Have you gained skills and experience through previous employment, training, short courses, non-accredited courses, or practical experience but don’t yet hold a formal qualification?
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may help you have your existing skills and knowledge assessed against the requirements of a nationally recognised qualification.
At NABC, we understand that learning doesn’t only happen inside a classroom. Many people develop valuable skills through years of working in the beauty industry, previous training, workplace experience, practical learning, or other relevant experiences. RPL provides a pathway for your existing skills and knowledge to be assessed without necessarily repeating training for skills you can already demonstrate.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that looks at the skills, knowledge and experience you have already gained and compares them with the requirements of a relevant qualification.
Your previous experience may have come from:
If you can provide suitable evidence that demonstrates your existing skills and knowledge, these may be considered as part of the RPL assessment process.
RPL may be suitable for people who have already developed relevant skills and experience and believe they may meet some or all of the requirements of a qualification.
For example, RPL may be worth considering if you:
The RPL process involves assessing the skills and knowledge you already have against the requirements of the relevant qualification.
Contact H&BC and provide information about your details and prior skills, knowledge and qualifications.
An RPL assessor or appropriate team member will discuss your application with you and help determine whether RPL may be suitable for your circumstances.
You may be asked to provide evidence to demonstrate your existing skills and knowledge.
Evidence may include: Previous qualifications, Training records, Employment history, References, Work samples, Photographs or videos, Job descriptions, Portfolios, Industry experience, etc.
Your evidence and existing skills are assessed against the requirements of the relevant qualification or units of competency.
If there are areas where your existing skills do not fully meet the requirements, you may be required to undertake additional training or assessment.
Once the assessment process has been completed, you will be advised of the outcome and the next steps towards achieving the relevant qualification or units.
If you already have relevant skills and knowledge, you may not need to repeat elements of a course you have already demonstrated competence in.
RPL provides a pathway to have the skills and knowledge you have gained formally recognised with a qualification.
Turn years of practical experience and learning into a formal qualification that is recognised by relevant industries.
The assessment process is flexible and tailored to your individual circumstances and the type of evidence you have available.
RPL can help identify what you already know and tailor your learning program so you only train in areas where you have gaps.
The following statements can be displayed on the RPL/Government Funded section to help students understand the value of accessing an accredited qualification.
| Qualification | Course Code | Subsidised Fee | Full Fee | Pricing Statement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate III in Nail Technology | SHB30321 | $1,995 | $4,500 | A full accredited Certificate III in Nail Technology is costly: The Nail and Beauty College lists $1,995 subsidised and $4,500 full fee for 2026/27. |
| Certificate III in Beauty Services | SHB30121 | $2,995 | $5,950 | A full accredited Certificate III in Beauty Services is costly: The Nail and Beauty College lists $2,995 subsidised and $5,950 full fee for 2026/27. |
| Diploma of Beauty Therapy | SHB50121 | $9,950 | $14,995 | A full accredited Diploma of Beauty Therapy is costly: The Nail and Beauty College lists $9,950 subsidised and $14,995 full fee for 2026/27. |
RPL is an assessment process, not an automatic qualification conversion. Having previous experience, completing a short course, or holding a non-accredited certificate does not automatically mean that you will receive a nationally recognised qualification.
Your previous learning and experience must be supported by appropriate evidence and assessed against the relevant qualification requirements.
Every student’s circumstances are different. Contact NABC to discuss your previous training, employment experience and available evidence before beginning the RPL process.
Talk to our team today about your previous experience and discover what options may be available to you.
