Recognition of Prior Learning

In the absence of recognized qualifications, a large proportion of people face severe disadvantages in getting decent jobs, migrating to other regions and accessing further education, even though they might have the necessary knowledge and skills. The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process can help these individuals acquire a formal qualification that matches their knowledge and skills, and thereby contribute to improving their employability, mobility, lifelong learning, social inclusion and self-esteem.

This increased prospect for inclusion in the labour market is a win-win situation for all as employers are likewise able to access proof of skilled personnel and better match them with suitable jobs, while also increasing productivity. And governments are further able to have better assurances of increased competitiveness and economic growth, as well as social inclusion and equity.

With an increasing recognition of the learning acquired through formal, non-formal and informal means, many countries have, with the assistance of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and other institutions, sought to implement established RPL systems.

The Recognition of Prior Learning process can help individuals, who do not have qualifications, to acquire a qualification that matches their knowledge and skills, and thereby contribute to improving their employability, mobility, lifelong learning, social inclusion and self-esteem.