What is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)?
Recognizing Prior Learning (RPL) lets you get credit for skills and knowledge you have already gained – whether through work, life experience, or past training. It helps you show what you know and can do, even if it wasn’t learned in a formal classroom.
What RPL is Not
RPL does not give credit just for having experience. You must show what you have learned through that experience. It is also not a shortcut – you cannot get credit for a course if you have not learned the material in some way.
How Can RPL Help Me?
If your prior learning is recognized, you might:
- Finish your in-school training faster
- Start your apprenticeship at a more advanced level
- Reach journeyperson status sooner
Note: You will still need to pass the certification exam to become a journeyperson, no matter how much credit you receive.
How Do I Get Started?
- Register as an Apprentice with the Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division
- Talk to an Apprenticeship Program Officer to begin.
- You will then be connected with a Program Development Specialist who will guide you through the RPL process.