Africa Dynamic Development Group (ADG) Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy
Effective Date: 3 November 2025
1. Purpose
Africa Dynamic Development Group (ADG) is committed to providing accessible and flexible pathways to qualifications. This Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy outlines the formal process through which a candidate can receive formal recognition for skills, knowledge, and experience they have acquired outside of the traditional classroom environment.
2. Scope
This policy applies to any individual (“RPL Candidate”) who wishes to apply for RPL against a unit standard or qualification for which ADG is accredited. It applies to all ADG staff involved in the RPL process, including RPL Advisors, Assessors, and Moderators.
3. Definitions
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): The principles and practices through which prior learning (formal, informal, and non-formal) is identified, assessed, and recognized for the purpose of granting credits towards a qualification.
- RPL Candidate: An individual who is undergoing the RPL process.
- Evidence: Proof provided by the candidate to demonstrate their competence. This can include work samples (artifacts), testimonials, and direct observations or demonstrations.
- SLA: Service Level Agreement with an independent, registered assessor or moderator.
4. Our RPL Commitment
ADG is committed to an RPL process that is:
- Fair and Transparent: All candidates will be assessed against the same criteria as learners who have completed the full training program.
- Accessible: We provide clear guidance and support to candidates throughout the process.
- Valid and Reliable: Our assessment methods are designed to ensure that the evidence presented truly reflects the candidate’s current competence.
- Confidential: All information and evidence submitted by a candidate will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
5. The RPL Process
Our RPL process is structured into clear steps to guide the candidate from initial inquiry to certification.
Step 1: Initial Inquiry & Counseling
A potential candidate submits an inquiry to ADG.
Our RPL Advisor (Training Manager, Ilse van Niekerk) will make contact within 5 working days to provide an initial consultation.
The purpose of this counseling is to explain the RPL process, discuss the candidate’s experience, and determine if they are a likely candidate for RPL against the specific qualification.
Step 2: Formal Application & Quotation
If the candidate wishes to proceed, they will be required to submit a formal application.
ADG will provide a detailed, written quotation for the RPL services. As the scope and complexity of RPL vary by qualification, the quotation will be tailored and may include separate fees for:
Initial RPL Counseling Fee
Formal RPL Assessment Fee
Re-assessment Fee (if applicable)
Step 3: Evidence Gathering & Submission
Upon acceptance of the quotation and payment of the initial fee, the candidate will be formally registered for RPL.
The RPL Advisor will provide the candidate with a detailed guide on the specific evidence required. This evidence will be aligned with the outcomes of the relevant QCTO or SETA qualification and may include:
Artifacts: Examples of past work (e.g., reports, project plans, portfolios).
Testimonials: Signed letters from supervisors, clients, or peers.
Demonstrations: A practical observation or “challenge test” where the candidate performs a specific task.
The candidate will be given a period of 4 weeks to compile and submit their complete Portfolio of Evidence.
Step 4: Assessment & Evaluation
The candidate’s Portfolio of Evidence is assigned to a suitably qualified and registered RPL Assessor. This assessor may be an internal ADG staff member or an independent professional contracted via an SLA.
The assessor will evaluate the evidence against all the required outcomes of the qualification. This process will be completed within 15 working days of receiving the evidence.
Step 5: Feedback & Outcome
The assessor will make a judgment of “Competent” or “Not Yet Competent” for each outcome.
The candidate will receive formal, written feedback detailing the assessment decision and providing clear reasons for the judgment.
Step 6: Moderation
All RPL assessments are subject to internal moderation. A registered RPL Moderator (internal or via SLA) will review a sample of the assessor’s judgments to ensure they are fair, valid, and consistent.
Step 7: Certification
If the candidate is deemed “Competent” for all required outcomes and moderation is complete, ADG will issue the relevant certificate or statement of results.
If the candidate is deemed “Not Yet Competent”, the feedback will guide them on what further evidence is required. They may re-apply for RPL by submitting new evidence, which will be subject to a re-assessment fee.
6. Responsibilities
- RPL Candidate: Is responsible for providing authentic, relevant, and sufficient evidence to prove their competence.
- RPL Advisor (Training Manager): Is responsible for guiding candidates, managing the RPL process, and ensuring administrative requirements are met.
- RPL Assessor: Is responsible for conducting a fair, valid, and reliable assessment of the candidate’s evidence.
- RPL Moderator: Is responsible for quality assuring the assessment process and judgments.
7. Contact Information
For more information on our RPL policy or to begin your application, please contact:
Ilse van Niekerk
Training Manager & RPL Advisor
Africa Dynamic Development Group (Pty) Ltd
Email: Ilse.vanniekerk@adss.co.za
National Call Centre: +27 (0)87 550 1007