Common requirements and FAQs

Entrance requirements and articulation agreements are detailed on each college or university’s website. If you have an alternative qualification at the same SCQF level, you should apply for RPL.

If a college has an articulation agreement with a university, the college will usually inform students about this opportunity for advanced entry. If learners are moving to another credit-rated programme, whether in work or the community, check with the provider to see if the existing SCQF qualification offers any exemptions or advanced entry.

Note that RPL claims are specific to each institution, as each one has its own RPL policy and the claim is not transferable.

Accessing RPL

RPL staff will be trained to support learners, make them feel comfortable, and provide manageable timelines. The goal is to avoid learning repetition and to shorten the time needed to complete the new programme.

Since RPL policies differ between institutions, learners should research their course options and consider multiple providers to see their RPL offerings. The amount of credit awarded for exemptions will depend on the comparison between old and new programmes, policy guidelines, and submitted evidence.

Learners will be informed about possible outcomes from the start and can trust that the process is focused on their needs, reliable, transparent, consistent, and quality-assured. Some organisations may also provide examples of past RPL claims.

Common requirements and FAQs

The SCQF level helps providers assess abilities, but professional judgment is needed if the subject area differs.

Learners should research courses and contact training providers to see if RPL can be used for entry or advanced entry based on their qualifications, knowledge and skills.

Since different providers have different RPL policies, it’s useful to contact several to compare their offerings. Providers usually have facilitators and specialists who can support and guide learners through the process.

Some professional bodies have strict requirements, so prior learning may need to match exactly or meet specific qualifications. Most professional bodies provide detailed information on acceptable qualifications and experience.

Accessing RPL

Decision-making involves comparing the learners’ existing SCQF credit-rated programmes with new ones. This process is usually supported by someone familiar with the programme or professional body requirements. It’s helpful to provide certificates along with programme or module descriptors and learning outcomes for comparison.

Those making RPL decisions follow clear organisational guidelines that align with quality procedures. Learners can be assured that decisions will be focused on their needs, reliable, transparent and consistently applied.

Common requirements and FAQs

Certificated learning is often seen as the end of a learning journey, but this depends on the learner’s future plans, when they earned the certificate, and how they’ve kept their skills current. Employers and institutions may value activities that show skills are up to date.

RPL might begin in school, college, or university, with support staff helping students build confidence and CVs. This support may continue after leaving the institution.

Various organisations, such as community learning teams, Skills Development Scotland, and private training providers, offer support for improving confidence and building CVs. These organisations use SCQF levels to assess existing skills and competencies.

For those in employment, many employers include RPL in performance reviews to support career development. Organisations of any size can do this to benefit both employee growth and workforce development. Several resources, including those from the SCQF Partnership, are available to help employers with workforce development. Visit our Inclusive Recruiter page to find out more.

Accessing RPL

Staff facilitating prior learning are often from guidance backgrounds and may be trained careers advisers. They can help learners identify their abilities, strengths, and weaknesses, especially if the learner lacks confidence. The SCQF level of qualifications helps staff identify existing knowledge and skills, and uncover additional techniques developed to reach those levels.

Community learning teams or youth workers can also assist in boosting self-esteem, building confidence, and developing a CV, either in groups or one-on-one. The process is learner-focused and helps explore how SCQF credit-rated qualifications can open up new opportunities.

Common requirements and FAQs

Learners should research the course and contact providers directly to see if they can use RPL for entry or advanced entry, based on their qualifications and skills.

Different providers may have different RPL policies, so it’s a good idea to reach out to several for options. Providers usually have facilitators and specialists who can offer support and guidance through the process.

Accessing RPL

Staff involved in the RPL process are trained to support learners, help them feel comfortable, and provide manageable timelines. The goal is to prevent repeating learning and shorten the time needed to complete the new programme.

Learners will be informed of the possible outcomes from the start and can trust that the process is learner-focused, reliable, transparent, consistent, and quality-assured. Some organisations may also provide examples of successful RPL claims.

Common requirements and FAQs

Learners should research the course and contact course providers directly to see if they can use RPL for entry or advanced entry based on their qualifications, knowledge, and skills.

Since different providers have different RPL policies, it’s a good idea to contact several to explore your options. Providers usually have facilitators and subject specialists who can offer support, guidance, and resources to help you through the process.

Some professional bodies have strict requirements, so prior learning may need to match exactly. Most professional bodies provide detailed information on acceptable qualifications and experience.

Accessing RPL

An RPL facilitator within the learning provider will know the learning programmes and the skills needed to complete them or start at an advanced level.

If your previous learning has clear outcomes, you can use these as a starting point to show that your knowledge and skills match the entry requirements.

For advanced entry, you may need to compare your past learning with the new programme’s content and discuss how long it took you to complete compared to the new programme’s timeline.

Learners applying for RPL should be supported throughout the process, with clear expectations set from the beginning. The RPL process should be learner-focused, reliable, transparent, and consistently applied.

Common requirements and FAQs

Certificated learning is often seen as the end of a learning journey, but it depends on what the learner plans to do next, how recent the certificate is, and how they’ve maintained their skills. Employers and institutions may value activities that show skills are up to date.

Several organisations can help people boost confidence or build CVs, including Skills Development Scotland (SDS), local authorities, and private training providers. SDS or Jobcentre Plus are good starting points, as they assess needs and connect individuals to the right support.

For organisations wanting to support individuals in improving confidence or finding employment, SDS is the first contact. Various resources are available to help learners identify transferable skills.

For career development, many employers integrate learning recognition into performance. Resources and support for workforce development are also available through organisations like the SCQF Partnership. Visit our Inclusive Recruiter page to find out more.

Accessing RPL

Careers guidance staff or training providers typically help those seeking work or further training.

Local authority community learning teams support those looking to build confidence and self-esteem.

For career development, support usually comes from line managers or HR teams.

Common requirements and FAQs

Learners should research which providers offer the programme they want to study and contact them directly, as each has its own RPL policy and assessment process. It’s a good idea to check with multiple providers before starting an RPL claim.

Accessing RPL

Learning providers offering RPL will have skilled facilitators who understand the programmes and the skills needed for completion or exemption from parts of an SCQF credit-rated programme.

Since the programme is SCQF credit-rated, applicants must link their experience, knowledge, and skills to SCQF level descriptors. If seeking exemption, they must demonstrate their knowledge meets the programme’s SCQF level requirements.

For best practice, the assessor should be different from the one who helped the learner prepare their RPL claim.

Learners making an RPL claim will likely need support and clear information about the process and expected outcomes. They should be assured that the RPL process is learner-focused, reliable, transparent, consistent, and quality assured according to the organisation’s usual assessment criteria.

Common requirements and FAQs

There are a number of organisations which will support people who may be looking to move into training and they use a range of resources that support the reflective process. Organisations include Skills Development Scotland, local authorities’ community learning teams and training providers, including your local college or university. 

The first contact point would be Skills Development Scotland. Training providers will be able to offer guidance to learners on what they would accept as RPL for access or advanced entry.

You should make it clear to learners that this process is a development opportunity to enable them to recognise their own skills and abilities, and may shorten the path to their chosen learning programme.

Accessing RPL

Learning providers offering RPL will have skilled facilitators to support learners. These facilitators are familiar with the programmes and know what knowledge and skills applicants need to succeed or start at an advanced level. Since the programme isn’t SCQF credit-rated, applicants don’t need to match their experience to SCQF levels, though using the level descriptors as a guide is recommended

A learner making a claim for RPL will be supported throughout the process, and the likely outcome(s) of the claim should be made clear from the outset. The learner should be assured that the RPL process is learner focused, reliable, transparent and consistently applied.

Commons requirements and FAQs

Which organisations might carry this out?

Organisations like Skills Development Scotland, Community Learning teams within local authorities and private training providers can help. The first contact point would be Skills Development Scotland or Jobcentre Plus who would either offer support, or signpost to relevant organisations. 

There are resources available to support a learner with identifying transferable skills. We offer a resource pack, My Skills My Future, and train organisations on how to use it. Details of My Skills My Future workshops and the resource pack can be found on our website.

For those wishing to use RPL for career development, many employers will build this into performance management reviews. A number of organisations provide support and useful resources for employers on workforce development. We provide free support through our Inclusive Recruiter scheme – visit the webpage for more information.

You should make it clear to learners that this process is a development opportunity to enable them to recognise their own skills and abilities so they can reflect on future options.

Accessing RPL

Careers guidance staff or training providers supporting those who are looking to get into work or further training. These staff are qualified in the area of guidance and experienced in RPL facilitation.

For those looking for career development, support usually comes from line managers or HR teams.

Requirements & FAQs

What is an articulation agreement?

Articulation agreements map a pathway between two or more colleges or universities and their learning programmes. Applicants should check with the college regarding any articulation pathways they have in place with universities to help them best decide which university they are aiming to articulate too.

Where do I find out about existing articulation agreements?

Entrance requirements and articulation agreements will be on college and university websites.

Can I use my SCQF credit as RPL towards any other SCQF programmes?

Where an articulation arrangement has been set up by a college to link to a university, it is likely the college will use the agreement to help you make the most of any advanced entrance points. You can ask for RPL towards any programme of study. A learning programme on the SCQF can be used against another SCQF credit rated programme and the amount of credit that you are offered is at the learning provider’s discretion.  

What if the learning provider doesn’t recognise RPL?

There is no requirement for any learning provider to accept RPL as an alternative to entrance requirements. Check with your chosen provider beforehand.

RPL: The process

Who might carry this out?

This will be a facilitator appointed by the learning provider, who will have admissions authority, or be able to award the unit or qualification you wish to claim RPL for.

What type of information will they want to know?

They might want to know:

• What was the aim of the course you completed?
• What skills did you use to complete the learning?
• Did you work with others, produce project work or write essays or reports?
• How long did it take you?
• What did it qualify you to do?

By explaining the nature and level of the learning you achieved, you will help the learning provider understand your capabilities and achievements.

How long will it take?

This varies and depends largely on how much time you can commit, staff availability to support the process, and what entrance requirement you may be trying to prove. 

How much will it cost?

The process may incur a cost, however this may be less than it would cost you if you were to pay for the programme, module or units of study, or to gain the entrance qualifications. 

Can I get any funding for this?

There is currently no government funding for this.

Requirements & FAQs

What if the learning provider does not recognise RPL?

There is no requirement for any learning provider to accept RPL as an alternative to standard entrance requirements. Check with your chosen provider or professional body beforehand.

How do I prove that I have the relevant qualifications to ask for entry or exemption?

Learning providers and professional bodies offer guidance on normal entry requirements for programmes. However, you may be able to use RPL as an alternative to these entrance requirements. In these cases, you would have to demonstrate that you have the knowledge, competency and skills aligned to the entry requirements. You should also be able to refer to the course syllabus to show the content of your learning. As agreements may have been set up between institutions and professional bodies. you may simply have to show your original certificate(s) and/or transcript(s) as proof of the learning achieved.

Why is my new programme not recognised on SCQF and how can I check this?

There is no requirement for programmes to be credit rated to the SCQF and this decision lies with the learning provider. To check what is on the SCQF, please refer to the our database.

RPL: The process

Who might carry this out?

You should approach the professional body or learning provider that you are looking to gain entry to. If an agreement has already been made for exemptions, you may simply have to email your documentation to the organisation. If no formal agreement is in place, the first step will likely be an interview with someone in the organisation who will help you identify how your previous learning links with the admission criteria.

What type of information will they want to know?

They might want to know:

• Any exemptions that you were offered and to which professional bodies
• What was the aim of the course you completed?
• What skills did you use to complete the learning?
• Did you work with others, produce project work, or write essays or reports?
• How long did it take you?
• What did it qualify you to do?

By explaining the nature and level of the learning you achieved, you will help the learning provider understand your capabilities and achievements.

How long will it take?

This varies and depends largely on how much time you can commit to this and staff availability to support the process. It also depends on what entrance requirements you may be trying to prove.

How much will it cost?

There may be a charge for this service, and you should ask the professional body or learning provider.

Requirements & FAQs

Who might carry this out?

If you want to move into a job after school, college or university, your guidance teacher, personal tutor, or careers adviser can support you. They can help you identify the transferable skills you have gained and how they link to the skills required for the job you are applying to. If you are returning to work and would like to improve your confidence and self-esteem, contact Skills Development Scotland or your local community learning team to help you with this process. If you are in work, speak to your line manager.

What type of information will they want to know?

They might want to know:

• What skills did you use to complete the learning?
• Did you work with others, produce project work, or write essays or reports?
• Did you sit exams?
• How did you prepare for your assessments?
• What did it qualify you to do?

By understanding and explaining the nature and level of the learning you achieved, you will help the employer or learning provider understand your capabilities and achievements and improve your confidence.

How long will it take?

This varies and depends on what you are hoping to gain from the process and the staff available to support you.

How much will it cost?

This process will be free in a school, college and university. Skills Development Scotland and community learning teams will also offer this free of charge. This should also be free to employees.

RPL: The process

Is this done 1:1 or in a group environment?

The exercise is normally carried out on a 1-1 basis.

How to get this started?

Make enquiries in school, college, university, employer or with your local council, job centre or Skills Development Scotland office.

Requirements & FAQs

What if the learning provider does not recognise RPL?

There is no requirement for any learning provider to accept RPL. Check with your chosen provider or professional body beforehand.

What resources?

You may need access to a computer, and be able to source evidence from your past experiences. The learning provider should direct you to any other resources that you may need.

Why is my learning not credit rated to the SCQF Framework?

There is no requirement for programmes to be credit rated to our Framework and this decision lies with the learning provider.

Can I check what learning is credit rated to the SCQF Framework?

Yes, our searchable database features all credit rating learning programmes.

RPL: The process

Who might carry this out?

A professional facilitator at the learning provider can help guide you through the process.

What type of information might they want to know?

They might want to know:

• What was the aim of the course you completed?
• What skills did you use to complete the learning?
• Did you have to work with others, produce project work or write essays or reports?
• How long did it take you?
• What did it qualify you to do?

By explaining the nature and level of the learning you achieved, you will help the learning provider understand your capabilities and achievements.

Is this done 1:1 or in a group environment?

The first step will likely be a 1-1 interview with a facilitator in the organisation. 

How long will it take?

This varies and depends largely on what certification you have and how this can be mapped against the programme of study that you are hoping to gain entry to. 

How much will it cost?

You may have to pay for this service, however, it may be cost-effective when compared to the length of time and the cost that it would take you to study the equivalent entry. Each learning provider body will have its own fee structure.

Requirements & FAQs

What if the learning provider does not recognise RPL?

There is no requirement for any learning provider to accept RPL as an alternative to entrance requirements, or allow advanced entry to a programme. Check with your chosen learning provider beforehand.

Who will carry this out?

The learning provider’s facilitator will help guide you through the process and help manage your expectations. The amount of credit you may be offered will differ from one learning provider to another, depending on the programme and policies.

Why is learning not credit rated to the SCQF?

There is no requirement for programmes to be credit rated to the SCQF and this decision may be for a variety of reasons.

Can I check what learning is credit-rated to the SCQF?

To check what is on the framework, visit our database.

RPL: The process

Is this done 1:1 or in a group environment?

The first step will likely be a 1-1 interview with a staff member at the learning provider.

What type of information might they want to know?

They might want to know:

• What was the aim of the course you completed?
• What skills did you use to complete the learning?
• Did you have to work with others, produce project work, or write essays or reports?
• How long did it take you?
• What did it qualify you to do?

By explaining the nature and level of the learning you achieved, you will help the learning provider understand your capabilities and achievements.

Where can I get help?

The learning provider should be able to help you with the process.

How long will it take?

This varies and depends largely on the individual and staff availability to support the process.

How much will it cost?

Each learning provider will have its own fee structure. You may have to pay, however, it may be more cost-effective when compared to the length of time and the cost it would take you to study the equivalent entry requirements, programme or professional body.

Is there any funding available for this?

There is currently no government funding to go through the RPL process.

Requirements & FAQs

Which organisations will carry this out if I am unemployed?

Skills Development Scotland, community learning teams within local authorities and private training providers can provide support. The first contact point would be Skills Development Scotland or Jobcentre Plus who would either help, or signpost you to other relevant organisations.

Who will assist with RPL if I am looking for promotion?

If you want to have your learning recognised for career development, many employers will build the processes into performance management reviews, helping you to reflect on your progression.

How can I use RPL to improve my CV?

If you want to improve your CV, a number of organisations can help. Contact Skills Development Scotland, who will offer guidance, or signpost you to the relevant organisation.

How can I use RPL to identify my next steps in learning?

Research the qualification you would like to achieve and look at the learning provider’s RPL policy on their website as a starting point before discussing this with them.

Why are my certificates not credit rated on the SCQF?

There is no requirement for training or programmes to be credit rated to the SCQF and this decision may be for a variety of reasons.

RPL: The Process

Who will carry this out, and what skills will they have?

Careers guidance staff or facilitators support those looking to get into work or further training. For career development, support may come from your line manager or HR team. To reflect on your learning so you can boost your CV, careers advisers at Skills Development Scotland can help. If you are looking to improve your confidence, community learning teams can provide guidance.

What if I’m refused RPL?

There is no guarantee that you will be offered RPL, either within the workplace or if you are unemployed, however, we do suggest that you make thorough enquiries.

Will it get me a job or assist with my career progression?

The RPL process should build your confidence, although there is no guarantee of a job or promotion on completion.

What resources will I need?

You may need access to a PC which your local library could offer, and the facilitator should direct you to any additional resources you may need.

How long will it take?

The amount of time it takes varies and depends largely on the time you have to commit, and staff availability to support the process.

Will it cost anything?

Government bodies and employers are unlikely to charge for this service, although some private training providers will.

Requirements & FAQs

Who might carry this out?

A facilitator within the learning provider or professional body can help guide you through the process. 

Is it worth it? What resources?

Yes. Even if you do not meet the entry requirements of a learning programme, RPL can allow you to gain entry. It can also help you to gain exemption from certain modules of the programme. This can help speed up your learning journey, and can even gain you advanced entry into the programme, such as going directly into year two or three of a university degree.

What if they don’t know about RPL?

All learning providers who are credit rating bodies – including colleges and universities – will have a policy on RPL and this should be on their website.

What if I’m refused RPL, or not given the opportunity?

The decision rests with the learning provider. If you are offered RPL, the amount of credit offered will depend on the relevance of your learning to the programme of study.

RPL: The process

How do I get started?

Research your desired qualification and choose a learning provider with an RPL policy.

How do I link my previous learning to the requirements?

The facilitator will help you see how your learning aligns with the admission criteria, programme, module or unit you’re hoping to gain recognition for. They’ll tell you how evidence of your learning will be assessed. Facilitators will provide guidance, ensure access to necessary materials, and help you maintain realistic expectations.

How long will it take?

The amount of time it takes varies and depends largely on the time you have to commit, and staff availability to support the process.

Will it cost anything?

The process may incur a cost, however this cost may be less than if you were to pay the cost of the programme, module or units of study, or the cost of study to gain the entrance qualifications.

Can I get any funding for this?

There is currently no public funding for this activity.

Common requirements and FAQs

What if the learning provider does not recognise RPL?

There is no requirement for any learning provider or professional body to accept RPL as an alternative to standard entrance requirements. We suggest you check with your learning provider before undertaking RPL.

Who might carry this out?

A facilitator within the learning provider or professional body can help guide you through the process. They will inform you of the programme’s entry requirements, guide you through the process and help to keep your expectations realistic. You may be asked to build a portfolio of work that verifies the learning you have previously achieved.

Will it cost anything?

Yes, however, it may still be more cost-effective in terms of time and money to use RPL.

Why is the programme not credit rated to the SCQF?

There is no requirement for programmes to be credit rated on the SCQF and this decision lies with the learning provider.

Can I check what learning is credit rated to the SCQF?

To check what is on the SCQF, please refer to our database.

RPL: The process

How do I get started?

Contact the learning provider. The first step will likely be a face to face 1-1 interview with a facilitator in the organisation.

How do I link my previous learning to the requirements?

You will need to understand exactly how your learning will be assessed against the learning programme’s requirements and outcomes. The facilitator should offer guidance and make sure you have access to the relevant material and information about the learning programme.

How long will it take?

The amount of time it takes varies and depends largely on the time you have to commit, and staff availability to support the process.

Commons requirements and FAQs

Which organisations might carry this out?

Organisations like Skills Development Scotland, Community Learning teams within local authorities and private training providers can help. The first contact point would be Skills Development Scotland or Jobcentre Plus who would either offer you support, or signpost you to relevant organisations. For career progression, speak with your line manager.

What resources will I need?

Access to a PC, usually available at local libraries.

What if they don’t know about RPL? Or if I’m refused RPL, or not given the opportunity?

Seek guidance from another training provider, or institution.

Will it help me to get a job?

While there are no guarantees this process will help you get a job, it will improve your ability to identify suitable jobs and help you showcase your skills to match the requirements of the role.

For those wishing to use RPL for career development, many employers will build these processes into performance management reviews, helping you to reflect on your next career step. For help on improving your CV, contact Skills Development Scotland or Jobcentre Plus, who will assess your requirements and either offer help or signpost you to the right help. The My World of Work website is a useful tool (see Useful resources & links).

The RPL process

Who might carry this out?

Careers guidance staff, community learning advisers or training providers will support those seeking work or further training. For career development support, speak to your line manager or HR team. If you want to reflect on your learning so you can improve your CV, careers advisers from Skills Development Scotland will offer help.

Is this done 1:1 or in a group environment?

The exercise is normally carried out on a 1-1 basis.

How long will it take?

It varies and depends on the time you have to commit, and staff availability to support the process.

Will it cost anything?

Most government bodies provide this service for free. However, if you are using a professional facilitator within an organisation, they may charge for this service.