What is a RPL Practitioner?
A RPL Practitioner is an individual who utilizes learner-focused activities to formatively or summatively assess an individual’s prior learning, for recognition of competence, academic access or credit, or job entry or promotion, using sound principles and accepted methods.
In Canada the work may be carried out by any or all of the following roles as part, or all, of their job:
- a RPL Adviser (one who guides and/or advises candidates/learners in the PLAR/RPL process)
- a RPL Assessor (who is often but not exclusively, a subject matter expert from faculty)
- a RPL Coordinator/Facilitator (a person who coordinates systems and resources, supports others involved in PLAR/RPL processes, and may also conduct research at larger facilities and institutions)
The range of a practitioner’s activities may include:
- Preparation of professionals for qualification recognition
- Assessment of individuals for academic credit
- Assisting individuals with their personal growth and development
- Human resource development
Are there standards of practice for RPL?
In 2015, the Canadian Association for Prior Learning Assessment (CAPLA) published Quality Assurance for the Recognitions of Prior Learning (RPL) in Canada: THE MANUAL.
Quality Assurance practice for RPL in Canada was originally based on the 14 minimum standards for the PLAR process published by the Canadian Labour Force Development Board (CLFDB) in 1997. These standards were further detailed in 1999 by the Centre for Curriculum Transfer and Technology when they published their own PLAR Guidelines.
Standards to assess learning for academic credit were developed by Whittaker (1989) for the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL). The CAEL standards primarily address organizational issues.
In the UK, occupational standards for assessment were developed by the Training and Development Lead Body (TDLB, 1995) to prepare National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) Assessors for their role in workplace and PLAR assessment.
How do I connect with a RPL Practitioner?
Are you looking for a RPL Practitioner? MPLAN is committed to assisting employers and others with linking an individual’s skills to actual skill development needs of an organization.
Contact MPLAN via email for more information.
Attend one of MPLAN’s professional development events or Annual General Meeting to connect with RPL practitioners, learn about the latest news and events in the field of RPL and to take advantage of RPL knowledge, skills, and abilities you require.
MPLAN provides information on the RPL Practitioner expertise within our network and includes projects with:
- Employers
- Internationally Educated Persons
- Community Organizations
- Sector Councils
- Government Departments at municipal, provincial, and federal levels
- Academic Institutions
- Adult Learning Centres
Each member identifies him/herself with one or more of the following sectors:
- Academic
- Pre-employment
- Professional
- Workplace
An RPL Practitioner can help with:
- Human resource development and training
- Succession planning
- Preparation of professionals
- Qualifications frameworks
- Assisting individuals with their personal growth and development
- Establishing sound assessment systems and methods
- Assessment of individuals for academic credit
How do I become a member of MPLAN?
Go to Membership Information Page
Benefits of MPLAN membership
Connect with a network of Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition Practitioners who can help you and your organization to:
- Identify training needs
- Reduce training time away from the workplace
- Help your managers link skill development needs to organizational needs
- Identify and use the hidden skills of your employees
- Influence government policy regarding training strategies for employers
Members enjoy
- Reduced entrance fees to MPLAN conferences and learning events
- Regular networking opportunities
- Meetings and events that accommodate different schedules
Events and meetings
We generally hold five learning and networking events/meetings per year, including workshops and topical presentations by keynote speakers. These sessions provide information on current RPL practices and their connection to human resource planning and training.