RPL Evidence Guide
The complete step-by-step guide to AATT's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pathway — what evidence you need, how to collect it, and what to expect.
1. What is RPL?
Recognition of Prior Learning is a formal assessment process that recognises your existing skills, knowledge, and experience against a nationally recognised qualification. If you can show you can already do the work, you can get qualified — without sitting through training you don't need.
RPL is the primary pathway at AATT for experienced workers in the building and construction industry.
2. Is RPL right for you?
RPL works best if you have:
- At least 2 years' relevant recent industry experience in the qualification's vocational area
- Access to a current or recent workplace for additional evidence or references
- Documents and photos from past projects
- A workplace supervisor or business owner willing to provide a reference
- A current Construction White Card (CPCCWHS1001)
3. The RPL process — step by step
Step 1 — Free Pre-Training Review (PTR)
A free, no-obligation meeting (phone or video) with an AATT advisor. We discuss your experience, suitability for RPL, and the qualification you're interested in. About 30 minutes.
Step 2 — LLN Self-Assessment
You complete the AATT LLN Self-Assessment online (30-45 minutes). Result is diagnostic — helps AATT plan support if needed.
Step 3 — Enrolment confirmed; RPL Candidate Kit issued
If RPL is right for you, AATT confirms enrolment and issues the RPL Candidate Kit for your chosen qualification. The kit contains evidence guides for every unit in the qualification.
Step 4 — You gather evidence
You collect evidence over 2-6 weeks. AATT provides templates and guidance. Typical evidence includes:
- Photos and video of your work
- References from past supervisors, clients, business owners
- Previous qualifications and certifications
- Work samples (drawings, project documents, invoices)
- Supervisor third-party reports
- Payslips and employment letters
Step 5 — AATT reviews your evidence
An AATT-qualified assessor reviews your evidence portfolio against the unit requirements. We look for evidence that you can demonstrate competence against every performance criterion, performance evidence item, and knowledge evidence item.
Step 6 — Competency Conversation
Your AATT assessor conducts a structured Competency Conversation with you. Usually a video call (60-90 minutes). The assessor asks specific questions to confirm your understanding and decision-making. Be ready to talk through real projects you've worked on.
Step 7 — Gap analysis
After your evidence review and Competency Conversation, your assessor identifies any gaps — units or parts of units where evidence is incomplete. A Gap Training Plan is issued if needed.
Step 8 — Gap Training (if required)
Targeted training to close identified gaps. Delivered via the AATT Learning Portal (theory) and your workplace (practical evidence collection). Duration depends on the gaps — typically a few weeks to a few months.
Step 9 — Final competency decision
Your assessor makes a final competency decision for each unit. Once all units are competently completed, AATT issues your qualification.
Step 10 — Qualification issued
You receive your nationally recognised qualification certificate within 30 days. Original posted; PDF emailed.
4. What evidence works?
Photos and video
- Show your face holding photo ID at the start of every video (identity verification)
- Show the date — film it on a phone with timestamp on, or capture today's newspaper in frame
- Show the location — workplace features should be visible
- Show your work — close-ups of what you're doing
- Capture multiple angles where relevant
- Don't edit videos — submit the raw recording
- 2-3 minutes is usually enough per task
Photo evidence specifics
- Photo of you on site (with PPE)
- Photos of completed work — before, during, after
- Photos of tools you've used
- Photos of materials, plans, drawings you've worked from
References and third-party reports
- Past or current supervisor — their relationship to you, dates of employment, list of tasks you performed competently
- Client testimonials with full contact details (so we can verify)
- Business owner reference if you've worked as a sub-contractor
- AATT provides templates for third-party reports
Documentation
- Previous qualifications (Cert II, Cert III, White Card, traffic management cards, etc.)
- Trade licences (where applicable)
- Employment contracts
- Payslips (typically last 3-6 months)
- Work orders, job cards, project documents
- Drawings you've worked from
- Material invoices and supplier records
- SWMS / SDS / risk assessments you've prepared or used
5. What evidence doesn't work
- Photos without you in them (we can't tell if it's your work)
- Videos without identity verification at the start
- References that can't be verified (no contact details)
- Edited or processed video (we need authenticity)
- Evidence older than 3 years (currency requirement) unless supplemented with current work
- Generic CVs without specific role descriptions
6. Cost and timeframe
| RPL pathway fee | AUD $1,500 per qualification |
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| Includes | Pre-Training Review, evidence review, Competency Conversation, Gap Training within standard scope, final assessment, qualification issuance |
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| Additional Gap Training (extensive) | $250 per unit if required |
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| Credit Transfer | Free |
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| Typical timeframe | 2-6 months from start to finish (most candidates complete in 8-12 weeks) |
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| Maximum completion window | 24 months from enrolment |
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7. Tips from AATT assessors
- Start gathering evidence early. Don't wait until enrolment — start collecting photos and identifying referees now.
- Be specific. "I built a frame" is too vague. "I framed a 6m wall using 90×35 H2 pine at 600mm centres, on a slab, against the plan" gives evidence of competence.
- Quality over quantity. One clear video showing competence is better than ten blurry photos.
- Get the references in writing. Tell your supervisor what AATT will need so they can speak to it on the record.
- Don't fake it. Authenticity controls catch fabricated evidence. We've seen everything. Submit your own work, your own way, your own pace.
- Talk through your work. The Competency Conversation is where most candidates show their real understanding. Be ready to walk us through a project from start to finish.
8. Ready to start?
Book your free Pre-Training Review:
