Yes, you may be able to complete an RPL practical assessment at your workplace. It depends on the unit requirements, the tasks you can demonstrate, the workplace facilities and whether the registered training organisation (RTO) agrees that the arrangement allows for a valid assessment. Working in the role does not, by itself, mean your workplace has been approved as an assessment site.
Who decides whether a workplace assessment is possible?
The RTO delivering the qualification decides how your skills will be assessed. Its assessor must be able to gather enough evidence that you meet the requirements of the relevant units of competency. You can look up a qualification and its units on the Australian Government’s training.gov.au register to see what skills and knowledge need to be demonstrated.
RPL Access Australia can help you understand the RPL process and prepare information about your experience. It does not conduct the RTO’s assessment or issue the certificate. Ask the RTO or assessor to confirm any workplace assessment arrangements before you make plans with your employer.
What makes a workplace suitable?
A workplace can be a useful setting because it gives you an opportunity to demonstrate tasks using the equipment, procedures and conditions you normally work with. However, an assessor still needs to establish that what they observe meets the unit requirements. They may consider:
Your ordinary duties may not cover every required task. If a particular task does not arise during the visit, the RTO may ask for another way to demonstrate it. Do not create an unsafe situation or arrange work outside your authority just to produce assessment evidence.
Does the assessor have to visit in person?
Not always, but there is no universal rule that a video call or recording will be accepted instead. Depending on the unit and the RTO’s assessment approach, practical evidence might involve an on-site observation, a live remote observation, a recorded demonstration, questioning or a combination of methods. The RTO must decide whether the proposed evidence lets its assessor verify your skills and that the work is your own.
A supervisor’s statement may provide useful supporting evidence, but it does not automatically replace a practical demonstration or the assessor’s judgement. Check the RTO’s requirements before recording workplace activities, particularly if customers, colleagues, confidential information or restricted areas could appear.
How should I prepare for a workplace practical assessment?
Keep your evidence accurate and protect other people’s information. If you are unsure whether a document can leave the workplace, ask your employer and the RTO before submitting it.
What if my workplace cannot be used?
You may still have options. The RTO can tell you whether a different site, a suitable simulated setting or another assessment arrangement is available for the units you need. It may also identify gaps that require further evidence or training. None of these alternatives is automatic: the RTO must confirm what is appropriate for your circumstances.
If you need a qualification for a licence or registration, check the separate requirements with the relevant licensing body. An RTO’s assessment and certificate do not, on their own, guarantee a licensing decision. The same distinction applies to migration or visa matters, which are decided by the relevant authorities.
Start with the right questions
Before arranging an on-site assessment, ask the RTO: “Which tasks do I need to demonstrate, can you assess them at my workplace, and what permissions or facilities will you need?” For general information about how RTOs are regulated, visit the Australian Skills Quality Authority. If you would like help organising information about your experience before speaking with an RTO, RPL Access Australia can provide RPL support and guidance.