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Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can apply for recognition?
- How do I apply for skills recognition?
- How much does recognition cost?
- How do I pay for assessment/recognition?
- Do I work through this process on my own?
- How will I know I’m on the right track?
- Collecting evidence sounds like hard work. What are the benefits?
- What sorts of things can I include as evidence?
- Can I apply for recognition if I don’t have evidence in each of the specified areas?
- Can I present the same piece of evidence for different units of competency?
- Can I have another go if I ‘fail’?
- What if I’ve covered the competencies in previous study?
- Does Skills Recognition differ from Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)?
- I’m fairly sure I’ve enough evidence for three competencies but not for the whole Diploma. Can I apply for recognition for those three competencies?
- What happens if I don’t agree with an assessment outcome? Is there an appeal and review process?
- If my application and Portfolio of evidence are successful, will I receive a Skills Recognition Certificate?
- How much evidence do I need to provide?
- How long do I have to prepare my portfolio of evidence?
- How will my work be assessed?
- How current does the evidence have to be?
- If I have covered the material in a university course will I automatically receive status in that area of competency?
- Where can I get more information?
1. Who can apply for recognition?
Anyone who believes they have the skills and knowledge contained in a Unit of Competency is encouraged to apply for recognition. The following factors may help you in deciding whether an application will be successful.
- Do you have the underpinning knowledge required in the unit?
- Can you demonstrate the skills required in the unit?
- Can you apply the knowledge and skills in a work situation?
- Can you apply the knowledge and skills in a range of work situations?
- Are your knowledge and skills current?
- Can you provide evidence of your skills and knowledge?
2. How do I apply for skills recognition?
- Identify which Unit/s of Competency you would like to seek recognition for. A full list of Units currently available for recognition is listed on the Commission’s website at http://www.apsc.gov.au/rto/
- Download the relevant ‘recognition’ booklets from the Commission’s website. An information guide for recognition candidates is also available for downloading.
- Complete the self-assessment to identify if you have sufficient evidence. (If you don’t have sufficient evidence, discuss learning and/or development options with your supervisor). Question 17: How much evidence do I need to provide?.
- Compile a portfolio of evidence. Advice on compiling a portfolio is available in the information guide booklet. (http://www.apsc.gov.au/rto/guidetoassessment.pdf)
- Complete an “Application for Skills Recognition”. Separate application forms are available for units within the Certificate IV in Government and the Diploma of Government.
- Submit the completed application form with a copy of your portfolio of evidence to the:
National Recognition Coordinator
Australian Public Service Commission
Level 5, 16 Furzer Street
Phillip ACT 2606
3. How much does recognition cost?
Certificate IV in Government (PSP40104)
A recognition fee of $150 per unit applies for each Unit of Competency from the Certificate IV in Government when assessed individually. A 25% discount applies where more than one Unit of Competency is submitted for assessment at the same time. (Fees are GST inclusive)
Units assessed |
Total Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 | $ 150.00 |
| 2 | $ 225.00 |
| 5 | $ 337.50 |
| 4 | $ 450.00 |
| 5 | $ 562.50 |
| 6 | $ 675.00 |
| 7 | $ 787.50 |
Diploma of Government (PSP50104)
A recognition fee of $190 per unit applies for each Unit of Competency from the Diploma of Government qualification when assessed individually. A 25% discount applies where more than one unit of competency is submitted for assessment at the same time. (Fees are GST inclusive)
Units assessed |
Total Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 | $190.00 |
| 2 | $285.00 |
| 5 | $427.50 |
| 4 | $570.00 |
| 5 | $712.50 |
| 6 | $855.00 |
| 7 | $997.50 |
4. How do I pay for assessment/recognition?
The recognition fee can be paid by credit card, or we can issue an invoice for payment.
The Application form includes provision for payment of the recognition fee by credit card. If this is not an option, you can request an invoice when you submit a copy of your portfolio of evidence. The invoice will be issued on receipt of the portfolio and Application form, however, no recognition activity will commence until the Invoice has been paid.
5. Do I work through this process on my own?
The Commission will run information sessions to introduce the process and here you’ll meet other people registering for recognition. This is a good opportunity to exchange contact information and set up an informal support network with others going through the same process. Many people find being able to talk to others about their evidence is a positive way of maintaining motivation. It’s also a good idea to let your supervisor and/or line manager and colleagues know that you’ve commenced this process because they will need to be involved in your skills recognition and assessment. In many cases they won’t be familiar with the workplace learning and skills recognition process so it might be useful to show them this guide. Your co-workers and supervisors can be an invaluable support, both in terms of encouragement and the collation of suitable evidence. Your supervisor will need to verify your work so it’s wise to advise them of your involvement now.
6. How will I know I am on the right track?
If you’re unsure as to whether your evidence is sufficient, you can:
- consult your Human Resources or Learning and Development unit
- discuss the nature of your evidence with others working through the guide
- talk to your supervisor or line manager
7. Collecting evidence sounds like hard work. What are the benefits?
The recognition process takes time but it is well worth the effort. The advantages include:
- identifying and documenting your skills and abilities - skills and abilities you may not fully appreciate until you sit down and focus on the knowledge and skills required to successfully fulfil your role
- preparing a Portfolio of evidence for skills recognition that you can use for performance appraisals and job applications
- taking greater responsibility for your personal and professional development
- gaining formal recognition of your knowledge and skills
- completing workplace activities (if you don’t have the necessary evidence) rather than attending formal training
- saving time and money - the workplace learning and skills recognition process is largely self directed which means you don’t have to set aside large blocks of time to attend formal training
8. What sorts of things can I include as evidence?
Evidence is anything that demonstrates your ability to meet the criteria specified for an individual competency. Specific examples of evidence are provided in the recognition booklets for each competency, typical examples may include:
- a workplace flowchart showing roles and responsibilities
- a copy of a recent performance appraisal
- your current job/position/role specification
- minutes from meetings you’ve organised and chaired
- testimonials about aspects of your work from your line manager
- reports/letters you’ve written
- outlines of staff development activities you’ve undertaken
- reflections on various aspects of your work and how you’ve dealt with different issues
- log-book entries
If you don’t have the particular items specified (eg minutes of meetings, recent performance appraisal) but you do have other evidence that meets the requirements (eg written report, signed testimonial) that’s fine. Any material that demonstrates your competency to the required standard is acceptable.
9. Can I apply for recognition if I don’t have evidence in each of the specified areas?
No. You must have the knowledge and skills specified under each of the headings. But if you don’t meet all the criteria, don’t give up. Use this as an opportunity to acquire the ‘missing’ evidence/skill by engaging in workgroup activities. Seek your manager’s help so you can undertake work that helps you to demonstrate the missing competency requirements.
10. Can I present the same piece of evidence for different units of competency?
You can use the same evidence for multiple competencies (it certainly saves time and effort!). If you’re wondering why the evidence is often similar, it’s because units of competency often have some things in common e.g. Complying with legislation in the public sector and Contributing to workplace safety. In both cases you need to understand and follow legal requirements. Rather than asking you to submit very different types of evidence we’ve streamlined the process so you can use the same or similar evidence, to demonstrate that you meet the competencies.
11. Can I have another go if I ‘fail’?
Workplace learning and skills recognition isn’t an exam where you pass or fail. Rather, it’s a process that allows you to demonstrate that your knowledge, skills and experiences meet the required standards. If you don’t achieve competency it will be because you haven’t submitted enough evidence or because there are areas that need a little more development. That’s not failing. Your assessor will provide detailed feedback on your Portfolio of evidence and identify what you need to do to meet the criteria. It’s important to remember two things: the first is that your assessor is there to help you achieve competency; the second is that your Portfolio is evaluated against the criteria of the competency. There aren’t any hidden tricks or traps. If you don’t meet all the criteria the first time, your assessor will explain what you need to do to fill the gaps. You can then work towards meeting these requirements and resubmit your Portfolio within a renegotiated timeframe.
12. What if I’ve covered the competencies in previous study?
If you’ve already achieved competency in a particular unit of competency then you need to provide a copy of your statement of attainment, qualification or partial qualification to your assessor. If this document was issued by a registered training organisation then you will receive credit for that competency under the Commonwealth Government’s ‘Mutual Recognition’ arrangements.
13. Does Skills Recognition differ from Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)?
Although there are technical differences between RCC (which focuses on current skills) and RPL (which acknowledges things learnt in the past), most people use the three terms interchangeably.
14. I’m fairly sure I’ve enough evidence for three competencies but not for the whole Diploma. Can I apply for recognition for those three competencies?
Yes. Collecting evidence for an entire Diploma may seem to be a rather daunting task, particularly if you don’t have a relevant current project on which to draw. In this case it makes sense to tackle one or two competencies at a time. If, on the other hand you’ve been involved in a major project, workplace review or special project then you should consider a more holistic assessment.
15. What happens if I don’t agree with an assessment outcome? Is there an appeal and review process?
Yes. If you still don’t agree with the assessment outcome after discussing this with your assessor you can request a review by completing the form provided in the Record of Assessment that will be signed by the assessor and yourself. The review process is governed by the Commission’s formal complaint’s policy and procedure which requires that you will receive a response to your appeal within ten working days. Your nominated support person or assessor can provide you with advice on the Commission’s appeals process.
16. If my application and Portfolio of evidence are successful, will I receive a Skills Recognition Certificate?
If you demonstrate competency you will receive a Statement of Attainment for the competency units in which you have demonstrated your knowledge, skills and abilities. The statement has the same value as the document received by learners who have studied the same unit in a classroom, at a workshop or via flexible delivery.
17. How much evidence do I need to provide?
As you read through the evidence required for each competency you’ll get a reasonable idea of the amount of evidence required (presuming it meets the standards). You can add additional evidence if you’re in any doubt about whether the material meets the necessary criteria. You can also include documents, videos, tapes or testimonials if they demonstrate competency in a particular area. Don’t go overboard though. Occasionally people present boxes of information. This isn’t necessary. Your evidence is judged against the performance criteria outlined in each Unit of Competency. Once you’ve addressed these criteria, you can submit your evidence. If you’re in any doubt, contact your support person or assessor.
18. How long do I have to prepare my portfolio of evidence?
There are no specific time limits set for the preparation of your portfolio. However, if you have not applied for assessment within six months of registering with the Commission you will be contacted by your nominated contact officer or the Recognition Coordinator to discus your progress and any problems you may be experiencing.
19. How will my work be assessed?
The assessor will evaluate your Portfolio against the criteria specified in the assessment package. In doing so she or he will consider four key issues:
- Relevancy ... does the evidence clearly support the competencies? Is it appropriate?
- Currency ... is the material relevant to your abilities today?
- Authenticity ... does the evidence relate to your skills?
- Sufficiency ... is there enough evidence to demonstrate competency?
20. How current does the evidence have to be?
If you can perform the function or task to the required level, then the evidence will be fine. If, however, your evidence is a number of years old, you’ll probably be asked to resubmit additional evidence. If you think this is likely to occur, organise to undertake workplace activities that will enable you to acquire more current evidence. The recognition booklets contain optional work-based activities that can assist you generating additional evidence.
21. If I have covered the material in a university course will I automatically receive status in that area of competency?
No, although you can certainly use your previous study as part of your evidence. Universities generally focus on knowledge and theory. Units of competency and Training Package qualifications are concerned with the application of skills in the workplace. It’s important that you’re able to demonstrate how you apply your knowledge to the specified standards.
22. Where can I get more information?
If you require further information or support, you can contact the Australian Public Service Commission’s Registered Training Organisation team on 02 6202 3787 or by email: rto@apsc.gov.au
The Commission will also be holding regular Information Sessions for APS employees who would like to find out more about obtaining skills recognition through the Commission’s Registered Training Organisation. These sessions are free.
To register for an Information Session you will need register online or complete the form included in the Commission’s Qualification flyers.
PSP40104 Certificate IV in Government
(http://www.apsc.gov.au/rto/certificateivgovernment.pdf)
PSP50104 Diploma of Government
(http://www.apsc.gov.au/rto/diplomagovernment.pdf)
As places on these information sessions are limited please register online at www.apscregistration.gov.au or fax the completed registration form to (02) 6202 3799.
