WHO IS RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING FOR?
The recognition process matches existing skills and knowledge to units of competency, where successful candidates receive a Statement of Attainment in the activity areas and levels of competency assessed. This assessment can occur independent of additional study or training. The skills and knowledge being assessed may come from a range of sources including previous studies, work experience and life experience.

Individuals who have completed VET training prior to 1998, or who have completed training, which has not been mapped, or who have not had any formal assessment of their skills and knowledge may benefit from going through a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process.

ORIC Peer Recognition Workshops have been designed to compliment the NOLRS registration scheme by: (Register - April 07 Peer Recognition Workshop)

• reducing the costs for the candidates;
• allowing large numbers to enter the scheme;
• by providing a fair, transparent and meaningful process for all;
• involving potential leaders in the assessment of peers; and
• providing instant feedback for candidates.

ACTIVITY AREAS
ORIC runs Peer Recognition Workshops in the following activity areas:-

• Abseiling - Artificial Surfaces  - instructor, multi pitch
                                                    - instructor, single pitch
                                                    - guide, single pitch
  
• Abseiling - Natural Surfaces    - instructor, multi pitch
                                                    - instructor, single pitch
                                                    - guide, multi pitch
                                                    - guide, single pitch
  
• Bushwalking                              - guide, unmodified landscapes
                                                    - guide, difficult & trackless
                                                    - guide, tracked / easy untracked
  
• Challenge Ropes (High & Low) - manage
  Courses                                     - supervise
                                                    - conduct
• Climbing - Artificial Surfaces   - instructor, multi pitch
                                                    - instructor, single pitch
                                                    - guide, climbing
                                                    - guide, restricted climbing
  
  
• Other priority areas include Canyoning, Surfing, Mountain Biking/Cycle Touring

TOOLS
Recognition tools have been developed to assist applicants through the RPL process. Recognition tools format a unit of competency in such a way as to provide the applicant with guidance regarding evidence requirements for that specific unit of competency.

EVIDENCE REQUIRED
Evidence submitted for this process should be valid, current (majority less than 3 years old), be sufficient enough to make a judgement on competence and be authentic. Various types of evidence may be provided:-

Direct Evidence : obtained when an assessor observes actual performance in a workplace, or via videos or by examining products made.

Indirect Evidence : gained through projects, simulations and role-plays.

Supplementary Evidence : allows the assessor to infer competency through written or oral questioning, tests done off-the-job or testimonials from third party sources.

THE PROCESS involves:-
1. Obtain a Registration Workbook and Skills Recognition Tools CD.
2. Based on your current skills and knowledge, determine what activities and at what level
    you will be seeking registration.
3. Prepare evidence using Recognition Tools.
4. Attend a Recognition Workshop using assessor(s) from RTO as well as workshop
    attendees acting as peer assessors.
5. Statement of Attainment.
6. Application for 3 year Registration Card and Registration on NOLRS National Database.

To find out more about the Recognition Process and ORIC Peer Recognition Workshops, view a Powerpoint Presentation by clicking NOLRS and Peer Recognition Process, or contact ORIC. Workshops are run periodically, and are an excellent way for members to maintain the professional and ethical nature of their business by ensuring their employees conform to industry standards. (Register - April 07 Peer Recognition Workshop)