Yes, assistive technology can often be used during a recognition of prior learning (RPL) assessment. The important question is whether it helps you access the assessment and demonstrate your existing skills while still allowing the assessor to check the requirements of the qualification or unit.
If you use a screen reader, speech-to-text software or another accessibility tool at work, tell the registered training organisation (RTO) early. The RTO can discuss your needs, the assessment requirements and any reasonable adjustments. Using a tool does not, by itself, make your experience less valuable.
How does assistive technology fit into RPL?
RPL is an assessment of skills and knowledge you have already gained through work, training or other experience. An RTO assesses your evidence against the requirements of the relevant unit or qualification. You can look up training products and RTOs on the Australian Government’s training.gov.au register.
Assistive technology may help you prepare evidence, communicate with an assessor or complete an assessment activity. Examples include:
The right arrangement depends on the person, the task and the competency being assessed. For example, using speech-to-text to explain a workplace procedure may be appropriate in one assessment. In another, the assessor may need to see you perform a particular task directly. The RTO, not an RPL support service, determines how it will assess the required skills and knowledge.
What is a reasonable adjustment?
A reasonable adjustment is a change to the way you access or participate in training or assessment that addresses a disability-related need. In an RPL assessment, it might mean receiving questions in an accessible format, using your usual assistive technology or allowing a different way to communicate your answers.
An adjustment changes how you can demonstrate your competence; it does not remove the competency requirements. The RTO must consider what is appropriate in the circumstances, including any essential performance or safety requirements. The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) is the national regulator for vocational education and training and provides information about RTO responsibilities.
You do not need to wait until an assessment is underway to raise accessibility needs. An early conversation gives the RTO time to explain its process and discuss which arrangements it can make.
Will using a tool affect my evidence?
It should not automatically count against you. What matters is whether the evidence lets the RTO’s assessor make a sound decision about your competence. They may consider whether it relates to the unit requirements, represents your own work and shows skills you can currently apply.
Think about the role technology plays in your everyday work. If you routinely use a screen reader to manage records, for instance, work samples and an explanation of your process may help an assessor understand what you do independently. If a task has specific practical or safety requirements, ask how the assessor will observe or verify those requirements with your usual tools in place.
Possible evidence could include work samples, records you are permitted to share, supervisor statements or a practical demonstration. Remove confidential information where needed, and ask the RTO what it will accept before spending time preparing a large portfolio.
What should I ask before the assessment?
Be specific about what helps you. You can describe the format or tool you need and the assessment barrier it addresses, rather than assuming the assessor will know how your technology works. Ask for any agreed arrangements in writing so both you and the RTO know what to expect.
Where can you get help?
RPL Access Australia can provide support with understanding an RPL pathway and organising information about your experience. The assessing RTO decides what evidence to request, whether an adjustment is appropriate and whether you meet the requirements. If you need a licence to work in an occupation, the relevant licensing authority makes that separate decision; an RPL result does not guarantee a licence.
If you are considering RPL, start by listing the tools you use, the work you do with them and any formats that help you communicate your skills. Then discuss those details with the assessing RTO before you submit your evidence.