Methodologies
Recognition of Prior LearningRPL
A process for assessing and formally recognising skills and knowledge a person has already acquired — through work or informal learning — against established standards or qualifications.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) gives formal value to competencies gained outside the classroom — on the job, through informal apprenticeship, or through life experience. Candidates are assessed against occupational standards or qualification requirements and, where they meet them, awarded credit or a full qualification without repeating formal training.
RPL is an important instrument for inclusion and labour-market mobility, particularly for workers in the informal economy, returnees and displaced populations. It depends on credible occupational standards, robust assessment, and a qualifications framework that can carry the recognised credit.
Related concepts
Where indeson applied it
Supporting a systematic reform in Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in Sudan
SudanComprehensive RPL system development and implementation
Recognition of prior learning is the core of this Sudan assignment.
Strengthening IGAD Migration Policy Implementation II (SIMPI): Qualifications Frameworks and Skills Recognition
DjiboutiAligning National Qualifications Frameworks with the IGAD Regional Qualifications Framework across seven member states — RPL, credit transfer, gender-responsive monitoring and regional data systems
RPL and Credit Accumulation and Transfer policies were integrated into member states' NQF components.
Rehabilitation of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Somalia
SomaliaRebuilding Somalia's vocational training system: Somali NQF levels 1–5, quality assurance, teacher qualification and inclusive access in a fragile context
Recognition of Prior Learning mechanisms opened recognised pathways for displaced learners.