GOT the SKILLS and EXPERIENCE? then GET the RECOGNITION!
Recognition Information Kit
WHAT IS RECOGNITION? When you enrol in a TAFE NSW qualification, the skills and experience you have gained from school, formal and informal training, employment, work experience, life experience and other qualifications can be assessed for credit against the qualification. If you have already demonstrated the skills and knowledge for part or most of a qualification and have the evidence you may complete your qualification in less time. This means your training can be focused on the skills you most need to develop.
Ask Yourself About Your Existing Qualifications, Skills And Knowledge Do you have relevant work experiences? If you have been working in an occupation that is the same or similar to the TAFE qualification you are seeking, you probably have developed skills and knowledge that can be assessed for recognition in the course. If you have completed on the job training this can also be assessed. Work experience in other occupations not directly related to the qualification you are seeking may be considered. This takes into consideration paid or unpaid work including part time, full time or casual work both in Australia and overseas.
Do you have relevant life experiences? You may have gained skills through community activities, working with committees, school activities, volunteer work, sports team management, domestic responsibilities, assisting in a small business or even your hobbies and leisure activities. If these skills are assessed as relevant to your course, you may be given recognition for them.
Do you already have a relevant TAFE Qualification? Speak to your Head Teacher/Teacher about the relevance of this qualification. TAFE NSW Credit Transfer is the recognition of specified learning previously undertaken in TAFE NSW where the same or equivalent units of competence have been successfully completed.
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Do you have qualifications from other Training Organisations? You may be able to apply for recognition towards your TAFE NSW course based on your previous studies. Pre-arranged Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) means there are arrangements between TAFE NSW and other training providers such as universities, schools and adult and community education colleges. National Recognition requires TAFE NSW to recognise and accept Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) qualifications conferred by other registered training organisations. Your previous study will be recognised and credited towards your TAFE NSW course where the same or equivalent units of competence have been successfully completed. Why study the same thing twice!
Got overseas skills and qualifications? If you have overseas qualifications in the same or related field of study you may gain recognition for up to 100% of the units of competency in your TAFE NSW qualification. For more information, contact the Institute Multicultural Education Coordinator (IMEC): Bankstown, Lidcombe and Padstow Colleges 97805602, Granville 96820308, Campbelltown, Liverpool and Macquarie Fields 98275107, Miller and Wetherill Park 96099342, or contact the Head Teacher of the course.
What are the benefits of recognition? •
Less time studying
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Avoid studying the same thing twice
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Recognition may help you meet the entry requirements for higher level qualifications
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Qualifications gained through recognition have the same value as those gained through course work at TAFE NSW.
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Up to 100% of recognition of your qualification may be granted.
Will recognition affect Graded Awards? In some cases when a student is awarded advanced standing a mark or grade may not be recorded. You should consider the effect of the recognition outcome on the grade of the final award. If you are concerned about achieving marks/grades, you should consult with the Head Teacher to find out what will be shown on your record and how this may affect your award.
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How Do I Apply For Recognition?
Who do I ask about recognition? Course Information Officers and Counsellors provide general information on assessment for recognition. TAFE Counsellors can also assist with career planning and study plans. Head Teachers and your class teachers provide specific advice, support and information on how to apply for recognition in the qualification in which you are enrolled.
When can I apply? You can apply for recognition at any time. However, you should apply during the enrolment process or as soon as possible afterwards. The sooner you apply, the sooner you’ll know. You should receive a response within three weeks of the submission of your final application.
What will it cost? Once you are enrolled you may apply for recognition in any unit in the course structure. There is no charge for recognition following payment of the TAFE NSW fee or the granting of a Fee Exemption. However, you may choose to access a commercial recognition service rather than seek recognition as part of a mainstream service. For further information on the commercial recognition service contact the Business Development Unit on 9827 8407. If you are an International student seeking recognition contact the International Student Coordinator at your college.
Approach your Teacher/Head Teacher to discuss your application To start the TAFE recognition process you must complete one of the two appropriate enrolment adjustment forms. Complete the form with the guidance and approval of a teacher or assessor.
Enrolment Adjustment – Recognition – Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) (yellow form) •
This form is to be used for RPL where your application is based on the acknowledgement of your skills, knowledge and previous education, training, work or life experience.
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Use the self-assessment guide and template in this document to prepare your evidence. If you believe you have the right skills to gain recognition, start gathering evidence (proof) of these skills. Alternatively, your teacher may negotiate with you to undertake an interview, or a practical assessment or skill demonstration, also known as a “challenge” test.
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You should attend classes until you are notified of the RPL result.
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Enrolment Adjustment – Credit – Previous Studies (orange form) •
Use this form if you have previously studied in TAFE NSW.
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Use this form to apply for Pre-arranged RPL or National Recognition.
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Your Head Teacher/Teacher will provide you with the details of the specified studies with other training providers for which you may claim an exemption in your current enrolment.
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The result code which appears on your transcript for both Pre-arranged RPL and National Recognition is BY ADVANCED STANDING.
HOW TO WORK THROUGH SELF-ASSESSMENT Self-assessment is a valuable technique within the recognition process. The process involves comparing your skills, qualifications and experiences with the competencies contained in the qualification that you have requested recognition for.
Self-assessment worksheet Use the self-assessment worksheet to match your evidence with units of competency. Ask your teacher/assessor for information and guidance on the unit/s of competence that you are trying to match. Use the units of competency to trigger your thoughts to assist you to match prior learning, work experience or life skills with the competency.
Gathering evidence Once you have decided which units of competence you can match you need to collect evidence of prior learning and your current competencies. The ‘Types of Evidence guide’ attached can assist you in collecting evidence. Make an appointment to apply for recognition with your teacher to discuss the evidence that you will need to collect. Keep in mind written evidence is only one way of matching your prior learning with competencies. Your current knowledge may be checked by your teacher/assessor by oral questioning and/or written questioning. The methods used by the assessor should be tailored to suit your language and literacy levels and the context of the assessment.
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Note: TAFE NSW is guided by the principles of validity, flexibility, reliability, fairness, authenticity, sufficiency and currency for the design, delivery and assessment processes, in line with the requirements of the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF). Currency of Evidence You must be able to present evidence that skills and knowledge previously acquired have been used and/or updated in current workplace or equivalent environments. Currency may also relate to technology or processes. Your qualifications of any sort must be current and/or supported by more up-to-date evidence of continued application of the relevant competency. Training Package qualifications are competency based and indicate that their holders have applied their skills and knowledge in a workplace or work situation. If you are in doubt about the currency of your evidence, ask your Assessor for information and guidance.
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Steps to Recognition Do you have prior work experience, prior studies or life skills? Recognition information Read this booklet and decide if you should apply for recognition of your qualifications, skills and knowledge YES
Previous studies and/or qualifications?
Apply for TAFE NSW Credit Transfer, or Prearranged RPL or National recognition
Seek RPL for or complete any remaining units of competency for qualification
NO
RPL Pathway Arrange meeting with Teacher/Assessor for a recognition briefing
Need to collect documentary evidence?
Self Assessment Collect evidence of your skills, experience and studies that match units of competence/learning outcomes of the qualification
Need to demonstrate your skills/experience?
RPL interview/Assessment Suitable activity administered by the Teacher/Assessor
RPL Interview/Assessment of Evidence Teacher/Assessor examines your evidence and makes a decision
NO
Additional evidence requested for decision to be made
Recognition Not Granted Advice on alternate training path
Additional evidence requested for decision to be made
YES
NO
YES
Complete appropriate units of competence of the qualification
Recognitio n granted
Student Notified
Recognitio n granted
Complete any remaining units of competence of the qualification
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SAMPLE STUDENT SELF-ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET Unit:
Produce simple word-processed documents Element
Primary evidence
Secondary evidence
Additional evidence
Comment and verification
Use safe work practices
Can describe how to apply OH&S policies and procedures at work
Supporting letter from supervisor Minutes from OH&S meetings
Evidence of application of safe work practices in other workplaces
All signed by supervisor/managers
Confirm document requirements
Provide examples of workplace communications, emails etc
Supervisor signs off examples of work as authentic
Voluntary work with school committees
Reference from supervisor signed. Minutes from meetings indicating discussion of documents / report preparation.
Produce documents
Produced workplace reports, academic reports
Completed training course on Microsoft Office / Word
Examples of workplace documents used for study purposes
Underpinning skills and knowledge :
Planning and organising own work Communication skills
Currently working in IT
Using information technology
Project team reports
Examples of study assignments
Course notes provided and signed by supervisor Example documents and reports Successful completion of study
Other relevant information: I have ten years experience as an office assistant using computers and related software.
Adapted from NTIS Training Package Support Materials 2011
Currency: You must be able to present evidence that skills and knowledge previously acquired have been used and/or updated in current workplace or equivalent environments. Currency may also relate to technology or processes.
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STUDENT SELF-ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET Unit/Module: Element/Learning Outcome
Primary evidence
Secondary evidence
Additional evidence
Comment and verification
Underpinning skills and knowledge/ key competency:
Other relevant information:
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TYPES OF EVIDENCE There are several types of evidence you can collect to show your skills, experience and attributes for assessment against the unit of competency. The best application will include both Primary and Secondary evidence. Primary – Direct Evidence Examples of your work experience/studies such as: Certificates/documents from other courses, work that you have produced such as reports, plans, designs, presentations that you have made and demonstration of practical skills. Secondary – Indirect Evidence Examples of your experiences such as: Description of work you have undertaken such as plans, designs and presentations, letters from employers or testimonials stating work you have undertaken or skills/knowledge you have displayed. DIARY/JOURNAL
EMAIL EVIDENCE
CERTIFICATES
You can use a diary or journal to record what you do at home in paid and unpaid work in your spare time
Email communications that highlight
Formal and informal qualifications certificates diplomas degrees statements of results courses completed at work
LETTERS OF EVIDENCE
DOCUMENTS
You can get letters of reference from Employers People you have worked with (paid and unpaid work) Community groups you have been involved with
You can collect documents, job descriptions, photos and other relevant paperwork to show what you have done in your life
You can use notes or reports you have made about work activities and completed worksheets
PORTFOLIO
RESUME / WORK HISTORY
TELEPHONE VERIFICATION
You can collect work samples that you have created drawings pictures / photographs reports
A resume listing your work history and outlining key work responsibilities and summary of qualifications
assistance provided work activities
RECORDS OF WORKPLACE ACTIVITIES
You can ask someone if they could be contacted by phone to assist verification of your evidence / documentation
articles etc
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LINKS TAFE NSW South Western Sydney Institute www.swsi.tafensw.edu.au TAFE NSW www.tafensw.edu.auu HSC/TAFE Credit Transfer www.det.nsw.edu.au/hsctafe TAFE NSW / Universities Credit Transfer & Articulation www.tafensw.edu.au/tafeunicredit TAFE-UNI Credit Transfer – Australian Vice Chancellors Committee www.avcc.edu.au Recognition of Overseas Secondary School Qualifications www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/manuals/certificate_equivalence.html Skills Recognition www.skillsrecognition.nsw.gov.au Recognition of Secondary School Qualifications www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au State Training Services www.training.nsw.gov.au Translation of Overseas qualification documents (Department of Immigration & Multicultural & Indigenous Affairs) www.immi.gov.au/living-in-australia/help-with-english/help_with_translating/ Community Relations Commission http://www.crc.nsw.gov.au/home The National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters Ltd (trading as NAATI) http://www.naati.com.au/ Australian Education International (AEI-NOOSR): advises on how Australian and overseas qualifications compare to help overseas qualified people study and work in Australia http://www.aei.gov.au/AEI/QualificationsRecognition/Default.htm
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COLLEGE CUSTOMER SERVICE OFFICERS 13 SWSi (13 7974) BANKSTOWN COLLEGE 500 Chapel Road Bankstown NSW 2200 CAMPBELLTOWN COLLEGE 181 Narellan Road Campbelltown NSW 2560 GRANVILLE COLLEGE 136 William Street Granville NSW 2142 LIDCOMBE COLLEGE East Street Lidcombe NSW 2141 CHULLORA CAMPUS Cnr Muir Road and Worth St Chullora NSW 2190 LIVERPOOL COLLEGE College Street Liverpool NSW 2170 EDUCATION AND TRAINING CENTRE Bigge Street Liverpool NSW 2170
TAFE NSW – South Western Sydney Institute undertakes to keep all records in a safe and secure environment however, portfolios may be reviewed by independent assessors and may be examined by State Training Authorities for purposes of audit, accountability and registration.
Recognition Information Kit MC14/440
MACQUARIE FIELDS COLLEGE 32 Victoria Road Macquarie Fields NSW 2564 MACARTHUR BUILDING INDUSTRY SKILLS CENTRE (MBISC) 2 AUSTOOL PLACE Ingleburn NSW 2565 MILLER COLLEGE Cnr Hoxton Park & Banks Rds Miller NSW 2168 PADSTOW COLLEGE Raine Road Padstow NSW 2211 WETHERILL PARK COLLEGE The Horsley Drive Wetherill Park NSW 2164
All details and services listed in the booklet are subject to change at the discretion of South Western Sydney Institute and are subject to the enrolment conditions published on the back of the TAFE NSW Enrolment form.
This kit has been produced as part of the Institute Skills Recognition Project.
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