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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is RPL?
  2. How is the prior learning measured?
  3. Who is RPL aimed at?
  4. How can RPL be used?
  5. Where do I start?
  6. What is a portfolio?
  7. What does it cost?
  8. Am I given help to develop a learning portfolio?
  9. How do I know if my work is good enough?
  10. How long does it take?
  11. Do I get a grade for my portfolio?
  12. What if I don’t get the exemption?
  13. Are there any rules I should be aware of?

  1. What is RPL?

    Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is the generic term used to describe the system for recognising a range of relevant learning that a student may have gained prior to entry onto a particular course.

    RPL includes:
    (i) Recognition of Prior Formal Learning: This refers to the recognition of learning which is linked to the Irish National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) and for which certification has been awarded, it might include a course or part of a course that has been completed previously. Certification may have been achieved nationally or internationally and should be of a level 6 or higher on the Irish NFQ.

    (ii) Recognition of Prior Experiential (non-formal and informal) Learning: This refers to the recognition of learning gained through work or life experiences. It could also include learning gained through workplace training courses.

  2. How is the prior learning measured?

    Our courses are composed of modules and the stated learning outcomes of these modules are seen as the basic levels of learning. Therefore, in CIT these become the minimum standards against which prior learning is measured. The RPL process can enable students who have already achieved the learning outcomes for a subject/module on their chosen course to apply for an exemption from taking that subject/module again. In this way it allows learners to build on previous learning wherever it was attained and not to repeat learning.

  3. Who is RPL aimed at?

    Generally the RPL process is aimed at mature learners who will have significant experiential learning in a particular area and who may also have some prior formal education.

  4. How can RPL be used?

    There are three main ways in which the RPL process is used generally: non standard admission to a programme; advanced entry to a programme and for exemptions/credits on a programme.

    • The RPL process can be used to gain access to a course for a student who might not meet the standard entry requirements. This is classed as non standard entry to a programme. It is recommended that an individual would apply formally through the CAO system in addition to pursuing this option.

    • RPL can be used to gain advanced entry to a programme. A student who can demonstrate and provide evidence for learning at, say, level 6 in a particular discipline may gain access to a course at level 7 despite not having attained an award at level 6.

    • The RPL process can be used to gain exemptions from a module or a number of modules within a course. In this case, the student might be able to provide evidence that they have already acquired the learning related to one or more modules of a particular course.

  5. Where do I start?

    After applying for the course a good point to start is to contact the course co-ordinator. Their phone numbers are available in the prospectus. After getting an idea of your background and experience the course co-ordinator or module lecturer will be able to advise you of which modules you might apply for an exemption from. They are best placed to give this advice as they have an in-depth knowledge of the course materials and can see how your prior learning relates to this. From here you should contact the RPL Co-ordinator who will take direction from the relevant department and help you develop a portfolio(s).

  6. What is a portfolio?

    A portfolio is an accumulation of evidence of learning relating to a particular module learning outcomes (for exemption) or to modules of a programme at a particular award level on the National Framework of Qualifications (for entry). Depending on the subject area or discipline the portfolio can include a huge variety of material. The portfolio will contain the package of evidence that will be assessed to see if you have already met the module learning outcomes or level of learning.

  7. What does it cost?

    Taking a module by the RPL route costs the same as sitting for a regular subject. You are paying for advice on developing the portfolio and an alternative assessment route to the conventional examination . The exception to this is if you apply for an exemption based on your prior certificated learning the cost will be the examination fee only.

  8. Am I given help to develop a learning portfolio?

    Yes, the RPL Co-ordinator will support you through the process. In preparing a portfolio you are preparing a claim to accredit your prior learning. You are provided with a workbook and a template on which to work and you can decide how best to present your own case. If you have any questions about the scope of the learning outcomes within the module you should direct them to the lecturer involved or the course coordinator.

  9. How do I know if my work is good enough?

    The RPL Co-ordinator will be able to provide general advice and support and the academic staff will be able to help you to answer module specific questions.

  10. How long does it take?

    This is really up to you. You direct the pace. Most candidates take two to three weeks to complete a portfolio for a particular module.

  11. Do I get a grade for my portfolio?

    Yes, if it is an application for exemption based on prior experiential learning only, the portfolio is given a mark/grade. You will not be awarded a mark/grade for all other types of portfolio. If the outcome of your assessment is successful you will be granted an exemption or entry to a course depending on the situation.

  12. What if I don’t get the exemption?

    If no exemption is granted then the Assessor makes a recommendation. It means the assessment process isn’t finished yet. This informs the candidate any necessary steps/actions which must be taken to obtain the exemption. This can be a recommendation for additional work, study, research, project work, assignment, short course, attendance at a seminar, or further development work on the portfolio. The recommendation can also be that the assessments of the module should be completed and lectures attended in the conventional manner.

  13. Are there any rules I should be aware of?

    The limitations and rules for applications for exemptions are as follows:

    • You can only be exempt from a whole module not part of one, this is especially relevant if the module consists of component parts.
    • The Assessor is the only person who can grant a module exemption.
    • The Assessor will compare the learning that you have presented in your portfolio and the evidence in support of that learning with the learning outcomes of the module in question.
    • How you present your case depends on the basis of your claim. If you are seeking to have prior formal learning recognised then you may present a comparison of your course syllabus with the relevant CIT course syllabus and then prove your case with certificates and transcript of results.
    • If you are basing your claim on prior experiential learning only you must respond to each of the learning outcomes of the module specifically.
    • There is no upper limit for the number of modules which can be achieved using prior experiential learning only. A grade will be awarded for each portfolio submitted.
    • In the case of prior certificated or a combination of prior certificated and experiential there is no limit in a non award year and 33% or 20 of the 60 credits in an award year. An exemption or ‘X’ will record the outcome.
    • In the case of prior experiential learning portfolios you will not be advised of your grade prior to the module exam boards at the end of the relevant semester. You will only be advised if your application is successful or not.
    • In the event that you are not happy with the outcome of the assessment then you can appeal the result similar to formal examinations through the Registrars office.