Recognition of Prior Learning
What is Recognition of Prior Learning and Recognition of Prior Award?
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the recognition of a learner's prior learning, which could be learning from formal accredited programmes, non-formal learning or learning acquired through day-to-day activities which may be unplanned and unintentional.
Recognition of Prior Award (RPA) is the recognition of a formal award for the purposes of achieving another formal award. RPA is limited to learning acquired from formal accredited programmes and does not include any other type of learning an individual may have.
RPL and RPA is used for the following purposes:
- Non-standard entry to a programme of learning
- Exemption from modules/elements of the programme
- Exemption from the entire programme
How do you apply for RPL and RPA for the Certificate in Sports Coach Development?
There is a separate route for applying for RPL and RPA for the Certificate in Sports Coach Development. Essentially the process involves the applicant identifying how their learning or award meets the learning outcomes of the Certificate in Sports Coach Development. Applicants must also provide evidence and additional information about the learning achieved and/or the award. Applications are processed by a Sport Ireland Panel who will determine whether, and to what extent, the learning and/or the award meets the learning outcomes of the relevant programme. Please see the relevant RPA or RPL policy below for more detail.
Do I apply for RPL or RPA?
In simple terms, RPL primarily relates to the learner and RPA relates to the award. RPL is used by individuals who want to get different types of learning recognised against the Certificate in Sports Coach Development be it formal, non-formal or informal learning. RPA, is limited to just the award and is typically used by organisations such as NGBs who may have multiple people with an award that is similiar to the Certificate in Sports Coach Development. Rather than each individual making separate RPL applications for the award, the organisation can make a RPA application to get the award recognised. RPA, however, does not recognise any additional learning the individual may have achieved outside of the award.
If you are already a Coach Developer or tutor and your qualification is prior to 2022, you can apply for RPL for the Certificate in Sports Coach Development. It is recommended you initially discuss the application with Sport Ireland Coaching before officially applying. Sport Ireland Coaching will provide you with the necessary support to make your application.
NOTE: The RPL policy does not apply to Coach Developers who would like to be recognised as a Coach Developer in another NGB or discipline. For example, a Coach Developer in Basketball who would like to become a Coach Developer in Athletics. In this case a Coach Developer who is already qualified in one sport/discipline can apply to become qualified as a Coach Developer in another NGB or discipline (without having to obtain the Certificate in Sports Coach Development) by following Sport Ireland's Policy for Recognising Coach/Instructor Developers in Another Sport or Discipline.