Advising for Recognition of Prior Learning

Overview

At RRC Polytech, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) processes evaluate and grant credit for prior learning that is equivalent to RRC Polytech courses/programs. This learning is applied to the requirements of your program.

The RPL process identifies, assesses, and recognizes formal learning, non-formal, and informal learning gained through work and life experience.

Formal Learning is Transfer Credit
Informal learning is learning gained from work and life experiences.
Non-formal learning is learning offered by an industry, sector, professional training or company.

Should you apply for RPL?

Do you have significant prior learning gained through education, work, life, military training, personal study, etc. that may be equivalent to RRC Polytech courses or programs? If your learning is current, relevant, and applicable to the RRC Polytech program you are enrolled in, RPL may be an option to consider.

RPL may:

Eliminate duplication of learning
Reduce costs
Shorten time to complete a program
Increase self-esteem and confidence
Validate prior learning from work and life experiences
Encourage continuing in formal education
Increase access and completion of RRC Polytech programs

For more information contact the RPL Advisor or attend an RPL Orientation Session.

Accessing RPL

The first step in the RPL process is to connect with the RPL Advisor or attend an RPL Orientation Session to learn more about transfer credit and/or applying for an RPL Assessment.

To formally participate in an RPL Assessment process, you must submit the RPL Assessment Application and pay the required fee.

See RPL Forms and Fees section for more information on RPL Fees and to access the RPL Assessment Application.

Attend an RPL Orientation Session

The RPL Orientation Session will introduce you to the concept of RPL. RPL Orientation Sessions are held monthly, online and in person, from September to June. During the RPL Orientation, you are encouraged to ask questions and see if your prior learning is a good fit for your course or program.

For more information and to self-register for an upcoming session visit: RPL Orientation Sessions

Health Care Aid Equivalency for Employment

To request a Health Care Aide Equivalency Assessment for employment purposes in Manitoba, complete and submit the Health Care Aide Equivalency Application.

RPL Assessment Methods

RPL Assessment processes measure prior non-formal and informal learning through a variety of assessment methods, depending upon and related to the specific course requirements and learning outcomes.

RPL Assessment methods vary, and you may be required to complete an assignment, project, interview, employer verification, exam, evidence collection, practical examination, skill demonstration, or other.

RRC Polytech uses several different RPL approaches to assess prior learning including:

Employer Verification

Employers may be requested to verify the workplace skills and knowledge that are equal to the learning outcomes for a course. Employer verification is used in several RPL assessments and for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) and Coop placements.

Elder or Community Organization Verification

If you are an Indigenous student and have relevant learning that was gained in your community (traditional knowledge practices, language skills, or other), this learning can be verified by local representatives such as Elders, Band Council, Hamlet Council and applied to your program requirements.

Portfolio Assessment

A portfolio is a specific and targeted collection of evidence that documents your learning from work and life experience and proves that it is equivalent to the learning outcomes in your course/program. A portfolio is only compiled for specific courses or programs at RRC Polytech.

Assessment of External Courses/Programs

Courses delivered through workplaces, industries or non-recognized educational institutions may be evaluated for RPL. Courses such as First Aid, WHMIS, Safety or other, may be eligible if the learning meets the requirements of your program.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the RPL process take?

The RPL process can take 4-6 weeks to complete. There may be delays during the summer break due to faculty availability.

Does my work experience count towards RPL?

RPL credit is awarded for the learning you gained from your work experience. Years of experience alone is not necessarily evidence of learning that is equivalent to RRC Polytech programs. You will need to demonstrate how your learning from experience is comparable and matches the level of learning required in your program.

Does RPL credit impact full-time student status?

RPL may reduce course loads and impact full-time status. It may have implications for International Students’ post-graduate work permit eligibility, as well as Financial Aid and student sponsorship eligibility.

If you have any questions, please contact:

International Education for post-graduate work permit information
Financial Aid for Student Aid Eligibility
Indigenous Admissions Advisor for Indigenous Student Sponsorship infomation

Is RPL available for previous unsuccessful course attempts?

Applications for RPL assessment(s) are processed for first course attempts only. If you have previously been registered in the same course, an RPL assessment is not available.

Who designs the RPL Assessments?

RRC Polytech faculty are the subject matter experts/assessors who assess the learning and award course credits.

How will RPL credit appear on a transcript?

RPL is recorded in the same way in which grades for a course are transcribed on the transcript. Where the learning cannot be measured using a rubric or other assessment tool the designation of CR (credit) will be used instead of a grade.

Is there an appeal process?

An appeal for an RPL process follows the policies outlined in the RRC Polytech Policy S3 – Student Appeals