Credit transfer
Credit transfer is a process that gives you credit for formal studies you've previously completed. If you've previously completed formal studies, for example at TAFE or another VET provider, you may be eligible to receive credit towards a TAFE Queensland qualification. If we assess that units in your course are equivalent to any you have previously completed, you will receive a credit transfer for those units. That means you won't have to study or pay for those units again and they will count towards your qualification.
Benefits of credit transfer
If you've previously completed formal studies it's worth checking to see if you're eligible for a credit transfer as it can reduce the amount of units you need to complete to receive your qualification.
Credit transfer can also:
- save you time and money
- help you get your qualification sooner
- allow you to build on your previous studies.
Applying for credit transfer
To apply for a credit transfer you will need to complete a Credit Transfer Application Form and supply any relevant evidence such as qualification testamurs or graduation statements.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the ideal way to get recognised for your prior study and hard-earned industry experience. While credit transfer only considers your formal studies, RPL allows you to receive credit for both the formal and non-formal learning you have completed, including industry experience and volunteer work.
Depending on the course you wish to study, you may be able to complete your course via RPL and the qualification you will receive is no different to any other. It is still a fully-recognised qualification that you can complete in less time, and at a lower cost.
Note: There are limits to the amount of advanced standing you can claim for higher education qualifications. You will be advised of this when you apply for advanced standing.
Benefits of RPL
Getting or upgrading your qualifications is a fantastic resume booster. You can take your career to the next level knowing that your skills and expertise are recognised in line with current industry benchmarks.
Recognition of Prior Learning can also:
- save you money and study time
- prepare you for a career change or promotion
- improve your job security
- help you move from volunteer work to paid employment
- provide options for credit towards a university degree.
RPL process
Our expert team will carefully assess your experience including past qualifications, relevant skills, and industry knowledge. This allows us to align you to the appropriate industry-relevant qualification based on your existing knowledge and experience. You will receive credit towards the units in which you have demonstrated competence, and will only need to complete any remaining units to receive the qualification.
You may be eligible for a part or complete qualification through RPL. You can receive credit towards an entire vocational qualification (certificate or diploma level) or up to two-thirds of a degree level qualification.
Costs
The costs for completing a course via RPL are generally less than completing the course via other means. Your costs will vary depending on the units of competency, fee structure, and assessment pathways required. You will be provided with an approximate cost for your unique situation when you apply.
Applying for RPL
To apply for RPL simply fill out an RPL Enquiry Form. You will need to submit your application before the start of study (or the relevant census date for FEE-HELP/VET Student Loans students). Along with this form you will also need to supply any relevant documentation that supports your application including existing qualifications and evidence of your previous roles.
Advanced standing
Advanced standing means gaining formal recognition for the units of competency you have completed on previous study. Being granted advanced standing means that you have received credit towards your qualification, so will not need to study those units again. Advanced standing is available for our higher education programs.
Articulation
TAFE Queensland has partnered with a number of leading Australian universities to offer you a seamless pathway to further study. Our articulation arrangements mean that many diploma and advanced diploma students can receive credit towards a related degree at one of our partner universities.
In most cases, completing a TAFE Queensland diploma gives you guaranteed entry into the second year of a relevant University of Canberra degree, offered through TAFE Queensland.
For more information on our articulation arrangements, check our university pathways page.
