RPL

What is the RPL?

• Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is defined in the AQF as follows: Recognition of prior learning is an assessment process that involves assessment of an individual’s relevant prior learning (including formal, informal and non-formal learning) to determine the credit outcomes of an individual application for credit.

How long does RPL take?

• The RPL evidence process will normally take between 2 to 8 weeks depending on your chosen qualification and how quickly you gather your RPL evidence. Minimum Candidates are required to complete RPL evidence gathering within 10 days.

What is RPL certificate?

• If you’re thinking about studying or training, think first about what skills you already have. You may be able to reduce the time it takes to get your qualification. you may not need to study at all. Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is about the skills and knowledge you’ve gained through work and life experiences

What is the purpose of recognition of prior learning?

• Recognition including recognition of prior learning (RPL), is a process for giving candidates credit for skills, knowledge and experience gained through working and learning.

Benefits for the workforce

• Through RPL assessment and certification, the candidates will be able to align existing competencies with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) for better opportunities in higher education. Besides creating an equitable system, RPL also helps them explore different options in skilling and up skilling to bridge the knowledge and skill gaps.

Benefits for the industry

• By getting the workforce certified under RPL, the industry gets the dual advantage (1) formally recognized skill levels mapped with QPs and job roles and (2) open up different paths for workers to upskill and grow through short term training and bridge courses. RPL assesses the prior knowledge and skills of individuals and certifies them mainly in the unregulated sector. The objectives of RPL are: Align the competencies of the unregulated sectors of the country with the National Skills Qualification Framework

• Enhance the chances of employment of individuals and provide them with more options for higher education.
• Reduce the inequalities that are present due to the privileges given to some types of skills and knowledge over others

RPL will be implemented in the following 3 types of projects: RPL Camps, Employers premises and RPL centers using the 5 Step process:

What is a prior learning assessment?

• Many colleges evaluate the college-level knowledge and skills an individual has gained outside of the classroom for college credit. This evaluation is called prior learning assessment (PLA), but can also be called experiential learning or credit for prior learning.

Mobilization

• Either a mobilizing agency like an Association/NGO or Training partner will help in mobilizing potential candidates or the employer will directly handle it. The different implementation modalities and the stakeholders involved for each project type have to be taken into note during this stage and the prescribed guidelines for each have to be followed.

Counseling and Pre-screening

• Training partners shall be engaged as RPL facilitators to conduct the counseling and pre-screening of the candidates. Care should be taken to ensure that only certified trainers are approved for participation. Counseling will be done on the following topics by the facilitators
• What is PMKVY ?
• What is RPL (including the 5 step process followed)
• How will Skill Certification according to NSQF help in transforming the candidate’s life?

In addition to the above an induction video is shown to the candidates on RPL. After the counseling, the pre-screening of the candidates is done in two parts Part 1 : Collecting supporting documentation or proof from the candidates and any documentation available for the job role Part 2 : A Self Assessment by the candidate. A self assessment sheet will be created for each job role containing questions based on the NOSs of the job role. 15 minutes will be allotted to the candidates to complete this Self-Assessment. Once the counseling and screening is complete candidates will be enrolled under the scheme. It is mandatory that the candidates have Aadhar cards and a bank account at the time of enrolment. Orientation
Every enrolled candidate has to undergo the Orientation which includes the following activities:

• Domain Training – Minimum 3hrs
• Soft Skills and Entrepreneurship Tips Specific to Job Role Minimum 2 hour
• Familiarization to Assessment Process and Terms Minimum 1hour

Wherever required either bridge courses or job specific training kits maybe provided to the candidates. Final Assessment

• PIA will identify Assessment Agencies that will conduct the Final Assessment of the candidates. The assessment agency will grade the RPL candidates as per NSQF to ascertain the competency level of candidates in each job role. Upon completion of the assessment each candidate will be assigned grades based on his/her performance which will either be Pass grades (A/B/C) or a Fail grade (D).The assessment results are to be uploaded within 1 week of completing the assessment and at the end of the final assessment the candidates have to fill a feedback from which will be stored for a minimum of 2 years.

Certification

• Within 10 days of the final assessments the candidates will be notified their Grades and details regarding where to collect their Certificates and mark sheets .Candidates with pass grades (grades A,B and C) shall be eligible for certificates. They will be awarded a skill Certificate.