How the RPL process works — step by step
HOW IT WORKS
— RPL Australia
Turn your work experience into an Australian qualification
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) lets you convert your real-world trade skills into a nationally recognised Australian certificate without going back to school. In as little as 1 to 3 months.
Takes 60 seconds · No commitment · 100+ tradies helped
What is RPL — and how does it work?
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a formal process that assesses your existing work experience and practical skills against Australian trade standards. Instead of repeating training you already know, your experience is evaluated and converted into an official Australian qualification.
- No classroom — your real experience is assessed
- Results in an official Australian Certificate (e.g. Certificate III)
- Recognised by employers, RTOs, and migration authorities
- Process takes 1 to 3 months on average
RPL OR SKILLS ASSESSMENT
RPL or Skills Assessment — which one do you need?
Many tradies confuse the two. Here's the difference — and when you need each one.
- For non-licensed trades
RPL — RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING
Carpenter · Welder · Mechanic · Fitter · and more
- Converts your experience into an Australian Certificate
- Required before a skills assessment for migration
- No mandatory state licence needed
- Completed in 1–3 months
- For licensed trades + migration
Electrician · Plumber · Refrigeration · All trades for skilled visas
SKILLS ASSESSMENT — TRA
- Formal assessment by Trades Recognition Australia
- Mandatory for licensed trades and skilled visas
- Required for 482, 189, 190, 491 visas
- Non-licensed tradies do RPL first, then this
IS THIS FOR YOU
Is RPL right for you?
RPL through Oversix is designed for overseas tradies who meet the following criteria.
Non-licensed trade occupation
You work in a trade that does not require a state licence in Australia — carpenter, welder, mechanic, fitter, etc.
Solid work experience
You have real, hands-on experience in your trade — with or without a formal overseas diploma.
Australian qualification goal
You want an official Australian certificate to access better jobs, higher wages, or a skilled migration visa.
In Australia or planning to move
Whether you're already here working below your level, or still planning your move.
FREE ELIGIBILITY CHECK
Check your eligibility in 60 seconds
Tell us about your trade and experience — we'll tell you exactly what you qualify for. Free, no commitment.
SUPPORTED TRADES
We support all RPL-eligible occupations
Click on your trade to see the specific requirements and pathway for your occupation.
01
Free eligibility check
We review your trade, experience, and background. You get a clear answer on whether RPL is the right pathway for you.
02
Strategy call
One of our experts walks you through your options, timelines, costs, and next steps — in plain English (or French).
03
Evidence preparation
We help you gather and present your evidence — work references, job logs, photos, and practical demonstrations. We provide revision support and templates throughout.
04
Assessment & certification
Your evidence is assessed against Australian trade standards by our RTO partner. Once successful, you receive your official Australian certificate.
05
Next steps
With your certificate in hand, we guide you toward your next move — skills assessment for migration, better jobs, or employer sponsorship.
WHAT IT UNLOCKS
What your RPL certificate opens up
📄 Australian qualification
An official Certificate III or IV recognised by employers, RTOs, and migration authorities across Australia.
💼 Better jobs & higher wages
Recognised tradies earn $50–65/hr vs $28–32/hr unrecognised. Your certificate is the difference.
✈️ Skilled migration pathway
Your RPL certificate is the first step toward a skills assessment — and ultimately a skilled migration visa.
WHY OVERSIX
Why work with Oversix — and not go it alone?
You can apply for RPL yourself through an RTO. But here's what most tradies don't realise until it's too late.
Going alone
- Hard to know which RTO to choose
- Weak evidence = failed assessment
- No support preparing work references
- Process drags on for months
- No guidance on what comes next
With Oversix
- We work with trusted RTO partners
- Evidence prepared to meet Australian standards
- Templates and revision support provided
- Average completion : 1–3 months
- We guide you through every step after
Real tradies. Real results. Here's what they say.
Over 100 overseas tradies have already gone through the Oversix process. Here’s what some of them had to say.
Ready to find out if you Qualify ?
It takes 60 seconds. No commitment. Just clarity.
100+ tradies helped · RPL & TRA specialists · We speak English and French