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Turn your work experience into an Australian qualification
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) converts your real-world trade skills into a nationally recognised Australian certificate, without going back to school. Usually in 1 to 3 months.
What is RPL, and how does it work?
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 converted into an official Australian qualification.
- No classroom: your real experience is assessed
- Results in an official Australian certificate (for example a Certificate III)
- Recognised by employers, training organisations and assessing authorities
- Usually completed in 1 to 3 months
RPL or skills assessment: which one do you need?
Many tradies confuse the two. Here’s the difference, and when you need each one.
| RPL | Skills assessment (TRA) | |
|---|---|---|
| For | Non-licensed trades: carpenter, welder, mechanic, fitter and more | Licensed trades (electrician, plumber, refrigeration) and all skilled migration |
| What it does | Converts your experience into an Australian certificate | Formally assesses your skills for licensing or migration |
| Who assesses | A registered training organisation | Trades Recognition Australia, through approved organisations |
| Typical time | 1 to 3 months | Depends on the program |
| Order | Usually first, for non-licensed trades | After RPL for skilled migration; first step for licensed trades |
Not sure which applies to you? The free eligibility check tells you in 60 seconds.
How RPL works, step by step
No classroom. Your real experience is assessed against the Australian standard.
Free eligibility check
We review your trade, experience and background, and tell you if RPL is the right pathway for you.
Strategy call
We map out the qualification that fits your experience, realistic timelines and next steps, in plain English (or French).
Evidence preparation
You gather proof of your experience: work references, payslips, photos and videos of your work. We give you templates and review everything.
Assessment and certification
Your evidence is assessed against Australian trade standards by our RTO partner. Once successful, you receive your official Australian certificate.
Next steps
With your certificate in hand, we guide you toward your next move: a skills assessment for migration, better jobs or employer sponsorship.
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.
What your certificate opens up
An Australian certificate changes how employers and assessors see your experience.
An Australian qualification
A nationally recognised Certificate III or IV, recognised by employers and training organisations across Australia.
Better jobs and higher wages
Access to qualified roles, better pay and more job security in your trade.
A skilled migration pathway
A nationally recognised Australian qualification you can use in your TRA skills assessment for skilled migration. Depending on your TRA program, it can give you access to Pathway 2: no practical assessment and $1,100 less in TRA fees. Pathway 1 vs Pathway 2 explained →
Frequently asked questions
How long does RPL take?
Usually 1 to 3 months, depending on how quickly you gather your evidence and on the assessor’s schedule.
What evidence do I need?
Employer references describing your duties and dates, payslips or contracts, photos and videos of your work, and any overseas qualifications. We give you templates and review everything.
Is an RPL certificate a real Australian qualification?
Yes. RPL leads to the same nationally recognised qualification as completing the course; you simply don’t repeat training for skills you already have.
Do I need to be in Australia?
To do RPL, you need a valid Australian visa (student visas are not eligible). We can start preparing your documents and evidence while you are still overseas. There is no practical assessment: your evidence is documents, photos and videos, and some training organisations hold a short interview, done remotely.
Can RPL get me a visa?
RPL gives you a nationally recognised Australian qualification. For skilled migration you then need a TRA skills assessment, and the visa itself is decided by the Department of Home Affairs. We are not migration agents: for visa advice, speak to a registered migration agent.
Real tradies. Real results.
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.