Language Training Institute

You may be eligible for full or partial Recognition of prior learning, depending on your existing relevant qualifications, years of general teaching experience, and years of ESL (English as a Second Language) teaching experience. There are several levels of RPL available through LTI.

Frequently asked questions about RPL:

1. How long will it take to complete the course?

2. Is there a time limit on how long it takes to finish the course?

3. How many subjects (units) can I receive credit for?

4. How much (and what type) of experience do I need to claim the RPL?

5. How much (and what type) of evidence do I need to provide to claim RPL?

6. How much will it cost for me to get RPL?

1. How long will it take to complete the course?

Generally as long as you take to gather and provide your evidence. There maybe some gap training needed in areas that you are not able to provide evidence of competency or time to gain the required experience/training and you would need to consider this.

2. Is there a time limit on how long it takes to finish the course?

When people enroll in the TESOL course for RPL, their enrolment is for a 12-month period. However, under the circumstances of RPL application, applicants are keen to complete the requirements ASAP. The time taken is generally dependant your enthusiasm and urgency.

3. How many subjects (units) can I receive credit for?

You are able to claim full RPL if you are able to gather the appropriate evidence. For those who not able to receive full RPL, you may need gap training or time to work on and gather the evidence required.

4. How much (and what type) of experience do I need to claim the RPL?

As an RPL applicant, you need to have had experience in preparing lessons, teaching and assessing ESL students, and have an understanding of the processes of teaching speaking, reading, writing, listening as well as pronunciation and grammar to people from a non-English speaking background. There is quite a lot of difference between teaching native English speaking students and those from non-English speaking backgrounds. People who have gained experience in teaching English, e.g. primary school or high school English teachers will require less gap training that those people who have teaching experience in Maths and Sciences. Teachers with a Maths/Science background maybe required to complete units such as 'Teach Spelling and Pronunciation' and 'Teach English Grammar'.

5. How much (and what type) of evidence do I need to provide to claim RPL?

Step1 - Provide information of your skills and experience.

Complete an application form and provide as much information of your previous experiences in the TESOL industry as possible. You could supply examples of your work history, which could include:

• A brief CV or work history
• Copies of certificates from interstate, overseas, universities, TAFE colleges etc
• Statements of attendance from in-house training, workshops, seminars, symposiums
• Membership of relevant professional associations
• Training session plans
• Assessment tools and marking guides
• Completed assessment records
• Diaries, log books or task sheets
• References/letters from previous employers/supervisors
• Learning resources
• There will be a series of questions that they will need to answer
• A list of documents that they would need to compile to provide proof of your competency.

Step 2 - Conversation with Assessor

An Assessor will review the information you have submitted (usually with you) and begin to match your skills to the units of the TESOL course. You will be able to discuss and identify your previous experience with the Assessor. You will also be required to answer questions related to the TESOL industry to identify your current skills.

Step 3 - Further steps

After your conversation with an Assessor, they may decide that further training or assessment is required. These may include:

• Gap training
• Workplace assessment
• Or time to gain extra experience in a particular skill

After this process is completed, your assessor will again match your skills and evidence submitted against the competency units of the TESOL course. If all unit competencies are adequately met through evidence that is authentic, valid, sufficient and current you will be awarded the Certificate IV in TESOL.

NB. All applicants are assessed on an individual basis; therefore, the final requirements are not prescribed in this document.

6. How much will it cost for me to get RPL?

The fees for recognised prior learning will vary depending on your existing relevant qualifications, years of general teaching experience, and years of ESL (English as a Second Language) teaching experience and any gap training, observations or practice teaching required. To see which level of RPL you will fit into, please click here.