Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Many builders, carpenters, painters, and tradespeople have been working in the industry for years — but never had the time or pathway to gain formal qualifications. RPL changes that.
Recognition of Prior Learning is a formal assessment process that recognises your existing skills, knowledge, and experience against the requirements of 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.
AATT RPL qualifications
- CPC30220 Certificate III in Carpentry
- CPC30620 Certificate III in Painting and Decorating
- CPC40120 Certificate IV in Building and Construction
- CPC50220 Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)
How AATT RPL works
- Free Pre-Training Review — Initial meeting (phone or video) to confirm RPL is right for you
- RPL Candidate Kit — AATT issues your evidence guide and unit-by-unit checklist
- Evidence collection — Photos, video, work samples, references, qualifications, supervisor reports
- Evidence review — AATT assessor reviews evidence against unit requirements
- Competency Conversation — Structured interview with your assessor
- Gap analysis — Any gaps identified; Gap Training Plan issued
- Gap Training — Targeted training via AATT Learning Portal + workplace activities
- Final assessment — Competency decision per unit; qualification issued
How long does it take?
Typically 2 to 6 months from start to finish. Many candidates complete in 8-12 weeks where evidence is comprehensive.
RPL fees
| RPL pathway fee | AUD $1,500 per qualification |
|---|
| Includes | PTR, evidence review, Competency Conversation, Gap Training within standard scope, certification |
|---|
| Additional Gap Training (extensive) | $250 per unit if required |
|---|
| Credit Transfer | Free (if you hold equivalent units from another RTO) |
|---|
| Government funding | Not applicable — AATT is full-fee only |
|---|
What evidence works?
- Photos and video of your work (with date, location, your face visible at start)
- References from past supervisors, clients, business owners
- Payslips and employment letters
- Previous qualifications (Cert II, Cert III, White Card)
- Work samples (drawings, project documents, invoices)
- Supervisor third-party reports (we provide the template)
- Photos of tools and workplace
Is RPL right for you?
RPL works best if you have:
- At least 2 years' relevant recent industry experience
- Access to a current or recent workplace (for evidence or references)
- Documents and photos from past projects
- A workplace supervisor or business owner willing to provide a reference
