Did you know that when you enrol in a TAFE NSW course, the skills, knowledge and experience you have gained from your previous learning, work experience and life in general may be taken into account? This is called recognition.
There is no limit on the amount of recognition that may be granted in a TAFE NSW qualification.
Recognition is based on these principles:
All students in TAFE NSW are entitled to apply for the appropriate recognition service(s) for the course in which they are enrolled.
Students should not have to repeat learning which they can demonstrate that they have achieved.
The purpose of recognition is to encourage participation in education and training.
Recognition for a unit of competency or module means that you will be credited with advanced standing and an exemption from studying that unit/module as part of the course curriculum.
Think about your skills and knowledge. You can apply for recognition towards your TAFE NSW qualification if:
You can get credit for a TAFE NSW unit/module you have already completed in another TAFE NSW qualification, provided that the unit/module has the same or similar content and outcomes.
Recognition for other study in Australia
TAFE NSW recognises that certain courses from other education and training providers are equivalent to its own qualifications, or units/modules within its courses. Universities, NSW schools, Adult and Community Education (ACE) colleges and some private education and training providers have credit transfer arrangements with TAFE NSW.
To find out if your previous successful study entitles your to credit transfer ask an Institute Recogntion Contact (listed below).
National Recognition: TAFE NSW recognises all national qualifications and Statements of Attainment which contain the same units of competency as TAFE NSW qualifications. This means, for instance, that if you have completed a Certificate II in Information Technology in Queensland, it will be recognised by TAFE NSW. You will be exempt from the same or similar units of competency in your further study at TAFE NSW, whether this is in a Certificate III (or higher) in Information Technology or in another course where the unit or units may be located.
Recognition for skills and qualifications gained overseas
If you have overseas qualifications in a field of study the same as or related to your TAFE NSW qualification, TAFE NSW will carefully consider whether they can be used to satisfy the entry requirements for a TAFE NSW course or to obtain advanced standing in that course.
When seeking to have your overseas qualifications recognised:
Your documents and qualifications must be in English or translated into English. If you need to translate documents, you can call the Community Relations Commission (CRC) on 1300 651 500. A free translation service of certain documents for migrants who have been Australian permanent residents for less than two years is provided by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. Applications for free translations can be lodged at providers of the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP).
If you cannot provide sufficient documentation you may be required to do a challenge test to demonstrate your skills.
Recognition for work and life experience
If your part-time, full-time or casual job has taught you skills relevant to your qualification, TAFE NSW may recognise them. You may also get recognition for work experience completed as part of previous training.
You may have gained skills through community or volunteer work, sports team management, domestic responsibilities or even your hobbies and leisure activities. These skills may be recognised if they are considered relevant.
Recognition for work and life experience is often referred to as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
How and when to apply for recognition
Although you can apply for recognition at any time, it is best to do it during the enrolment process or as soon as possible afterwards.
When applying for recognition, you will need to consider how your skills, knowledge and experience might relate to the qualification you are thinking about, and start collecting evidence. Your recognition application might include some of the following:
certificates
reports
references from your paid or unpaid work experience
samples of your work
qualifications
You may also be asked to undergo a practical assessment or skill demonstration.
Information on how to apply for recognition is available at enrolment. Your teacher can also advise you on how to submit your application.
For advice and all the information you need to apply for recognition, as well as guidance and support through the recognition process, talk to an Institute Recognition Contact (listed below), or click on the Institute name below to go straight to information for that Institute.
Did you know that when you enrol in a TAFE NSW course, the skills, knowledge and experience you have gained from your previous learning, work experience and life in general may be taken into account? This is called recognition.
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