1. Definition 

A method of assessment (leading to the award of credit) that considers whether a learner can demonstrate that they meet the assessment requirements for a unit through knowledge, understanding or skills they already possess and do not need to develop through a course of learning.

2. Introduction 

OriGym seeks to enable learners to avoid the duplication of learning and assessment. There are two ways in which this will be achieved.

The opportunity to transfer credits, i.e. to recognise previously accredited achievement from within or outside the Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF) to count towards other qualifications. For individuals with learning or achievements that have not been certificated/accredited it may be possible to assess and validate these through an RPL process. These achievements may then count towards a qualification.

3. Policy 

OriGym policy is that each learner must produce valid and reliable evidence of learning to support any claims based on experience. A learner may claim RPL against a whole unit or several units. It is not possible to award part units, but where the RPL evidence does not fully meet the needs of a complete unit, the missing information may be provided via the same assessment processes as other learners.

OriGym will have, prior to sampling or claiming for certification, sought approval and agreement by Focus Awards for the RPL claim. Evidence of the RPL will be uploaded to Qualitas as part of the sampling or claim process.

In order to achieve recognition of achievement, there are two options open to the learner:

• Undertake the same assessments that lead to the relevant unit or qualification. These assessments may be undertaken without further learning.
• Submit a portfolio of evidence based on previous learning, skills and/or competence cross-referenced to the learning outcomes and assessment criteria of the unit or units for which RPL is being sought.

Learners wishing to claim this method of accreditation must agree to the procedure with either the Head of Education or the Lead Internal Quality Assurer.

The learner must play an active role in the process and must produce evidence and map it to the learning outcomes and assessment criteria of all units they wish to claim. The individual wishing to make the claim may also require the support of their employer or others in order to be able to confirm achievement of assessment criteria for which there is no tangible evidence, e.g. practical tasks.

Principles of RPL 

Principle 1: 

RPL is a valid method of enabling individuals to claim credit for units, irrespective of how their learning took place. There is no difference between the achievement of the learning outcomes and assessment criteria of a unit through prior learning or through a formal programme of study.

Principle 2: 

RPL policies, processes, procedures, practices and decisions should be transparent, rigorous, reliable, fair and accessible to individuals and stakeholders to ensure that users can be confident of the decisions and outcomes of RPL.

Principle 3: 

RPL is learner-centred, voluntary process. The individual should be offered advice on the nature and range of evidence considered appropriate to support a claim for credit through RPL, and be given guidance and support to make a claim.

Principle 4 

The process of assessment for RPL is subject to the same quality assurance and monitoring standards as any other form of assessment. The award of credit through RPL will not be distinguished from any other credits awarded.

Principle 5

Assessment methods of RPL must be of equal rigour to the assessment methods, be fit for purpose and relate to the evidence of learning. Credit may be claimed for any unit through RPL unless the assessment requirements of the unit do not allow this, based on a rationale consistent with the aims and regulations of the framework.

RPL is also of value to learners transferring across various learning programmes that have relevant learning but do not have relevant credits or certificates. This may include learners transferring from NQF to QCF specifications. OriGym advocates the five-stage procedure for RPL as set above. The result of the assessment will be logged on the learner’s Records, and all records of RPL claims for credit will be kept for three years by the Centre.