Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows people with existing skills and experience to have that experience assessed against the requirements of a nationally recognised qualification, without completing a full course of study. A common question we hear from prospective applicants is whether they need to be physically living in Australia to start this process. The short answer is: it depends on your situation, the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) involved, and what you intend to use the qualification for.
Many applicants begin exploring RPL while still living outside Australia, particularly tradespeople and skilled workers considering a move for work or migration purposes. Gathering evidence of your skills and experience — such as work references, licences, photos of completed work, payslips, and prior training records — can generally be done from anywhere in the world. This is often the first step in understanding whether your background aligns with an Australian qualification.
At RPL Access, our role is to help you understand the RPL process and support you in preparing and organising your evidence portfolio. We do not conduct the formal assessment ourselves, and we do not issue certificates — that responsibility sits solely with the RTO that holds the qualification on the national register. You can browse the range of qualification pathways we support at our RPL pathways page.
Each RTO sets its own enrolment and identity verification requirements. Some RTOs may require applicants to verify identity documents in person or via specific methods, while others accommodate remote or overseas applicants through digital verification. It's important to confirm these details directly with the RTO handling your assessment, as requirements can vary. You can check whether a training organisation is currently registered using the training.gov.au national register.
If your goal is to use RPL as part of a skilled migration pathway, it's essential to understand that skills assessments for visa purposes are conducted by designated assessing authorities, not by RTOs or RPL support services. The outcome of any skills assessment, and any subsequent visa decision, rests entirely with the relevant assessing authority and the Department of Home Affairs. You can find current information on skilled migration assessments through the Department of Home Affairs website.
If your qualification is intended to support a trade licence application, licensing bodies in each state or territory set their own residency, identity, and documentation requirements. These requirements are separate from both the RPL process and any RTO assessment, and RPL Access has no role in licensing decisions.
Whether you're currently based in Australia, planning a move, or living overseas and exploring your options, the best first step is understanding whether your experience is likely to align with a relevant qualification. Our free RPL check is a good starting point for that conversation, and our team can talk you through what evidence is typically required. Learn more about how we support applicants on our About page, or read more RPL guidance on our blog.
If you have questions specific to your circumstances, including whether you're based overseas, get in touch with our team — we're happy to point you in the right direction, including to the appropriate RTO, assessing authority, or licensing body where relevant.
Find out if your work experience qualifies for RPL. Free check, no obligation.
Start RPL Check