Recognition is the collective term and includes:

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
• Recognition of Current Competency (RCC)
• Credit Transfer (CT)
• Mutual Recognition (MR)

All students have the opportunity to apply for recognition. This means that students can submit evidence for a Unit(s) of Competency and have it assessed by a qualified Assessor without completing the training. Applications must be completed and received prior to the commencement of the course. Please see the fees schedule for associated charges.

AVT believes that no student should be required to undertake a unit of competency for which they are already able to demonstrate satisfactory achievement of the performance outcomes, as stated in the endorsed training package or nationally recognised course.

AVT aims to maximise the recognition of a student’s prior skills and knowledge whilst at all times maintaining the integrity and standards of the defined learning outcomes of the specific qualification or course of study. Students who consider they already possess the competencies identified in all or part of any course/qualification offered by AVT may seek recognition.

If students think they have the necessary knowledge and skills to match a Unit(s) of Competency or a qualification at the required standard, visit the RPL page for more information on the Recognition of Prior Learning process.

Recognition process

Recognition is a method of assessing if a student has evidence of competency for a particular unit of competency that they are enrolled in. It is important to remember that Recognition is an assessment process, not an assumption of competence.

Recognition is the determination, on an individual basis, of the competencies obtained by a student through:

• Previous formal training
• Work experience
• Life experience

The onus is on the student to document and present evidence to justify a claim for recognition and present their case to the satisfaction of the Assessor.

Any documents that a student provides to support their claim of competency must be the originals or a certified copy. Where originals are provided, a photocopy will be taken and kept on record. Alternatively, a student may email or submit these documents via the online enrolment and application forms provided. It is also expected that any evidence submitted is a student’s own, and if any part of the work is the work of others, that this is formally acknowledged and advised.

Students wishing to apply for RPL can do so by visiting the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) page for more information.

Recognition decision

Regardless of the type of evidence that is submitted, Assessors must be confident that the evidence meets the following criteria:

• Full requirements of the Unit of Competency(s)
• Any regulatory requirements
• Authenticity – that it is a student’s own evidence and can be authenticated
• That students can perform the competency consistently and reliably
• Is at the standard expected in the industry and set out in the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF)
• Sufficiency – there is sufficient evidence to make a judgment

AVT is committed to ensuring that all judgements made by Assessors against the same competency standards are consistent. Assessors will examine the evidence that students present and then make a judgement on that evidence, which will be either:

• Competent (C) – a student has been deemed competent against all the requirements of the Unit/s of Competency
• Not Yet Competent (NYC) – a student has not yet demonstrated competency to all requirements

An assessor will advise a student what they can do if they receive a NYC for an assessment task. If deemed NYC in the initial assessment, the student is allowed a second attempt. Students should contact their assessor if there are any concerns.

Mutual recognition / Credit Transfers

AVT recognises the AQF qualifications and Statements of Attainment issued by other Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). This is commonly referred to as Mutual Recognition or Credit Transfer. Mutual recognition is applicable when a Statement of Attainment or qualification provided by a student has the same national competency codes as those that form part of the training and assessment program within which the student is enrolled or is intending to enrol. With Mutual Recognition students are not required to undertake learning in the unit/s again, the student is exempt. Mutual recognition/credit transfer requests can be made at the time of application/enrolment or via the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) information page.  A non-refundable credit transfer fee is applicable per enrolment i.e. if a student is unsuccessful in receiving full or partial recognition the application fee is non-refundable. Please note, students funded by the Jobs and Skills WA program are exempt from credit transfer fees.