Applying for RPL? Direct, Indirect and Supplementary Evidence Explained

If you are considering moving to Australia, now is a good time to start looking into the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. Professional experiences and qualification from your home country may not be formally recognised in Australia, making it difficult for you to find work in the same field. Rather than starting from scratch and repeating your studies, you can apply for an RPL and have your existing skills and experience formally recognised and validated as a nationally recognised qualification in Australia, saving you time and money, and making you more competitive in the Australian job market.

The key to a successful RPL application hinges on evidence, and the more evidence you can provide to your assessor the better! So, it is critical that you understand the types of evidence that you will be required to provide so that you can start compiling the relevant documents. There are three main types of evidence - direct, indirect and supplementary - and you should aim to provide a combination of all three in order to provide a sufficient picture of your capabilities and level of competency. Furthermore, each piece of evidence should meet the rules of evidence. So ask yourself, does the evidence provide enough for the assessor to make a sound and informed judgement, is it trustworthy, will it withstand scrutiny, and does it accurately represent your current level of skills and knowledge from the past 3 years?

Direct Evidence

Direct evidence requires the assessor to observe you performing a range of skills in the workplace. This can be done in person, or via a video if this is not practicable. Assessors may also use simulations, roleplay and projects to observe actual performance of skills where direct workplace observation is not possible. 

Indirect Evidence

Indirect evidence refers to documents like certificates, licenses, job descriptions, performance appraisals, and training records that support your claims of competency. 

Supplementary Evidence

Any documents that you can provide to further support your application and demonstrate your acquired skills and knowledge in a particular area is referred to as supplementary evidence. This can include things like job descriptions, past training records, references from supervisors, testimonials, and work diaries.

Remember to present your evidence in a clear, logical and organised format so your assessor can navigate your portfolio and easily understand how each piece of evidence supports your claims and only include evidence that is relevant.