Recognition of Prior Learning & Course Credit
We recognise and value your existing skills and knowledge.
At Ikon, we want your learning journey to be about gaining new skills, not repeating what you already know. Your past studies or work experience could be recognised as prior learning (RPL) or transferred as credits towards your study at Ikon. This could help you to fast-track your qualification, reducing your study time and tuition fees. We offer 2 recognition pathways:
| Credit Transfer | Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) |
|---|---|
| This allows your previous studies to count towards a qualification, ensuring consistent credit outcomes based on matched content and learning outcomes between equivalent qualifications. If you have completed equivalent subjects at a recognised institution, you may be eligible for credit transfer. | This involves evaluating your previous skills, knowledge, work experience, personal accomplishments, and education against the learning outcomes of Ikon subjects. If your prior learning matches the outcomes of a subject in your chosen course, you’ll be exempt from studying that subject. |
Ikon Course Credit Transfer
| AQF Level 5 Diploma completed at any RTO | Ikon AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree | Block credit provide credit in the Ikon course by way of advanced standing for the subjects set out in the Schedule(s). View Schedules in the Ikon Pathway Agreement. |
| CHC50113 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care | Bachelor of Early Childhood Education | 66 credit points from a total of 192 credit points. See Schedule A. |
| CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care | Bachelor of Early Childhood Education | 60 credit points from a total of 192 credit points. A further 6 credit points will be granted for the completion of specified electives. See Schedule A. |
| CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling | Bachelor of Counselling and Psychotherapy | 30 credit points from a total of 144 credit points. A further 6 credit points will be granted for the completion of specified work placement in a host organisation. In addition, a further 6 credit points will be granted for the completion of a specified elective. See Schedule B. |
| CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health | Bachelor of Counselling and Psychotherapy | 24 credit points from a total of 144 credit points. See Schedule B. |
| CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services | Bachelor of Counselling and Psychotherapy | 18 credit points from a total of 144 credit points. See Schedule B. |
| CHC52021 Diploma of Community Services | Bachelor of Counselling and Psychotherapy | 18 credit points from a total of 144 credit points. See Schedule C. |
| CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling | Bachelor of Arts Therapy | 18 credit points from a total of 144 credit points. See Schedule C. |
| CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health | Bachelor of Arts Therapy | 12 credit points from a total of 144 credit points. See Schedule C. |
| CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services | Bachelor of Arts Therapy | 6 credit points from a total of 144 credit points. See Schedule C. |
| CHC52021 Diploma of Community Services | Bachelor of Arts Therapy | 6 credit points from a total of 144 credit points. See Schedule C. |
| CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services | Bachelor of Community Services | 48 credit points from a total of 144 credit points. See Schedule D. |
| CHC52021 Diploma of Community Services | Bachelor of Community Services | 48 credit points from a total of 144 credit points. See Schedule D. |
Evidence Requirements
To receive RPL credit, you must provide evidence that clearly demonstrates your skills and knowledge align with your course requirements. Ensure that all supporting documents are relevant, genuine and current.
Your evidence may include:
- Academic transcripts, qualifications or testamurs from a recognised higher education provider or registered training organisation (RTO), completed in the last 10 years
- Certificates from professional bodies or similar, completed within the past 10 years
- A resume or CV with contact details for up to two current referees who can confirm your professional experience
- Subject outlines showing learning outcomes, structure, topics, and assessment details.
- Completed and graded assessments in your field of study
- Life experiences such as participation in community activities, hobbies, and committee memberships
- References from employers, clients, community groups or people you have worked with
Any other evidence as stated in the Application for Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit application form
International Students
If you are an international student, it’s important to note that being granted credit could affect the length of your course and, in turn, your student visa. We strongly encourage you to discuss any potential impacts with the Department of Home Affairs. You can find more information at the student visas section on the Department of Home Affairs website.
How do I apply?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, there is a fee involved. For every subject granted through Recognition of Prior Learning, the cost is A$250.
If you hold qualifications from outside Australia, we will assess them to ensure they meet our entry requirements and determine your credit eligibility. Your documents must be certified. If they are not in English, please include certified translations.
You may be eligible for:
- Block credit – This is credit granted for certain subjects within a course, based on an articulation agreement or individual assessment that meets the Australian Qualifications Framework criteria. It is granted when you have completed a formal qualification within a specific formal credit agreement with other education providers. A block credit agreement does not recognise that you have achieved equivalent subjects, learning outcomes, or content.
- Specified credit – This is credit granted towards specific course subjects based on prior formal learning that is deemed to be equivalent (with at least an 80% match). Factors considered include learning outcomes, volume of learning, course content, and assessments. It can be used to meet prerequisites.
- Unspecified credit – This is credit given towards elective components of a course, where exact subject equivalence cannot be determined. As it does not recognise equivalent subject learning outcomes, it cannot be used to meet prerequisites. It is determined on a case-by-case basis.
If the decision on your Recognition of Prior Learning application doesn’t meet your expectations, you can lodge an Appeal Application in accordance with Ikon’s Grievance and Appeals Policy.