Credit Transfer

UTP25 – Credit Transfer Policy and Procedure

Published Date: 01/10/2021
Version: 1.1

1. Policy

UTAIT acknowledges its obligation as a Registered Training Organisation to recognise the awards issued by other RTOs. This is limited to outcomes that are drawn from the national skills framework, being ‘units of competence’ awarded and accurately identified in statements of attainment and qualifications.

This policy and procedure document is to ensure quality, integrity and consistency in recognising and assessing prior learning and competencies. It also ensures compliance with the VET Quality Framework and underpins the AQF National Principles and Operational Guidelines for Recognition of Prior Learning.

2. Scope

This policy and procedure applies to all courses on UTA Institute of Technology's (UTAIT) scope of registration. It also applies to all current and future students of the institute, who wish to apply for recognition of prior learning and/or a credit transfer of competencies which have been previously formally attained.

3. Responsibilities

The Credit Transfer policy is the responsibility of the Director - Compliance

4. Definitions

Recognition: A term used that refers to RPL and RCC.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL as a process of assessing a candidate’s formal, informal and other learning and work experiences to determine the level of competence of the student in line with the outcomes contained within any particular Vet qualification.

Recognition of Current Competence (RCC): RCC applies if a client has previously successfully completed the requirements for a unit of competency or module and is now required (for example by a licensing authority) to be reassessed to ensure that the competence is being maintained. In this case no extra skill or competencies are nationally recognised. (AVETMISS)

Credit Transfer: Assesses the requirements of an initial course or subject that the individual is using to claim access to, or the award of credit in, the destination course. The assessment is used to determine;

• The extent to which the achievement of the previous qualification is equivalent to the required.
• Learning outcomes, competency outcomes, or standards in another qualification. This may include credit transfer based on formal learning that is outside the AQF framework.

RTO: Registered Training Organisation Registered training organisations (RTOs) are those training providers registered by ASQA (or, in some cases, a state regulator) to deliver VET services.

5. Content

UTAIT defines Credit Transfer as the recognition of skills achieved through formal learning and assessment. Credit Transfer allows a student to be awarded a unit of competency based on successful completion of the unit which has been previously awarded.

Under the Standards for Registered Training Organisations, qualifications and statements of attainment issued by any RTO are accepted and recognised by UTAIT. This is based on the assumption that the unit of competence being recognised is the same unit of competence or a revision of that unit which is equivalent to unit being sought.

If credit transfer is being sought for a unit of competence which has a different title or code, then it is necessary to establish the equivalence between the unit held and the unit being sought. This is done by either confirming unit equivalence with the National Register of information on Training Packages, Qualifications, Courses and Units of Competency (TGA Website) or by comparing mapping documents contained within the training package itself.

As a general guide, if there is no such mapping available then we are not obliged to recognise the unit through credit transfer. In these circumstances, the applicant should be referred for recognition in accordance with our Recognition policy and procedure.

6. Evidence Requirements

An applicant will be required to present his or her statement(s) of attainment or qualification(s) for examination by UTAIT. These documents will provide the detail of what units of competence the applicant has been previously issued. Applicants must provide satisfactory evidence that the statement of attainment or qualification is theirs and that it has been issued by an Australian RTO. Statements of attainment or qualifications should be in the correct format as outlined in the Australian Qualifications Framework, First Edition, 2011. The applicant is required to submit copies only which are certified as a true copies of the original by a Justice of the Peace (or by a representative of UTAIT).

7. Credit Transfer Guidelines

The following guidelines are to be followed when an application for credit transfer is received:

• All students are entitled to apply for credit transfer in a course or qualification in which they are currently enrolled.
• Students may not apply for credit transfer for units of competence or qualification which are not included in ourscope of registration.
• Whilst students may apply for credit transfer at any time, they are encouraged to apply before commencing a training program. This will reduce unnecessary training and guide the student down a more efficient path to competence.
• The student does not incur any fees for credit transfer.
• Credit transfer may only be awarded for whole units of competence. Where a mapping guide identifies a partial credit, this will not be considered for credit transfer and the applicant will be advised to seek recognition.
• Credit transfer will only be issued when the student’s enrolment includes at least one other unit of competence for which the student is participating in training or is seeking recognition. Student may not enrol only for credit transfer.
• Where the units of competence do not align to the unit requested for credit transfer, further information is sought from the Training Package and Industry Skill Council.
• Only verified copies of qualifications and statements of attainment are used as the basis for granting credittransfer.
• Completed credit transfer applications are signed by the student and the UTAIT Director - Compliance and retained on the student’s file at UTAIT with all relevant accompanying documentation.
• Students are notified in writing of the outcome of their application. This may include issuing statements of attainment or qualifications awarded through credit transfer in accordance with our Qualifications Issuance policies and procedures.
• Contemporaneous notes are kept in Student Management System outlining the students Credit Transfer request.

8. Procedure

Credit Transfer FAQ:

What is credit transfer?

Credit Transfer is one way of recognizing study you have previously completed. If you have already successfully competed any of
the unit in the course in which you are enrolling, or their equivalent, you may be eligible for credit transfer. UTA Institute of Technology (UTAIT) will recognize Qualification and Statements of Attainment issued by any Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Where credit transfer is granted, you will be considered to have already successfully completed the units. You do not have to participate in training or assessment activities for those units.

How do I apply for credit transfer?

• Speak with your trainer/administrative staff before you submit your application
• Submit your application form to the reception.
• Provide a certified copy/ies of the Qualification and Statements of Attainment with your application or bring the original documents and a photocopy with you when lodging your application. The document you provide must clearly show the units of competency completed. Make sure you keep a copy of the application form for your record.
• Life experience/s

What are some of the documentary evidence?

Official Academic Records of previous study may include any:

• Official Academic Record and an explanation of grades
• Completed TAFE/VET awards

Do I have to pay a fee to apply for credit transfer?

There is no fee to apply for Credit Transfer

Lodging instructions

All Credit Transfer forms and any documentary evidence must be lodged in person at the reception. All forms must be submitted
at least two weeks prior to the start of a program. Applications received after that time will be processed but cannot be guaranteed
an outcome before the commencement of the training program