RPL assessor: How to get the best one for your RTO? Leave a comment

The recent news about ASQA’s risk priorities 2023-24 is already making rounds among the VET providers. One of them is RPL. ASQA is going to use various actions to mitigate these risks in the coming year.

How prepared are you to avoid non-compliance and ensure quality outcomes for RPL assessment?

A sure way to compliance is appointing an RPL assessor. And this blog will help you in understanding:

• Who is an RPL assessor?
• What should be the qualification?
• What should be the ideal procedure of appointing of an RPL assessor?
• How an RPL assessor will assess your RPL candidates?
• Advantages of an RPL assessor for an RTO.
• Challenges faced by an RPL assessors.
• Ensuring excellence: The triple pillars of RPL assessor qualification
• Examples of real-life RPL assessors.

Let’s get started!

Who is an RPL assessor?

A professional who is trained to evaluate evidence provided by RPL candidates to determine if they meet the requirements of a qualification or unit of competency they are planning to enrol for.

What are the ideal characteristics of an RPL assessor?

• Most current and comprehensive knowledge of the industry and the qualification they are assessing RPL for.
• They should have strong observational and analytical abilities.
• They should be able to make unbiased and ethical decisions.

What should be the qualification and skill level of an RPL assessor?

• RPL Assessors should possess qualifications at the same level or higher than the qualifications they assess.
• RPL Assessors should be adept at gathering evidence through interviews, portfolio reviews, and other methods.
• RPL Assessors need strong communication skills to build rapport with candidates, explain assessment outcomes, and guide their learning journey.
• RPL assessors should possess a thorough knowledge of RPL methodologies, regulations, and best practices.
• RPL assessors need strong interpersonal skills to actively listen, ask insightful questions, and create a supportive environment for open communication.
• RPL assessors should be able to objectively assess prior learning against set criteria and identify knowledge gaps accurately.

What should be the ideal procedure for appointing an RPL assessor?

Follow these steps which are an ideal procedure for appointing an RPL assessor:

Step 1: Identify what are your requirements for an RPL assessor.

Step 2: Craft a clear job advertisement outlining the role’s responsibilities, required qualifications, and application process and distribute that advertisement.

Step 3: Screen the resumes and cover letters of candidates you get.

Step 4: Conduct in-depth interviews of the assessors.

Step 5: Once you decide on a candidate verify the candidate’s qualifications, certifications, and previous experience through reference checks and credential verification. Also, contact past employers or clients to gain insights into their performance and professional qualities.

Step 6: Select the right assessor for your RTO. Consider their qualifications, experience, interview performance, references, and alignment with the RTO’s culture and values.

Step 7: Extend a formal offer of employment to the selected assessor, outlining the job responsibilities, compensation, benefits, and working conditions.

Step 8: Onboard and train the new RPL assessor.

Step 9: Monitor the performance of the RPL assessor.

Read Next: What is RPL and What are the ASQA Standards for RPL?

How an RPL assessor will assess your RPL candidates?

As an RTO, you’ll oversee RPL assessors who will conduct the process as follows:

Initial Assessment

• The RPL assessor will meet with the candidate to discuss their background, experiences, and learning goals.
• You’ll determine whether their prior learning aligns with the qualification they’re seeking.
• You’ll explain the RPL process and the evidence required.

Portfolio Submission

• You’ll guide the candidate in compiling a portfolio that showcases their knowledge and skills.
• This portfolio may include work samples, certifications, references, and other relevant documents.

Assessment

• You’ll thoroughly review the candidate’s portfolio and evaluate the evidence provided.
• You may conduct interviews or practical assessments to further assess their competencies.
• You’ll compare their knowledge and skills to the learning outcomes of the specific qualification.

Credit Award

• If the candidate’s prior learning meets the required standards, you’ll award them credit for part or all of the qualification.
• This credit will reduce the time and resources they need to complete the program.
• You may also grant exemptions from certain courses or modules.

Feedback and Appeals

• You’ll provide the candidate with clear and constructive feedback on the assessment outcomes.
• You’ll outline their options for appealing the decision if they disagree with the results.

Advantages of an RPL assessor for an RTO.

Embracing RPL Assessors opens a treasure trove of opportunities. So, let’s explore how these skilled professionals become valuable assets for your institution:

• With RPL assessors on board, you can attract a wider pool of learners, enhancing your reputation as an inclusive and progressive RTO.
• By recognising prior learning, RPL allows learners to skip unnecessary modules, saving them valuable time and resources.
• RPL assessors ensures the integrity of your qualifications while minimising the risk of awarding credit for unverified skills.
• RPL assessor’s approach fosters engagement and motivation, leading to higher completion rates and successful transitions into new careers.
• RPL assessors keep your RTO in the loop about evolving skillsets and workplace demands. This valuable feedback helps your RTO constantly update your curriculum and stay ahead of the curve in a dynamic market.
• With dedicated RPL assessors handling prior learning evaluation, your administrative staff can focus their expertise on core tasks like recruitment, admissions, and student support.
• RPL assessors help create a strong network for knowledge sharing and potential referral partnerships, ultimately benefiting both your institution and the wider learning community.

Challenges faced by RPL assessors

In theory, RPL seems to be a quick and easy way to earn credits and qualifications. The practicality of this assessment is far from quick. The RTOs, RPL candidates and RPL assessors all face issues in the course of the RPL assessment. The challenges faced by an RPL assessor are unique as they have they carry the burden of decision making.

• Some RPL assessors may feel overburdened as the RTO doesn’t prioritise RPL. They are tasked to conduct RPL as a part of other tasks which definitely hampers the quality of an RPL assessment.
• Students are not aware of RPL or the benefits of RPL assessment. This puts the RPL assessor at a crossroads.
• Another major challenge is recognising non formal and informal learning. An RPL assessor has a hard time evaluating such learning as it is outside the structure of formal learning.
• Lack of confidence in an RPL assessor due to limited industry exposure is definitely a challenge and concern. The work world is highly dynamic these days and RPL candidates are mostly working professionals. They are aware of current industry trends but the lack of it in their assessor is a threat to a successful RPL assessment.
• RPL assessment is different from a traditional course assessment. Because of the difference in nature, it demands flexibility. An RPL assessor faces challenges if they are not agile or are unable to contextualise the RPL assessment tools for their candidates.
• RPL programs often attract a significant number of applicants, each with a distinct background and evidence portfolio. Managing this influx effectively is a challenge for any RPL assessor.
• Some RPL applications may present evidence that falls within a grey area of criteria. Assessors will find it challenging and hard to uphold fair standards.

Examples of real-life RPL assessors and their experience

• RPL Assessor: Audra Broughton Issue: Unrealistic Self-Appraisal Resolution: Thorough evaluation of submitted evidence and recognition of the inadequate self-appraisal forms led to a comprehensive assessment of the candidate’s actual work tasks and competencies.
• RPL Assessor: Unnamed Issue: Inconsistent Work History Resolution: The assessor thoroughly verified the candidate’s work history and raised doubts about the accuracy of the information provided, leading to a decision not to grant the qualification due to insufficient evidence.

Find the best RPL kits here.

Ensuring excellence: The triple pillars of RPL assessor qualification

As an RTO committed to top-notch RPL assessment, investing in your assessors’ development is paramount. Here are the three pillars upon which RPL assessor excellence rests:

Continuous Professional Growth

• Sharpen Your Expertise: Regular training sessions and industry workshops keep your assessors at the forefront of RPL methodologies, assessment best practices, and evolving industry standards.
• Peer Power: Foster a culture of collaborative learning through peer review exercises and feedback sessions. This allows assessors to exchange insights, refine their skills, and stay accountable for maintaining high-quality assessments.

Ethical Uprightness

• Safeguard Fairness: Implement clear policies to avoid conflicts of interest and ensure unbiased assessments. This builds trust with both candidates and stakeholders.
• Embrace Transparency: Be open and transparent in your decision-making processes. Clearly communicate assessment criteria and provide detailed feedback to candidates, fostering confidence and understanding.
• Uphold Confidentiality: Respect candidates’ privacy by safeguarding their personal information and ensuring the strictest confidentiality throughout the RPL process.

Collaborative Spirit

• Bridge the Gap with Education: Partner with educational institutions to stay updated on curriculum changes and ensure RPL assessments align with current learning outcomes. This creates a seamless journey for learners transitioning through formal and informal learning pathways.
• Industry Insights: Collaborate with industry bodies to understand evolving industry standards, emerging skills, and practical workplace demands. This allows you to tailor RPL assessments to real-world relevance and prepare candidates for current market needs.
• Candidate-Centric Approach: Remember, RPL is about recognising and validating an individual’s unique learning journey. Work closely with candidates, providing guidance, clear expectations, and constructive feedback throughout the assessment process. This personal touch not only enhances the experience but also strengthens the integrity and fairness of RPL assessments.

Conclusion

An RPL assessor is a crucial asset to an RTO. That is why choosing the right one is very important for you. The steps given in the blog are easy to follow and ensure guaranteed results. The challenges discussed in the blog might be faced by your RPL assessor also. The triple pillars of RPL assessor qualification focus on the other important aspects of RPL assessors. This wealth of information will definitely help you and your RPL assessors.

Want the best RPL assessment kits for your RTO?

Then VET Resources is the best option for you. We offer RPL kits which can be easily contextualised and are prepared by industry experts. We offer samples of our kits. For more information contact us here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What two types of evidence are most commonly used for assessing a candidate’s RPL?

Direct evidence and indirect evidence are most commonly used for assessing a candidate’s RPL.

What information should an assessment RPL plan contain?

RPL plan should contain information such as the elective units that candidates choose, workplace visit details including dates and much more.

Why are assessors important?

Assessors are important as they ensure quality, and promote fairness and objectivity. Assessors are needed to provide feedback, and guidance, and drive improvement and innovation.