Recognition of existing knowledge

Skills recognition

Under the federal Government's national competency standards, you may already have skills and knowledge that may help you gain a qualification. You may have gained skills and knowledge through previous study, self-tuition, life experiences as well as current or previous work experiences.

Skills recognition is the term used to describe a number of assessment processes. We will work with you to identify these skills and knowledge and provide the evidence needed for the qualifications. The most common method of assessment is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL recognises the skills and knowledge you have learned through life and work experience as well as any previous courses you have undertaken. If these skills and knowledge are relevant to the course you are entering, you may be granted exemptions for some parts of the course. If you are granted an exemption, you are only required to pay an administration fee for that component of the course rather than the full fee.

RPL requires a "skills assessment" to gather evidence to show you know how to do your job, or that you have the knowledge required for part (or in some case all) of the course you are entering. This evidence can be gained through several means in several ways. We will help you gain the required evidence.

How does a skills assessment work?

Contact Jigsaw Training Academy to obtain a Skills Assessment Application Pack.
Complete and return your Application to Jigsaw Training Academy including any evidence you think may be appropriate.
If applicable, pay any fees.
An Assessor will contact you and arrange to gather the additional evidence required to form your "evidence portfolio' (see below).
Gap training may be required. The Assessor will arrange this with you.
Your competency will be determined in the selected units by the Assessor.
If the Assessor finds you are competent, Jigsaw Training Academy will issue you a Certificate of qualification.
If you disagree with the Assessor's assessment, we can arrange for an independent re-assessment (there may be additional costs involved).

What is an evidence portfolio?

While you may have the skills and knowledge for certification it is often difficult to prove it to a third party. We find it's best to think of the exercise as an Evidence Gathering Process resulting in a portfolio of information and documentation that will allow the Assessor to come to the conclusion that the evidence exists to find you competent in his or her assessment of your skills and knowledge.

In order for the Assessor to help you, you need to provide:

proof of Australian residency (ie Certified Copy of Drivers Licence, Passport)
proof of residency in your state (ie Certified Copy of Drivers Licence)
three work related references particularly addressing your skills and knowledge.
a completed 'Work History Form'.
certificates from previous courses.
any other information or evidence about your work experience.

How much does a skills assessment cost?

Queensland

There is funding available through Skilling Solutions Queensland. To meet the funding criteria you must be able to provide the following:

Proof of Australian or New Zealand Residency
Proof of Queensland Residency
Three written references verifying your time and experience within your industry.

If you meet the funding criteria, as a guide, you may be able to have Skilling Solutions provide up to $500 towards your qualification.

All other states

Training funds and Government subsidies vary according to state, qualification and experience in the industry. Please contact us before committing to an assessment. To qualify for any funding you will be asked to supply the following:

Proof of Australian or New Zealand residency
Proof of residency in your state.

Contact us if you don't meet the funding criteria as we offer very competitive rates, and may even be able to match your situation with other funding arrangements.