to ensure that all learning outcomes have been achieved. 2. Within their centre, learners can undertake the same assessments as learners following a formal course of learning and assessment that lead to the award of the unit or qualification for which Recognition of Prior Learning is being sought. The assessments may be undertaken without attending teaching sessions. 3. A summative assessment against a unit or full qualification can be carried out by the centre applying for Recognition of Prior Learning. Gateway Qualifications Recognition of Prior Learning process There are 5 stages to the Recognition of Prior Learning process as set out below. This supports learners considering a claim and support through to the result of the assessment. Centres are required to notify Gateway Qualifications about claims for achievement through Recognition of Prior Learning and are required to keep records of Recognition of Prior Learning for three years. Stage 1: awareness, information, advice and guidance During the learner/s enrollment process, the Recognition of Prior Learning process should be discussed. In particular, learners will need to know: the process of claiming achievement through Recognition of Prior Learning the sources of professional support and guidance available to individuals and employers the administrative processes for Recognition of Prior Learning applications timelines, appeals processes and any fees and subsidies. Version 1.0 May 2017 Page 4 of 6
Stage 2: Pre-assessment, gathering evidence and giving information During this stage, the learner will carry out the collection of evidence, mapping it across to the relevant unit(s). They may need to develop an assessment plan or a tracking document. The evidence gathered must be mapped to the relevant standards of unit(s). Stage 3: Assessment or documentation of evidence Assessment as part of Recognition of Prior Learning is a structured process for gathering and reviewing evidence and making judgments about a learner s prior learning and experience in relation to unit standards. Assessment must be valid and reliable to ensure the integrity of units and qualifications. The evidence gathered needs to meet the standards of the unit(s) being applied for RPL. If evidence does not meet the requirements of the unit(s), the learner must complete the normal assessments in order to be awarded the qualification. All work submitted for RPL must be referenced clearly for Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) and External Quality Assurance (EQA). Stage 4: Awarding achievement The assessment process for RPL will be subject to the same quality assurance processes of Gateway Qualifications as any other part of the assessment process. If it is identified that there is insufficient evidence, either more evidence will be requested or the learner must complete the normal assessment requirements. On completion of the IQA and EQA procedures, centres can claim certificates. All records must be retained for the standard 3 years after certification. Stage 5: Appeal Appeals will follow the standard centre s appeals process. Note: The Centre s processes and procedures in respect of Recognition of Prior Learning will be reviewed during the quality monitoring visit by the Centre s External Quality Assurer, to ensure that the processes are applied consistently and fairly. The outcome of the review and agreed actions (where appropriate) will be recorded in the external quality assurance report. Version 1.0 May 2017 Page 5 of 6
Monitoring Gateway Qualifications Quality and Standards Committee will be responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of the Recognition of Prior Learning Policy and Process. Summary reports will be submitted to each meeting to enable the Committee to review the effectiveness of the process and, where appropriate, monitor changes to the policy and procedures, which will be submitted annually to the Board of Trustees for monitoring and appropriate action. Contact us If you have any queries about the contents of the policy, please contact our support team by: Telephone: 01206 911211 Email: customer.service@gatewayqualifications.org.uk Post: Gateway Qualifications, Gateway House, 3 Tollgate Business Park, COLCHESTER, CO3 8AB Version: 1.0 May 2017 Policy author: Director of Quality Latest Review: May 2017 Board approval date: 13 th June 2017 Review Date: July 2018 Ofqual, CCEA, Qualifications Wales General Conditions of Recognition Condition E10: Recognition of Prior Learning QAA licensing criteria n/a Version 1.0 May 2017 Page 6 of 6