What to Expect from Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) at Chartall Business College

As professionals, we accumulate a wealth of knowledge and skills through informal learning experiences in our workplaces, short courses, and community work. This knowledge is valuable, even if it has never been formally assessed. Chartall Business College offers a streamlined Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process that helps individuals convert their informal learning into a nationally recognised qualification.
In this article, we will explore the RPL process at Chartall Business College, how it can accelerate your educational journey, and the principles to ensure a successful RPL experience.
Understanding Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that enables individuals to gain formal recognition for their existing knowledge and experiences, allowing them to either apply for subject exemptions or access degree programs they might not otherwise qualify for.
To read an in-depth explanation of what RPL entails, have a look at this article.
How RPL Works at Chartall Business College
At Chartall Business College, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) offers individuals a valuable opportunity to convert their extensive life experiences and informal learning into a recognised qualification. The RPL process at Chartall is carefully designed to provide a flexible and accessible pathway for candidates to achieve a nationally accredited qualification in their chosen field.
Let’s explore the step-by-step journey of how RPL works at Chartall Business College, from the initial pre-assessment to the issuance of the final qualification certificate.
Pre-Assessment
Before embarking on the RPL journey, each candidate undergoes a pre-assessment process to assess their suitability for RPL. Through thoughtful evaluation, Chartall Business College’s RPL advisors match the candidate’s prior learning and experiences with the relevant qualifications. This pre-assessment, often conducted via telephone, enables personalised guidance tailored to each candidate’s background and aspirations.
Enrolment and Acceptance of Terms and Conditions
Upon successful completion of the pre-assessment, eligible candidates proceed with online enrolment for the RPL process. During enrolment, Chartall Business College’s administrative team verifies eligibility and provides access to the RPL Terms and Conditions document. By accepting these terms, candidates formally commit to the RPL journey, ensuring transparency and cooperation throughout the assessment process.
Preparation for Assessment
Chartall Business College equips candidates with preparatory materials, including informative online videos and e-learning modules. These resources guide candidates in compiling their Portfolio of Evidence (PoE), a vital component of the RPL assessment. The preparatory phase ensures candidates feel well-prepared and confident in presenting their competencies through the portfolio.
Compiling the Portfolio of Evidence
For most qualifications, candidates create a comprehensive Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) that showcases their expertise in various subject areas. The PoE includes well-structured answers to knowledge and assignment questions, supported by relevant evidence from their professional experiences. The portfolio serves as tangible proof of the candidate’s competence in specific domains.
Assessment and Feedback
Experienced assessors at Chartall Business College carefully review each candidate’s portfolio, providing constructive feedback and requesting additional evidence if necessary. This thorough and fair assessment ensures candidates’ prior learning is appropriately recognised and validated
Verification and External Moderation
The RPL process undergoes rigorous internal verification by Chartall and external moderation by the relevant Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA). This meticulous review ensures the integrity and consistency of the RPL assessment, upholding recognised educational standards.
Certificate Issuance
Upon successful completion of the RPL assessment and external moderation, the SETA issues the final qualification certificate. This certificate formally recognises the candidate’s achievements and provides official validation of their acquired knowledge and skills.
Through this inclusive and empowering RPL process, Chartall Business College empowers candidates to leverage their life experiences and informal learning, creating a clear pathway to achieve a recognised qualification in their chosen field. The RPL approach reflects Chartall’s commitment to accessible education and the acknowledgement of individuals’ diverse learning journeys.

What Support can be Expected Throughout the RPL Journey?
From the moment candidates embark on the RPL process until they achieve their recognised qualification, a team of dedicated professionals is available to guide, mentor, and facilitate a smooth and successful RPL experience. The support system includes the Project Manager, Coach, and knowledgeable staff members, all working collaboratively to ensure candidates’ needs are met effectively.
RPL Mentor
The RPL mentor serves as a central point of contact, assisting candidates in staying on track with regular reminders and open communication. The RPL mentor ensures candidates complete the RPL process within the designated timeframe, helping them to manage deadlines and submit their portfolios on time. Additionally, the RPL mentor is responsible for accepting and verifying the portfolios before assessment and providing valuable feedback to candidates throughout the process.
Faculty
Each RPL candidate is paired with a dedicated faculty member, whose primary role is to guide, mentor, and support the candidate throughout the assessment journey. The faculty member assists candidates in understanding the assessment process, interpreting complex questions, and providing guidance on suitable readings and resources. While the faculty member cannot provide direct answers, they empower candidates to showcase their knowledge effectively through the portfolio. The faculty member may also conduct occasional online sessions or virtual meetings, ensuring candidates receive the necessary assistance and encouragement to succeed.
Staff at Chartall Business College
Beyond the RPL mentor and faculty member, Chartall’s staff members are always available to provide additional assistance and support to RPL candidates. Whether candidates have technical questions, need clarifications, or require further resources, the staff is responsive and attentive to cater to their needs. Chartall’s team of experienced assessors and moderators ensures a rigorous yet fair assessment process, while the administrative staff efficiently handles enrolment, documentation, and certification procedures, streamlining the overall RPL experience for candidates.
Benefits of RPL at Chartall Business College
Choosing Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) at Chartall Business College comes with an array of valuable advantages that empower individuals to transform their life experiences and informal learning into a recognised qualification. Embracing the RPL pathway offers candidates numerous benefits that streamline their journey towards personal and professional growth. These benefits include:
- Recognition for Life’s Work: RPL acknowledges all your learning, experience, and insights, shortening the time to complete the BBA degree.
- Subject Exemptions: Up to 50% of the BBA subjects can be exempted through RPL, reducing the time to graduation and overall costs.
- Comprehensive Support: Chartall Business College provides personal RPL advisors to guide candidates throughout the process, ensuring successful completion.
- Equivalency: The qualification earned through RPL is equivalent to that obtained through traditional training, making it recognized and respected in the job market.
Principles for a Successful RPL Experience
To ensure a successful RPL experience at Chartall Business College, it is essential to follow a set of guiding principles that optimise your assessment and showcase your competencies effectively. These guiding principles include:
- Be Realistic: Choose a qualification and level that matches your workplace experience.
- Seek Advice: Meet with an RPL advisor to assess your suitability and identify the appropriate qualification.
- Time Management: Allocate sufficient time for assessments; don’t rush the process.
- Answer Questions Thoroughly: Understand the specific requirements of each question and provide relevant answers.
- Provide Sufficient Evidence: Offer enough evidence to demonstrate competence without overwhelming the assessor.
- Conduct Research: Look up unfamiliar terms and models, citing reputable sources.
- Avoid Plagiarism: Do not copy and paste answers; originality is crucial.
- Match Evidence to Questions: Ensure evidence aligns with the questions asked.
- Showcase Relevant Work: Highlight current and relevant examples of your accomplishments.
- Proofread and Use Academic Writing: Review your answers for grammar, spelling, and use a formal writing style.
Conclusion
At Chartall Business College, we believe that every individual’s life experiences, and informal learning hold immense value and deserve recognition. Our streamlined Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process offers you the opportunity to convert your wealth of knowledge and skills into a nationally recognised qualification. If you’ve been seeking a pathway to accelerate your educational journey and achieve a degree that aligns with your expertise, then RPL is the perfect choice.
Don’t wait any longer—apply and enroll for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) at Chartall Business College today! Let us help you unlock the potential of your life experiences and informal learning, making your dreams of a recognised qualification a reality. The possibilities are endless, and the future is waiting for you!
To apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL) or to simply speak to an RPL advisor about your options, send an email to [email protected] or get in touch at +27 11 467 3215.
Best of luck on your path to achieving a recognised qualification!