Turn Your Experience into a Qualification – Fast-Track Your Career with RPL

Get Recognized for What You Already Know and Earn an Accredited Qualification.
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What is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)?

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows individuals to gain formal certification for their skills, knowledge, and experience without needing to undergo full coursework. It is ideal for professionals who have acquired expertise through work experience, informal learning, or previous training. 

Benefits of RPL (Why Choose Us?)

SAVE TIME

RPL helps you achieve your qualification faster because it recognises the real-world experience you already have — no need to repeat what you already know!

ADVANCE YOUR CAREER

Recognition for the skills you already have — unlocking new job roles, promotions, and better pay.

COST EFFECTIVE

You save money while achieving a recognised qualification, because you're not paying for unnecessary classes or repeating content you already know.

GAIN RECOGNITION

RPL formally acknowledges your skills, experience, and dedication — giving you the recognition you deserve in the early childhood development field.

Skills Assessment - R750


The once-off fee covers the time, expertise, and resources required to conduct a thorough professional assessment, including:


  •  A qualified RPL assessor’s time and expertise (6–8 hours total)
  •  Document verification and feedback to ensure you meet QCTO competency standards
  •  A workplace skills observation (if required)
  •  A personalized RPL readiness report, helping you make informed decisions about your qualification journey


SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENTS - R1 500 PER ASSESSMENT

  • Complete 7 written summative assessments, based on your knowledge and real-world experience.

  • Submit all assessments for marking.

  • Once all modules are passed, you’ll be officially declared competent and receive a SOR (Statement of Results).

Only then can we slot you into the EISA schedule, which is set nationally and runs on fixed cycles.

EISA EXAMINATION - R500

You can only be registered for the EISA after you have completed all 7 summative assessments and have been declared competent.

Eisa has three dates per year and submissions needs to take place 3 months prior to the exam date, depending on when you are deemed competent we will slot you in for the next available date.

RPL PROCCESS:

Skills Assessment

We begin with a quick but meaningful self-assessment to understand your current experience and strengths. This helps us determine whether you're ready for the RPL journey and which areas you may need support in.

Get your portfolio ready

You’ll submit a portfolio of evidence showcasing your work history, experience, and relevant documents (like references, certificates, or examples of your work with children). We’ll guide you through what to include and how to upload it.

Complete Your Summatives

To complete your RPL, you’ll complete written assessments aligned with the 7 knowledge modules of the ECD Level 4 qualification. Don’t worry — these assessments are based on your existing knowledge and experience, not new classroom content.

Write Your Eisa 

Once you've completed all portfolio and module assessments, you'll be registered to write your EISA — the national final exam for the ECD Level 4 qualification. This is a written assessment administered by an external body, designed to confirm your competence across all areas of the qualification.

Frequently asked questions

Am I eligible for RPL?

To be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for an Early Childhood Development (ECD) qualification under the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) framework, you must meet the following workplace experience criteria:

Minimum Work Experience Requirement:
  • You need a minimum of 18 months (1.5 years) to 3 years of relevant workplace experience in an ECD setting.
  • This experience should be within a registered early learning center, daycare, preschool, community-based ECD program, or similar environment.

What Counts as Relevant Work Experience?Your experience should involve tasks related to the curriculum and practical components of an ECD qualification, such as:

  • Facilitating learning activities for children (0–5 years)
  • Supporting children’s holistic development (cognitive, social, emotional, and physical)
  • Creating safe and stimulating learning environments
  • Conducting assessments and progress reporting
  • Working with parents and caregivers on child development
  • Assisting in compliance with ECD policies and regulations


Verification of Experience

To prove your workplace experience, you will need to submit:
  • Signed reference letters from employers, supervisors, or community leaders
  • Portfolio of evidence (lesson plans, observation reports, child assessments, etc.)
  • Workplace assessment or practical demonstration (if required)

What If I Have Less Than the Required Experience?

If you have less than 18 months of experience, you may be required to:

  • Complete additional workplace exposure under supervision
  • Undergo gap training to meet competency standards
  • Provide alternative evidence to demonstrate competency
  • The RPL assessment process will determine if your experience and evidence meet the competency requirements for certification.

What kind of evidence do I need?

To successfully complete the RPL process, you must provide proof of your skills and experience. This may include:

  • Work experience letters from employers or supervisors
  • A portfolio of work (lesson plans, reports, observations, or assessments)
  • Testimonials from colleagues, parents, or community members
  • Certificates from past training, workshops, or short courses
  • Videos or photos showcasing your work in an ECD setting

Our team will guide you in compiling a strong evidence portfolio to ensure a smooth assessment process.

How long does the process take?

The RPL process duration depends on factors such as the level of qualification, the completeness of your evidence, and your ability to complete assessments. Typically, it can take anywhere from 6 weeks to several months. If your evidence is well-organized and meets the requirements, the process will be quicker.

Is my qualification valid nationally?

Yes! Our RPL qualifications are nationally recognized and accredited, ensuring they are accepted by employers and institutions.

Can I apply if I have partial experience in a field?

Yes! If you are missing certain skills, we can guide you on completing additional training or modules to achieve full qualification.

What happens if my evidence is not sufficient?

If your evidence does not fully meet the requirements, don’t worry! You will receive feedback on the gaps and guidance on how to strengthen your portfolio. You may need to provide additional documentation, undergo practical assessments, or complete supplementary training to qualify for the certification. Our team will support you every step of the way to help you achieve your qualification.

What is the EISA exam?

The EISA exam is administered as a final evaluation of your competencies. It tests both theoretical knowledge and practical application. Passing requires a strong understanding of the course material and proficiency in applying ECD principles in real settings.What happens if you fail the Eisa?If you do not pass, you’ll have the opportunity for remedial support and, a chance to retake the assessment. We’re here to help ensure you succeed.

Are there scholarships, bursaries, or student loans for this qualification?

Here’s everything you need to know about the student loans we offer to help you upskill and pursue your educational goals!

Eligibility Criteria
Who qualifies for a student loan?
You must meet the following criteria:
  • Female.
  • Under the age of 34.
  • Household income below R50,000 per month.
  • Not blacklisted (we perform credit checks).No criminal history.

Can I apply if I am blacklisted?
No, our loan partners require applicants to have a clean credit history.

Loan Features:
What can the loan be used for?
The loan is specifically for covering tuition fees for your course with us and if approved gets paid directly to the College.

How much can I borrow?
Loan amounts depend on the course you’re enrolling in and other factors determined during the application process.

What is the repayment plan?
Repayment typically begins once you secure employment after completing the course. Flexible repayment plans will be arranged to match your income level.

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