Types of Recognition

There are four main types of Recognition offered by TAFE NSW to currently enrolled students. These are:

TAFE NSW Credit Transfer

If you have successfully completed exactly the same unit, or a module similar in content and outcome to a unit in your current course, your result may be transferred. 

Form to complete: Enrolment Adjustment - Recognition - TAFE NSW Credit Transfer {Form 103, green}.

Please note: You can request a credit transfer at the time of enrolment through the TAFE NSW enrolment form or when enrolling online.

National Recognition

If you have completed a qualification from another RTO with the same or similar unit of competency, TAFE NSW can recognise your study.  This means that you will be exempt from the same or similar units of competency in your course.

Form to complete: Enrolment Adjustment - Recognition - Pre-arrange RPL/National Recognition{Form 105, orange}.

Pre-arranged Recognition

Pre-arranged Recognition refers to previously negotiated arrangements between TAFE NSW and other training providers and institutions such as HSC Board of Studies, Universities and Adult & Community Education (ACE).

Form to complete: Enrolment Adjustment - Recognition - Pre-arrange RPL/National Recognition{Form 105, orange}.

Non-Standard RPL

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the acknowledgement of your current skills and knowledge acquired through work and/or life experience.

Form to complete: Enrolment Adjustment - Recognition - Recogniton of Prior Learning (RPL) {Form 102, yellow}.

NOTE: Recognition forms are available from Administration.

Commercial Recognition is available to candidates who are not currently enrolled.

Completed Work and/or Life Experience

TAFE NSW recognises the skills and knowledge you have gained from work and/or life experience.  We require documentary evidence for these skills to assess against the TAFE NSW course/unit.

Work Experience

If you have been working in an occupation that is equivalent to the TAFE NSW qualification, you probably have developed skills and knowledge that can be assessed for recognition in the course. If you have completed on-the-job training this can also be assessed. Work experience in other occupations - not directly related to the qualification you are seeking may be considered. This takes into consideration paid or unpaid work including part time, full time or casual work in both Australia and overseas.

Life Experience

This covers a multitude of areas. Many people learn things by working for a community or voluntary organisation such as church, school, sporting club, surf life-saving club or fund raising organisation. You also learn valuable skills through hobbies, sport, leisure activities etc. Life experience gained through these different areas may be recognised as meeting the recongition requirement.

Overseas Qualifications

If you hold qualifications gained overseas, TAFE NSW will carefully consider them for Recognition. Recognition means that you will not have to repeat study you have already done in another country. Your documents and qualifications will need to be certified, and must be in English or translated into English by a certified translator.

We ask that you provide:

• a transcript of your overseas qualification that lists units you have completed
• course/unit syllabus that lists in detail the units that you have completed

We will also assess your overseas work experience. Translated documentary evidence will be required. 

If you are seeking Recognition and you cannot provide sufficient documentation, you may be required to do a challenge activity to demonstrate your skills.

Translations can be done by the following organisations:

• Community Relations Commission
  Language Services Interpreting and Translating
  Ph: 1300 651 500 (free call)
• Department of Immigration and Citizenship, Parramatta Office
  Ph: 131 881

Previous TAFE NSW course

If you have previously completed a TAFE NSW course you may be eligible for advanced standing in your current course.  This means you may be entitled to have units transferred from one qualification to another.

When enrolling into your current course you have the option to have these units directly transferred. This option is available on the TAFE NSW enrolment form or when enrolling online.

Reviewing Advanced Standing before enrolling

Students now have the opportunity to view which modules/units could be exempted from a target course. This is done through e-Services.

Previous Course at University or Another Training Provider

TAFE NSW will recognise the skills you have gained from university and other training providers. 

We ask that you provide:

• a transcript of your qualification that lists units you have completed
• course/unit syllabus that lists in detail the units that you have completed

Please note: If you have been granted a large number of exemptions your grading for the qualification may be affected. If you wish to achieve a highly graded qualification you will need to consider this when applying for Recognition. You may decide to study some modules to ensure a chance of gaining a highly graded qualification rather than applying for Recognition for these.