RPL

South African Mountaineering Development & Training Trust

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Recognition of Prior Learning

Policy Purpose

To inform assessors and candidates, of the policy and principles of MDT’s approach to Recognition of Prior Learning.

RPL Definition

RPL is an acronym for Recognition of Prior Learning. The MDT adopts the following definition of RPL as referred to in the NSB Regulations No 18787:

“RPL is the comparison of the previous learning and experience of a Candidate howsoever obtained against the learning outcomes of a specific qualification, and the acceptance thereof for purposes of certification”

The above definition holds the following implications:

That a comparison of contextualised competence be done against the schemes requirements.

That recognition is done for both learning and experience, (not one or the other only), and

That the process is focused on the Candidate and his/her current competence, not historical evidence only

RPL Approach

The following principles as the basis to this approach:

RPL practices must be Candidate-centered and developmental – the Candidate must be credited for what they do know, not penalised for what they don’t know.

RPL must have a clear workplace focus.

RPL will only be recognised for certification purposes if whole schemes are assessed. Portions of experience will not be recognised in isolation of the total skill described in the scheme.

RPL Purpose

The purpose of RPL as envisaged by the MDT within the assessment environment is as follows:

To provide access to assessment & Certification without following the normal route of attending a training course first.

RPL Requirements

The MDT has the following:

A clear RPL strategy

A Quality Management support infrastructure

RPL Assessment Plan

The assessment plan includes the following:

Purpose is identified

Interaction between assessor and Candidate

Agreed evidence requirements and types

Assessment strategy

Evidence Requirements

Quality of evidence relates to reliability, validity, authenticity, sufficiency and currency.

Identification of potential barriers and alternatives are communicated to the Candidate

A balance of product, process, knowledge and historical evidence is maintained

RPL Process Overview

All RPL practices for certification purposes on MDT programmes will follow the broad, generic process of RPL as described in the SAQA Policy Document (Gazette 23186 – 4 March 2002):

Application

Screening

Assessment Plan

Preperation

Assessment

Judgment

Moderation

Feedback

Post Support

RPL Process & Procedure

The following serves as a guideline, the process stages that are in the RPL process

No	Stage	Activity	Resources Required
1	Candidate Registration	1. Candidate identifies competence areas for RPL purposes	MDT Registration Form Service provider
2	Pre-assessment Screening	2. Service Provider discusses process with Candidate to establish scope, purpose and viability of assessment 3. Candidate identifies Scheme for assessment 4. Candidate performs self assessment against Syllabi	Pre-assessment discussion Syllabi
3	Assessment Plan	5. Establish evidence requirements 6. Establish assessment approach, tools & mechanisms 7. Set dates & times of assessment	Assessor Guides Assessment Plan
4	Candidate Preparation	8. Provide guidance to Candidate in assessment & evidence principles
5	Assessment	9. Candidate undergoes practical & theoretical assessment activities	Assessment Instruments
6	Judgment	10. Assessor makes judgment on evidence, and / or 11. Calls for additional evidence, and 12. Makes a competence & developmental needs judgment 13. Initial feedback given to Candidate	Assessment Instruments
7	Moderation	14. Moderator moderates assessment 15. Provide feedback to assessor	Moderation Documents
8	Feedback	16. Provide feedback to Candidate 17. Issue of certification
9	Post Assessment Support	18. Identify and channel Candidate into development / training path if needed	Declaration of Competence

Recognition of Qualifications: (Mutual recognition policy)

The MDT and its Service Providers are obligated to recognise qualifications and statements of attainment where another similar organisation has validly issued them. However:

It is recognised that due to the wide variance in the context and environment in which an individuals training and assessment took place, a particular qualification may not automatically grant equivalent rights or other guarantees of capability to perform certain skills.

The MDT has the right to consider such issues as currency and context to perform under specific conditions. Although a qualification that was issued by another organisation is valid, the person whom the qualification was issued to will not necessarily be still proficient five years later or in another context. This is exacerbated when the person has not maintained their skill through regular practice or refresher training.

When working or performing skills, a single error could have catastrophic results.

The MDT and its Service Providers therefore assert their right to assess an individual’s currency regardless of what qualifications are held before assigning an MDT certification.

The MDT Quality Management System has been established and is maintained by the Adventure Qualifications Network cc (AQN). If you would like further information about their services to the Adventure Industry, please feel free to contact them at: P.O.Box 2510, Hillcrest, 3650 Tel: 031 767 2160 or by Email www.aqn.za.org