related resourcesHome page
> Learning and development > Skills Recognition and Qualifications
‹ Previous page
Accredited programmes: Skills recognition and qualifications
The Australian Public Service Commission is now a Registered Training Organisation
From 1 July 2008 the Australian Public Service Commission will be providing assessment and recognition services to APS employees in key areas of government skills and knowledge. The Commission is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and has the following qualifications from the Public Sector Training Package on its scope of registration:
This means that APS staff who undertake assessment can be issued with a formal qualification or a statement of attainment for partial completion of a qualification.
Information sessions
The Commission schedules regular information sessions for APS staff who are interested in applying for recognition. Supervisors may also like to attend these sessions.
A registration form is available for download.
Assessment
In order to receive a qualification or a statement of attainment, candidates will need to undergo a formal assessment of their knowledge, skills and experience in relation to the units of competency. Assessment at the Commission utilises recognition and is based upon a portfolio of evidence along with follow up assessment that may involve candidates meeting with the assessor, practical demonstrations, third party feedback and questioning to check underpinning knowledge.
Recognition
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process that allows you to receive accreditation and be awarded competencies for the skills and knowledge you already posses, without having to undertake additional training. Candidates will need to gather samples of their work that demonstrate their achievement of the requirements of the competencies and obtain reports from supervisors and or third parties that support their claims.
Portfolio of Evidence
As you work through the assessment tools you will collect evidence that demonstrates your knowledge, skills and experience. This is then organised and submitted to your assessor as a portfolio. The benefit of keeping a Portfolio of evidence is that you can continually add new material and, by keeping it up to date, you’ll always have a current record of your professional development – information you can use if you decide to pursue other career opportunities or apply for skills recognition at a higher level or for a different specialisation.
Benefits
You may seek recognition to demonstrate competence for an appointment to a workplace position or an industry classification or seek a qualification / statement of attainment of knowledge, skills and competences. Regardless of how recognition assessment is used it recognises the competence gained through on the job experiences, formal and informal learning and assists you in attaining nationally recognised qualifications.
ACT Accreditation and Registration Council
The ACT Accreditation and Registration Council (ARC) is responsible for the process of recognising training organisations that have the capacity to deliver, assess and issue qualifications for nationally recognised training. It also quality assures the Vocational Education and Training system in the ACT and nationally.
Find out more about ACTARC at:
http://www.det.act.gov.au/vhe/accreditation_and_registration
More Information
For further information on the Commission's Skills Recognition Service please read the Information Guide for Recognition and Assessment Services and Frequently asked questions, or contact the National Recognition Coordinator on (02) 6202 3787 or emailrto@apsc.gov.au.
