Recognition and Credit Transfer

At TAFE NSW, you can have your skills, experience and learning recognised in 2 ways: Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer. We recognise all prior learning, no matter where or how you gained it.

If you already know some of the course content, you may not have to complete all subjects. This is called Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and you will need to apply.

At TAFE NSW, we have formal processes to assess your prior learning and grant RPL. You may have gained these skills and knowledge through work experience, voluntary work, school, life experience or sporting achievements.

If you’re granted RPL for one or more units, your course fee will be adjusted. To find out if you’re eligible to apply for RPL, contact us by completing the enquiry form below.

Credit Transfer gives you credit towards a qualification for a unit you’ve already completed in another nationally accredited course. You may have completed it through TAFE NSW or another vocational education and training organisation. If you’re granted Credit Transfer for one or more units, your student fee will be adjusted.

TAFE NSW recognises qualifications in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), including those from other Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). This is called ‘National Recognition’.

We also have Credit Transfer agreements with NSW schools, Adult and Community Education (ACE) colleges and some private training providers. To apply, complete the Enrolment Adjustment – Credit – Previous Studies form and submit it to the relevant teacher or head teacher.

Please note: Credit Transfer does not guarantee automatic entry into a TAFE NSW course.

To start your Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) application, follow these steps:

1. Check your eligibility
   
   
   • Complete the online enquiry form.
   • From the drop-down menu, select the enquiry type, topic and location.
   • In the comments section, include the course you want to enrol in.

   A TAFE NSW staff member will contact you to confirm which units you may be eligible for.

    

2. Submit your application
   
   
   • Once you’re enrolled and your eligibility is confirmed, you’ll need to:
   • complete the Enrolment Adjustment – Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) form
   • attach your supporting evidence
   • submit all documents to your head teacher, who will assess your application.
     
     
3. Await your outcome
   
   
   • You’ll be notified of the result within 3 weeks. 
   • If successful, you’ll receive a transcript showing the RPL granted.
   • If unsuccessful, you may appeal for a review of the result.

You’ll need to show evidence that you meet the skills and knowledge required for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). To support your application, include verified or certified copies of your documents. Copies must be certified by a Justice of the Peace (JP). You may also need to complete an interview, practical assessment or task to prove your skills are current.

Portfolio

Your portfolio should include:

• job descriptions
• work samples or examples
• emails with clients or colleagues 
• performance reviews or management reports
• meeting minutes you attended or led
• publications or written work.

Media

Provide files that show your communication, customer service or work skills, such as:

• images
• videos
• audio recordings.

Certificates or course transcripts

Include evidence of your vocational or higher education qualifications, such as:

• certificates
• diplomas
• degrees
• statements of results or workplace training.

Life experience

You can also include evidence from your life experience, such as:

• community involvement
• hobbies
• leisure activities
• committee memberships.

Letters, references and resume

Provide documents that confirm your skills and experience, such as:

• letters of validation from employers or community groups
• endorsements from clients or colleagues
• your resume and work history.

Include contact details, as some documents may need verification. Your evidence helps TAFE NSW assessors map your skills to relevant units. We’ll contact you if more evidence is needed.

If you’re granted Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for one or more units of competency, your course fee may be adjusted. Your reduced fee eligibility depends on whether you’re a domestic or international student and if you’ve received a subsidy or fee waiver.

If you qualify for a fee reduction, the amount will vary based on how many units you receive RPL for and your course’s fee structure. If you’re studying under the NSW Government Smart and Skilled program, Training NSW will calculate your new fee following the Smart and Skilled Fee Administration Policy.

If you believe your RPL outcome is incorrect, you can submit an appeal. Before submitting a formal appeal, talk to your head teacher or the staff member who assessed your application.

To lodge a formal appeal, contact your head teacher or call us on 131 601 within 14 days of receiving your result. If you want to withdraw, speak with your head teacher first. Visit our withdrawals and refunds page for more information.

To get started with Credit Transfer, complete the Enrolment Adjustment – Credit – Previous Studies form and submit it to your head teacher for processing. Apply as soon as you enrol and before your unit or course starts. This helps with study planning.

Course fees with Credit Transfer

If Credit Transfer is granted, your course fee may be adjusted. Reduced fee eligibility depends on whether you’re a domestic or international student and if you’ve received a subsidy or fee waiver. The fee reduction amount may vary based on the number of units granted Credit Transfer and your course’s fee structure.

Provide evidence for Credit Transfer

You must provide evidence to show that you meet the requirements for Credit Transfer. For TAFE NSW qualifications, provide your Unique Student Identifier (USI) transcript or a TAFE NSW-issued Transcript of Academic Record.

For qualifications from another Registered Training Organisation (RTO), provide a USI transcript or verified Transcript of Academic Record from the issuing RTO. Include verified copies of all academic transcripts or original documents certified by a Justice of the Peace (JP).

If you’re using a USI transcript as evidence, you must give TAFE NSW permission to verify its authenticity through your USI account.

As a TAFE NSW graduate, you may be eligible for Credit Transfer toward a university program. With over 2,500 pathways available, the TAFE NSW Credit Transfer website can help you plan your progression to higher education.

TAFE NSW has Credit Transfer agreements with several Australian universities. These universities recognise your previous studies at TAFE NSW. The amount of credit you can receive depends on your course, the institution and your grades.

Credit can be granted in 3 ways:

1. Block credit
   You’re given credit for a large component of a course, which advances your progression. For example, you may receive 60 credit points for a full stage or component of your course.
2. Specified credit
   You’re given credit for specific units where your prior learning matches the learning outcomes of the new course units.
3. Unspecified credit
   You’re given credit that can be applied to parts of the course of your choice, such as elective units.

Visit credittransfer.tafensw.edu.au to see how many credit points a TAFE NSW qualification can give you.

No formal Credit Transfer agreements 

If your chosen TAFE NSW course, university or higher education provider does not have an agreement, you can still apply for Credit Transfer directly. All education providers must follow the pathway requirements in the  Australian Qualification Framework’s Qualifications Pathways Policy

Got a question? Our Customer Service Centre can help with your study journey at TAFE NSW. Call 131 601 or send an enquiry.