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Step-by-step process for RPL

The RPL journey is outlined in a three-stage process: counseling, assessment and post-assessment, Figure 4. A generic flowchart for each stage has been developed to provide an easy way to understand the steps. There are explanatory notes that follow the flowcharts.

Figure4. The 3 Stages and 8 Steps of the RPL Process

 

Stage1. Counseling Stage

During this stage, inquiring individuals are given access to information about RPL to help them decide whether to pursue RPL or not. If the individual indicates interest, he/she will be provided counseling support by an RPL Counseling Officer. Gathering of experience evidence by the candidate starts at this stage. The outcome of this stage is either a recommendation to proceed with assessment; or a recommendation to obtain further experience or learning (Figure 5).

Figure5. Stage1. Counseling Stage 

 

Step1. Information and Inquiry

  • Any individual or his/her employer makes an inquiry to the training provider, assessment Center, NSTB, TVET agency or other sources. The RPL Desk Officer provides general information on RPL such as:  purpose and benefits of RPL, scope of services (the occupations/qualifications the RPL services are ready to cover), RPL flowchart, RPL documents/forms, evidence gathering methods, RPL costs/subsidies and timetable of RPL services, etc.
  • If he/she is found eligible, the RPL desk officer issues an application package consisting of Application Form. He /She may provide information regarding date of submission. 

Step2. Guidance to Experience related documents.

  • The RPL desk officer provides guidance to the individual in the type of experience related documents evidence to be collected to demonstrate experience and application form.
  • After receiving advice, the individual collects the experience related documents and application package with proper signature and submits the same to the RPL Desk Officer.
  • The RPL Desk Officer acknowledges and accepts the application.
  • The individual pays the RPL assessment fee. The cost will be determined by the NSTB.

Step3. Support to Self-Assessment (Counselling) 

The RPL Counsellor conducts counselling sessions in group and individual level. In group counselling counsellor provides the information regarding NOSS on related occupation and its proper use, importance, and way of using. The RPL Counsellor is not determining the competence of the candidate.

If the candidates are not prepared as per NOSS, the RPL Counsellor advises the candidate to take experience or orientation in from training provider.

If the candidates prepared for assessment, the RPL Counsellor issues RPL voucher with Assessment Plan and discusses the same with the candidate. The Assessment Plan outlines the activities to be conducted by the candidate, date and venue of assessment activity, and the timelines. The RPL Desk Officer upon the approval of the TM Unit Head assigns RPL Assessors to the candidate.

 

Stage2. Assessment Stage

The evaluation comprises both practical and assessment components, including a theoretical examination aligned with NOSS guidelines. Practical questions, rooted in NOSS, will gauge candidates' proficiency as they undertake project-specific tasks to demonstrate their competencies.

Figure 6. Stage 2. Assessment Stage

Step6. Practical Assessment

RPL Assessors develops a holistic practical assessment to cover the major tasks the candidate is to be assessed against. It is not necessary that there is one practical task to one major task/duty.

The RPL Assessors coordinate with the Assessment Centre for the venue, tools and equipment, consumables, and all other preparations.

The RPL Assessors observe, collect evidence of candidate’s performance and record results in the Checklist for Practical Task. 

The RPL Assessors summarize results and forwards the same to the NSTB Certification Unit. 

 

Stage 3. Post-Assessment Stage

As presented in Figure 7, this stage involves the steps leading to the issuance of certificates for full national qualification or records of achievement for some major tasks/duties. It also covers maintenance of RPL records, and moderation activities.

Figure 7. Stage 3. Post-Assessment Stage 

 

Step7. Certification and Record Keeping

The NSTB Certification Unit checks the integrity of assessment results; and prepares and submits certificates to the Technical Skills Sub-Committee (TSC). 

The TSC, after having checked the certificates, refers them to the NSTB Board for approval. 

The NSTB Board approves and authorizes the Certification Unit to issue certificates for full qualification or record of achievement for some major tasks/duties. 

If the candidate accepts the record of achievement and wants to attain full qualification, he/she will follow the re-assessment procedure.

If the candidate does not accept the Record of Achievement, he/she has the right to appeal the decision. 

The NSTB Certification Unit updates and maintains RPL records as well as a roster of RPL assessors.

Step8. Post Assessment Moderation

To assure quality of the assessment tools and instruments used in RPL assessment, the NSTB develops and administers a questionnaire. These will be done periodically every year to gather feedback on the RPL process, toolkits, conduct of assessors and other RPL practitioners. Results will be forwarded to the TSC for appropriate action.

 

Re-Assessment

The RPL candidate may apply for re-assessment by re-submitting an RPL application and paying the corresponding re-assessment fee.  The RPL Desk Officer checks previous RPL assessment results and assigns an RPL Assessor who reviews the candidate’s case. The RPL Assessor conducts assessment, as in Stage 2. Assessment Stage of the RPL process.

Figure 8. Re-Assessment 

 

Appeals

The RPL candidate has the right to appeal the decision of the RPL Assessors. He/she secures an Appeals Form from the RPL Desk Officer, completes, and submits it to the RPL Desk Officer within 35 days from receipt of the assessment decision. The RPL Desk Officer forwards the appeal to the Test Management Unit Head who examines its validity. The TM Unit Head disapproves the appeal if there is no valid ground and communicates results to the candidate in writing. If The TM Unit Head finds a valid ground for the appeal he/she assigns it to a panel who reviews the merits of the appeal. The Panel consists of 3 members – 1 NSTB: 1 TC, and 1 Assessor.

Figure 9. Appeals

The Panel endorses their findings to the TM Unit Head either to grant or not to grant the appeal. If the appeal is not granted, the TM Unit Head communicates the results to the candidate in writing. If the appeal is granted, the TM Unit Head refers the results to the Certification Unit for the issuance of certificates and updating of records. The TM Unit Head informs the candidate to receive a certificate from the Certification Unit.