Recognition of Prior Learning Mechanism

The major purpose of setting up a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) mechanism under the Qualifications Framework (QF) is to enable employees of various backgrounds to receive formal recognition of the knowledge, skills and experience already acquired. The RPL mechanism enables employees with learning aspirations to know what competencies they have acquired through experience or previous training in the industries, so that they can determine their starting point for learning and progression, and reduce duplication in training for the same skills. In other words, they may skip certain familiar modules and proceed to courses of a relatively higher level or wider scope so that they can receive more effective training that better suits their needs. The RPL mechanism will operate based on the Specification of Competency Standards (SCSs) formulated by the respective industries to ensure its credibility.

The RPL mechanism is a "recognition" rather than "exemption" system. This principle is premised on the assumption that the skills and knowledge possessed by the employee seeking recognition have been acquired through previous learning and/or work experience and can be recognized through the RPL mechanism. On the other hand, giving an exemption would imply that the employee does not possess such skills and knowledge in the first instance.

A two-year pilot scheme is introduced on 1 June 2008 for the first three industries, namely Printing & Publishing, Watch & Clock and Hairdressing industries, which have formulated their respective Specification of Competency Standards (SCSs). An interim review will be conducted one year after its implementation. These industries have extensively discussed and reached a consensus on the mode of operation and specific arrangements of the RPL mechanism.

List of Appointed Assessment Agencies