Credit transfer and RPL
Updated 12 Jun 2024
NESA has published its clarified requirements for credit transfer and recognition of prior learning (RPL) for students undertaking general education courses.
Sections 12, 95 and 95A of the Education Act 1990 (NSW) set out the curriculum requirements and eligibility requirements for the award of the HSC.
About credit transfer and recognition of prior learning (RPL) for non-VET courses
- Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning (RPL) are 2 ways students can have their prior learning count towards the completion of Stage 6 courses. This includes formal, informal, or non-formal learning gained through past education and/or training programs undertaken in Australia or overseas, or through life and work experience.
- Students may apply for credit transfer or RPL:
- when entering the NSW education system for the first time
- when re-entering the NSW education system after a period of absence
- while undertaking Loading .
- Students can be eligible for both credit transfer and RPL, however, for any given course, either credit transfer or RPL can be granted, but not both.
Glossary
HSC results are used by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) to calculate a rank order of students known as the ATAR. It is a ranking system used to allocate university placements.
A course developed by NESA, that includes general education courses, Life Skills courses and VET Industry Curriculum Framework courses.
A course that caters to the learning needs of students in specific areas of need not served by Board Developed courses. Before they can be taught in NSW schools, they must be endorsed by NESA. These courses count towards the HSC but do not have an HSC exam and do not contribute towards the calculation of the ATAR. There are four types: Content Endorsed courses (CECs), School Developed Board Endorsed courses (SDBECs), University Developed Board Endorsed courses (UDBECs), and VET Board Endorsed courses (VET BECs).
A report generated by schools, using Schools Online, for each student. It contains: a student's personal details, their NESA student number, courses, and whether or not they are eligible for the HSC and an ATAR.
Recognition of learning and achievement from other qualifications or other recognised educational bodies.
Learning that takes place through a structured program of instruction, which is generally recognised by the attainment of a formal qualification.
Learning gained through work, social, family, hobby or leisure activities and experiences. Unlike formal or non-formal learning, informal learning is not organised or externally structured in terms of objectives, time or learning support.
Learning that takes place through a program of instruction but does not usually lead to the attainment of a formal qualification.
An assessment process that recognises skills, knowledge, understanding or experience an individual may have acquired through formal, non-formal and informal learning to determine the extent to which that individual meets partial or total completion of course or qualification learning outcomes and/or requirements.