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Defence Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Want to build a thriving civilian career? Discover how securing a qualification through RPL helps military personnel transition smoothly from the army, navy, or air force, with no further study required.

rpl for defence

Overview

How will a new employer understand your service? How do you express it in terms of civilian awards? Which qualifications are best on your resume? That’s where Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) comes in.  

RPL is a process through which the experience, skills and knowledge that you already have can be converted to nationally recognized qualifications that any employer can understand and respect. 

Defence members are often surprised at the qualifications they’re eligible for through RPL. The training, skills and practical experience you’ve gained while serving in the Army, Navy or Air Force really adds up. 

Getting qualifications through RPL means that you don’t have to sit in a classroom and learn about things that you already know. You can just show evidence that you’ve covered it in your job. 

All Defence RPL Posts

Showing 6 of 38 posts

RPL for Defence

Defence to Compliance: How Graham Used RPL to Redefine His Career

By leonie

Graham used RPL to move from defence to compliance with qualifications that explained his ADF skills to a civilian world.

he Royal Australian Corps of Infantry's (RAInf) Regimental
RPL for Defence

Top 4 Qualifications That Open Doors for ADF

By leonie

Across hundreds of defence career transitions, the same four qualifications keep showing up — helping members and veterans step confidently into their next chap...

RPL for Defence

RAAF RPL: Elevate Your Career with RPL

By leonie

Posting season in the Air Force is a familiar part of life. You get your orders, prepare for a new base, and start planning the logistics—again. Whether you’re...

he Royal Australian Corps of Infantry's (RAInf) Regimental
RPL for Defence

Army RPL: When the Ground Shifts, RPL Keeps You Steady

By leonie

Posting season in the Army is more than just a change of location, it’s a shift in your entire world. New base. New command. New responsibilities. You pack up y...

Seahawk helicopter
RPL for Defence

Navy RPL: Charting Your Next Course

By leonie

For many in the ADF, posting season is a familiar rhythm. Orders come through, bags get packed, and life shifts, sometimes across the country, sometimes across...

defence soldiers in rainforest
RPL for Defence

ADF Posting Season: Make Your Experience Count

By leonie

For many in the ADF, posting season is a familiar rhythm. Orders come through, bags get packed, and life shifts, sometimes across the country, sometimes across...

How RPL Works

Our streamlined RPL process turns your years of experience into a nationally recognised qualification—fast.

Start Your RPL Journey
01
check-eligibility

Check Eligibility

Complete a quick assessment to see if your experience matches our qualifications.

02
assessment-review

Submit Evidence

Provide documentation of your work experience, skills, and achievements.

03
assessment-review

Assessment Review

Our experienced assessors review your evidence against qualification requirements.

04
get-qualified

Get Qualified

Our experienced assessors review your evidence against qualification requirements.

Pricing

Pricing & Payment Options for Your RPL Qualifications

Standard Timeframes

Starts at

$1,095

Get Started

Pay only for the assessment, not for training you do not need. RPL typically costs 30-50% less than traditional study.

  • Certificate III: $1,095
  • Certificate IV: $1,395
  • Diploma: $1,895
  • Advanced Diploma: $2,200
  • Grad Dip: $3,600

Fast Track Upgrade

Get it in 7 days

$350

Get Started

Need your qualifications fast? We’ve got you covered.

  • With our 7-day Fast Track upgrade, your qualifications will be issued within 7 days of enrolment and full payment.

Payment Options

Getting your experience recognised should be accessible to everyone, but we know funding it isn’t always easy. That’s why we offer flexible payment options so cost doesn’t hold you back:

  • Bank Transfer
  • Credit Card
  • Instalment Payment Plans

Find out more

Choose secure payment Method

Featured success stories

Highlighting diverse pathways and exceptional outcomes

Brendan Maccione

Police & Emergency Services

Brendan policeman

“I went from thinking I had nothing to an amazing level of s...

Qualification achieved:
Government and Investigations
Security and Risk Management

Warren Groves 

Police, Government & Executive Leadership

Warren Groves in front of Flinders Council sign

“It’s frustrating when you may well be the most experienced ...

Qualification achieved:
Leadership and Management

Charlie Hutchins

Police & Government

Man in polaroid with words Charlie's Story

“The moment I could show up for my daughter made me re...

Qualification achieved:
Government and Investigations
Security and Risk Management

Our students, teachers, and mentors love us—We’re sure you will too

168+ million people have already joined Churchill Education

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn how RPL can turn your defence career experience into nationally recognised qualifications.

Still have questions?

Our team is here to help. Get in touch and we will answer any questions you have about RPL.

What job could I get after gaining a qualification through defence RPL?

Gaining a qualification through RPL after leaving a defence career can make you eligible for jobs in a wide variety of industries. This includes the government, public sector, private sector, or even mining!

The main piece of evidence required to begin assessing your suitability for qualifications through RPL is a copy of your full ADO Service Record. This should be available from your Clerks. You should also provide two of the following items:

  • A recent PAR
  • An ROA
  • Your Duty Statement
  • An ADF-issued certificate
  • A promotion or posting notice
  • Commedations
  • Desensitised pay slip.

Gaining your defence qualification through RPL formalises the valuable skills and knowledge you’ve built during your career and recognised your service. This demonstrates your experience to employers and can help you enter a civilian career, without needing to study further or spend time getting certified for the skills you already have.

Specifically, Churchill Education has helped defence personnel since 2006, with many members of our team having proud military careers themselves. We also have subject area experts and an in-house military mentor (formerly of the Special Forces community) available to you.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for the defence industry is a formal assessment process that turns the skills and knowledge developed during your defence career into nationally recognised qualifications. Your experience is matched against the requirements of each unit within the desired qualification, and you’re then awarded the credentials without completing any further study or sitting exams.

Your Experience Deserves Recognition

Don't let years of hard work go unrecognised. Turn your experience into a nationally recognised qualification—starting today.

Fast-track in as little as 7 days
No exams or coursework required
Nationally recognised qualifications