RPL Assessment - BSB50820 Diploma of Project Management (Recognition of Prior Learning)

Three steps to RPL

The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessment involves three key steps:

1. Collect your Portfolio of Evidence based on 2 or more projects that you have managed within the past 5 years, mapping your evidence to the 12 units of competency using our RPL Kit. 

2. Review and discuss your evidence (documents, screenshots, emails, etc) with your assessor to demonstrate your underpinning knowledge and experience in projects. If any gaps are identified, your assessor will outline options for addressing these, such as an extension of time to generate the required evidence.  

3. Once you have demonstrated your competence in all 12 units of competency, you will receive your nationally recognised BSB50820 Diploma of Project Management qualification.  

How do I start?

Register using the link at the top of this page. On confirmation of payment, you will receive a link to our online enrolment form, which will be used to confirm your eligibility and formally enrol you. You will then be contacted by your assessor to arrange an introduction and kick-off meeting.

To be eligible for the RPL Assessment, you must meet the following critiera. 

1. Be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.

2. Meet the Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) requirements for this qualification (this is verified in the enrolment process).

3. Have access to evidence (documentation, emails, etc) from 2 or more work-based projects that you have managed within the past 5 years. Note: a single project phase or significant work-package may qualify as a ‘work-based project’ if it was managed using standard project management practices.

1. BSBPMG540 Manage project integration (core)
2. BSBPMG530 Manage project scope (core)
3. BSBPMG531 Manage project time (core)
4. BSBPMG533Manage project cost (core)
5. BSBPMG532 Manage project quality (core)
6. BSBPMG534 Manage project human resources (core)
7. BSBPMG535 Manage project information and communication (core)
8. BSBPMG536 Manage project risk (core)
9. BSBPMG539 Manage project governance
10. BSBPMG538 Manage project stakeholder engagement
11. BSBTWK502 Manage team effectiveness
12. BSBSTR402 Implement continuous improvement

What is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)?
RPL is a formal assessment process that allows you to gain the BSB50820 Diploma of Project Management by demonstrating the skills, knowledge and experience you have gained on the job - without needing to complete traditional coursework.

Who is RPL suitable for?
RPL is ideal for experienced project professionals who have led or contributed significantly to projects in any industry - construction, IT, government, environment, social policy, events and more. If you already apply project management principles in your work, RPL may be right for you.

What’s involved in the RPL process?
You will work with one of our assessors to gather and present evidence of your experience across all key areas of project management. This may include project documents, reports, meeting notes, schedules or references. We provide templates and support to help you prepare your portfolio of evidence.

How long does the RPL process take?
You can complete the process at your own pace. Some candidates finish in as little as 4 weeks, while others take up to 12 months depending on how much time they can dedicate and how easily they can access the required evidence. You will have 12 months from the date of enrolment to submit all required evidence. 

Do I have to attend any classes?
No - RPL is an assessment-only pathway. There are no classes to attend. However, we offer one-on-one guidance and support throughout the process to make sure you're on the right track.

What kind of evidence do I need to provide?
Evidence can include project plans, risk registers, stakeholder communications, schedules, performance reports, lessons learned and more. We help you map your evidence to the required competencies and provide an RPL Kit to make the process easier.

What if there are gaps in my evidence ?
If you have gaps, we will work with you to fill them - either through short written tasks, interviews or providing examples from recent or past projects that meet the requirements. You will not have to start from scratch.

Is the RPL qualification nationally recognised?
Yes. The BSB50820 Diploma of Project Management is a nationally recognised qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), and it will be awarded by Elemental Projects, a registered training organisation (RTO 45615).

What else do I receive when I complete the qualification?
Graduates will also receive 12 months of complimentary membership with the Institute for Collaborative Working Australia (ICW-A) - giving you access to a growing national network of professionals committed to better ways of working together across organisations and sectors.

Can I apply if my experience is from overseas?
Yes - international project experience can count toward your RPL as long as it is equivalent to the standards of the Australian qualification and is clearly documented.

What happens if I pay and am then found ineligible?
If you are assessed as ineligible for RPL after paying your fees, we will refund you in full - no questions asked. 

What happens if I can't demonstrate competency in all units?
If you have significant gaps in your evidence and/or underpinning knowledge for a given unit of competency, which cannot be addressed within the 12 month timeframe of the RPL assessment, then you will receive a result fo Not Yet Competent (NYC) and your assessor will provide detailed guidance as to how you might develop competence in that area in the future. You will not receive the Diploma, as you must be assessed as Competent in all 12 units to receive the qualification. However, you will receive a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment listing all of the units in which you were assessed as Competent. These units will never need to be reassessed. To achieve the diploma at a later date, you will only need to be reassessed for the unit/s identified as gaps (fees apply). Once you have achieved a result of Competent in the gap units, and have achieved all 12 units of competency, you will reveive the Diploma.   

Will I get support during the process?
Absolutely. Our experienced assessors are here to guide you at every step. We provide feedback, help you choose the right evidence and make sure you're confident about your submission.

Elemental Projects is proud to partner with the Institute for Collaborative Working (ICW) Australia. Our partnership means that your Diploma comes with a complementary year of membership with ICW Australia.