Recognition of Prior Learning NZ | Turn Experience into Qualifications

What is our NZQA Category 1 rating?

How we support you through your studies

Find courses in my field of experience

Turn skills into qualifications

Do you have prior study or work experience? You may be able to transfer credits towards your chosen qualification, helping fast-track your studies by skipping certain modules. Get in touch to see if you're eligible!

Get credit for what you already know

At Skills Institute, we understand that your skills and knowledge are gained from many sources: formal learning, independent study and workplace experience. Through the recognition process, we evaluate your existing skills against the outcomes of qualifications, courses, modules, or assessment standards. If your knowledge and experience align with these outcomes, we can recognise it with credits, helping you complete your qualification faster without needing to repeat what you already know.

Our pathways are available for domestic and international learners making applications for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Recognition and Transfer (CRT), which includes Credit Transfer (CT) and Cross Credit (CC).

Your RPL options

Choose the pathway that's right for you and understand the costs involved.

Pathways

Credit Transfer (CT) If you have completed the same unit standard from a qualification awarded by Skills Institute or another New Zealand institution, you may be eligible for a Credit Transfer. This option is only available for previous programmes studied in New Zealand. Click here to learn more about CT.

Cross Credit (CC) If you have completed a similar unit standard from a qualification awarded by Skills Institute or another New Zealand institution, you may be eligible for Cross Credit. This option is only available for previous programmes studied in New Zealand. Click here to learn more about CC.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) If you have relevant life or work experience, either alone or combined with previous study, you may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning, and therefore be awarded credits towards a new programme. This option is available for applicants with experience or qualifications from both New Zealand and overseas.

Fees

Credit Transfer Fees: There is no cost for this service.

Cross Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning

Admin Fee: NZ$200 (including GST, non-refundable) — must be paid before your application is reviewed.
Credit Fee: NZ$20 per credit (including GST) awarded — payable after the evaluation is complete.

Example: If you are awarded 3 unit standards of 10 credits each, the total cost would be 30 x NZ$20 = NZ$600.

Note: The number of credits awarded depends on how many outcomes can be matched. We cannot guarantee partial or full success of your application.

Appealing a Credit Recognition decision

If you disagree with the final decision or have gathered additional evidence after the decision, you may submit an appeal.

How to appeal:

Complete the appeal form.
Send it to [email protected] within seven working days of receiving the decision notification.
Our Appeal Committee will review your request and respond within 20 working days.

Please note that fees may apply if your application needs to be resubmitted to the assessor.

Download PDF

Turn experience into credentials

Ready to turn your experience into formal qualifications? RPL could be your fastest path to the credentials you need for career advancement.

Contact our RPL team

Recognition of Prior Learning FAQs

Frequently asked questions about the recognition process to understand the application.

How much does RPL cost?

Credit Transfer: There is no cost for this service. Cross Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning: There's a $200 admin fee (non-refundable) plus $20 per credit awarded. For example, if you're awarded 30 credits, you'll pay $600 after the evaluation is complete.

How do I apply for RPL?

Email [email protected] and include the name of the programme you're interested in. Our team will guide you through the most suitable pathway based on your previous knowledge and experience.

What evidence do I need?

The required evidence depends on the RPL pathway you are applying for. Once you've chosen a pathway, our team will provide clear guidance on the specific types of evidence you'll need to submit.

Can I get student loans or allowances?

Yes, but apply after your RPL assessment. Once you know your awarded credits and tuition fees, contact StudyLink for assistance. Your reduced study load may affect your eligibility.

What if I'm an international student?

Contact our international department at [email protected] before applying for RPL. They'll clarify how your visa status may be impacted if your study load is reduced due to the credits awarded. You must be in New Zealand to apply, but your overseas experience and qualifications can still be assessed and recognised.

What if I need more time or want to cancel?

Contact [email protected] to request extensions or cancellations - decisions are made at the discretion of Skills Group on a case-by-case basis. If you don't submit additional evidence within 2 months when requested, your application will be cancelled and you'll need to pay the administrative fee again to proceed with a new application.

Can I appeal the decision?

Yes, you can appeal the decision within seven working days of receiving the outcome. If you have additional evidence or disagree with the result, please email [email protected] to initiate the appeal process. The Appeals Subcommittee will review the appeal. The General Manager, Academic Quality will communicate the outcome.

What happens after I'm approved?

You'll be contacted via email regarding the evaluation outcome and informed about the credits awarded and final payment amount. Payment must be made in full before proceeding. Once payment is made, apply to your desired programme through our website and provide the RPL approval letter during enrolment. Our team will adjust your tuition fee if necessary and report the awarded credits to NZQA.