This ThinkPiece provides the context of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) practice in Australia and the obstacles that are encountered across the sector. The RPL Team is currently supported by UniSQ strategic funding to streamline RPL process and practice. One obstacle noted was the lack of guidance and resources for credit applicants. This is identified in the literature as non-existent or of a low standard. Traditionally, completed Portfolios have been used to assess credit retrospectively with varying degrees of success.

The challenge we are addressing is to use the Portfolio more strategically in assessing credit.

A Portfolio is a platform that:

• captures informal and non-formal experiential learning (including evidence)
• allows for transparency and consistency in the moderation of the credit outcome
• allows for inclusivity
• documents a student’s career pathway
• promotes reflective practice
• strengthens professional identity
• embeds the importance of lifelong learning