Recognition of Prior Learning

The Apex Professional University may also provide for the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) framework for job roles at NSQF Level 4 onwards by conducting an assessment. The Government of India has also initiated the action on Recognition of Prior Learning as a part of the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF). The NSQF supports the attainment of qualifications through diverse routes, including the recognition of prior learning. The recognition of prior learning will assess the competencies acquired by the learner through prior learning experiences and support NSQF awards.  

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a method of assessment that considers whether the candidates can meet the assessment requirements for competency or a set of competencies they already possess. The demand for the recognition, validation and accreditation (RVA) of all forms of learning with a focus on non-formal and informal learning outcomes was expressed through the Belém Framework for Action, adopted by 144 Delegations of UNESCO Member States at the Sixth International Conference on Adult Education (CONFINTEA VI) in Brazil in December 2009. 

The need for RPL in India arises from the national objective of moving towards a lifelong learning society, in which learners will be enabled to take up learning opportunities at chosen stages throughout their lives. More than 90% of the total workforce in India is engaged in the unorganized sector. The contribution of the unorganized sector to GDP is about 60%, but it suffers from low productivity syndrome, compared to the formal sector. The work is of inferior quality and inferior terms of em

Through RPL assessment and certification, the candidates will be able to align existing competencies with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) for better opportunities in higher education. Besides creating an equitable system, RPL also helps them explore different options in skilling and upskilling to bridge the knowledge and skill gaps.

By getting the workforce certified under RPL, the industry gets the dual advantage –

1. Formally recognized skill levels mapped with Qualification Packs (QPs) and job roles;
2. Open different paths for workers to upskill and grow through short-term training and bridge courses.

RPL assesses the prior knowledge and skills of individuals and certifies them mainly in the unregulated sector. The objectives of RPL are:

• • Align the competencies of the unregulated sectors of the country with the National Skills Qualification Framework
  • Enhance the chances of employment of individuals and provide them with more options for higher education.

• Reduce the inequalities that are present due to the privileges given to some types of skills and knowledge over others.

RPL will give an option for personal or career development or to gain credit towards other qualifications or learning programs to learners who have skills but do not have a certificate to prove it. An applicant is considered competent when he/she demonstrates the skills and knowledge or provides evidence as specified in the competency standards. Evidence is assessed against the learning outcomes of the current recognised formal programs. However, Candidate may be required to provide several types of evidence for each unit of competency to satisfy the assessor. In some cases, the types of evidence the candidate gathers may be able to meet more than one performance criteria, be sure to check this in order to save time. 

CREDIT EXEMPTION UNDER NATIONAL SKILL QUALIFICATION FRAMEWORK (NSQF):

All the matching credits of the program earned by the trainee in intermediate/ITI or any other programs will be considered for exemption under-recognition of the prior learning scheme of the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF), subjected to the demand of exemption by the candidate and recognition of respective program by the APU.