Recognition of learning for credit

About recognition of learning for credit

Skills and knowledge can be gained from formal learning, independent study, workplace and life experience.

Tertiary education providers understand you may already have skills and knowledge from your past study and experience.

Your experience may be used to gain credits for a qualification or credential. This is called recognition of learning for credit.

Recognition of learning for credit is a process where your existing skills and knowledge are evaluated against the outcomes of a:

qualification
programme
course
module
assessment standard.

If your skills and knowledge meet some or all of the outcomes, these can be recognised by the award of credit. This means you may not have to repeat what you know and can complete the qualification faster.

Types of learning for credit

We use the terms credit recognition and transfer and recognition of prior learning to describe types of learning for credit. Tertiary education providers may use other terms.

Credit recognition and transfer (CRT)

CRT is where credit you gained towards a qualification is recognised by another institution. CRT generally describes credit from formal learning that has been provided and credentialed by a tertiary provider.

You may want to change your tertiary provider or qualification. CRT means you may be able to transfer some or all of your credits to your new provider or qualification.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

RPL is where existing skills and knowledge are recognised as equivalent to those taught in a formal education setting for the purposes of awarding credit toward a qualification. These skills and knowledge may be gained through:

work
independent study
informal learning and life experience.

If you have significant experience coaching sports, for example, you could gain credits for some or all of a sport and recreation qualification through RPL.

How to apply for CRT and RPL

Your provider should have information about CRT and RPL on their website, brochures, or in your student handbook.

The information should contain:

a clear description of how credit can be awarded
timeframes for credits
fees for credits
an outline of required documents, evidence and assessments
what further work you need to do complete the qualification.

What evidence and documents you need

The evidence and documents you need depends your prior skills and knowledge and how many credits you want.

For example, if you have studied, or are studying at a tertiary provider, it's likely you'll need to provide an official academic transcript.

For RPL, you may be asked to produce a portfolio of evidence to show what you have learned and are able to do. Your provider should advise what documents and evidence are needed.

How to work out if your skills and knowledge can get you credit

You can work with your provider to understand what skills and knowledge will get you credit towards a qualification.

Your provider can work with you to:

discover and evaluate your skills and knowledge
assess your skills and knowledge against the outcomes of the qualification
assist you to identify and fill gaps in your learning towards achieving your qualification.

When to apply for CRT and RPL

You should apply for CRT and RPL when you enrol, so that your existing skills and knowledge can be assessed as early as possible.

However, you may also request CRT or RPL later on.

CRT and RPL may affect your student loan and allowances

Please discuss CRT and RPL with your provider during application and enrolment.

If you can be awarded a significant number of credits, it may affect your eligibility for student loans and allowances.

You may also wish to discuss CRT and RPL with StudyLink.

StudyLink website (external link)

How much credit you can get

How much credit you can get depends on:

your prior learning
the type and amount of evidence you have to prove this learning
how much credit you would like to be awarded.

CRT example

For example, you may be able to receive more credit through CRT if you're transferring from a business qualification at one provider to a similar business qualification at another provider. You may receive less credit if transferring from a business qualification to a performing arts qualification.

RPL example

Through RPL if you're a chef with experience running a kitchen and restaurant, you may be eligible for most or all the credits needed for a culinary arts qualification. However, you may be eligible for only some credits for a qualification in hospitality management.

How your previous learning is assessed

An assessor will check you have the skills and knowledge to meet the outcome of the qualification, programme, course or assessment standard for which you are seeking credit.

How CRT is assessed

For CRT, an assessor usually evaluates your verified official academic transcript and your New Zealand Record of Achievement to identify qualifications, programmes, components and assessment standards achieved.

The assessor decides if the outcomes achieved are partly or wholly equivalent to the outcomes for which you're seeking credit.

How RPL is assessed

For RPL, an assessor evaluates your existing skills and knowledge against the outcomes of the qualification, programme, course and assessment standard for which you are seeking credit.

RPL assessment is a specialist skill, and the assessor is likely to work alongside subject matter experts and a panel.

Depending on the credit sought and the nature of your previous study or experience, the assessment for RPL may include:

a challenge test
practical assessment
professional conversation or interview with the assessors
presentation of and a review of the portfolio of evidence with the assessors
further work may be required if there are gaps in your knowledge in relation to the qualification you are seeking.

For some qualifications, especially at the higher levels, there may be multiple assessments over time.

How credit is recorded

Credit awarded from recognition of learning is recorded on your official academic transcript.

If the credit is based on a CRT application, the grade you have achieved from your previous learning is likely to be recorded and transferred at the same value.

What to do if you don't get the credits you want

If your provider has not awarded you some or all of the credit you wanted, it's likely because your skills and knowledge don't met the outcomes of the qualification, programme, course or assessment standard.

Your assessors should discuss any gaps you may have and how you may fill these with more learning to complete your qualification.

You should discuss with your provider the reasons for their decision. If you're not satisfied with the outcome, you may be able to use their review and appeals process.