Recognised Prior Learning

The aim of the RPL Scheme is to provide a mechanism by which individuals with prior learning (obtained through life experience/formal education/work experience) may be assessed for entry onto, for credit towards and/or for exemption from stages, units/modules within the UL awards of Certificate in Exercise & Health Fitness (CEHF), Higher Certificate in Exercise & Health Fitness (HCEHF), Diploma in Exercise & Health Fitness (DEHF) and Bsc. Degree in Exercise & Health Fitness.

Whilst the entry requirement for the CEHF is Leaving Certificate or equivalent applicants with other qualifications or experience can apply for admission through the RPL Scheme. The NCEF/UL RPL Assessment Board oversees the process by which this RPL scheme operates.

INTRODUCTION

Application Process

All applicants that do not meet the specific entry requirements for the NCEF’s programme, as laid down by University of Limerick (UL)/ NCEF authorities must be processed through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) scheme by completing and submitting a Portfolio of Learning (POL) to the NCEF Head Office.

What is a portfolio of learning (POL)?

A Portfolio of Learning (POL) is in essence a blank Curriculum Vitae which is approximately 7 pages in total. The official NCEF/UL Portfolio of Learning Form (POL) has been tailored to include all the necessary elements relevant for your application – you simply complete the form and attach any documentation requested e.g. copies of certificates e.g. Junior Certificate, Trade Certificates, FETAC, ACE, NTC and ITEC Certificates & references.

The blank POL is available from the NCEF Head Office on request.

In the Portfolio of Learning (POL), details are to be provided with regard to the learning achieved a) in formal education and b) in any work or life experience relevant to this application.

This portfolio is an investment opportunity for you to collect and collate evidence of the level of competence that you have achieved in a structured format so that it can be presented for recognition of prior learning, skills and abilities.

Summary of application process through RPL:

When applying for entry, through the RPL Scheme, onto any module within the:

Certificate,
Higher Certificate,
Diploma and/or
Bsc. Degree in Exercise and Health Fitness

you should submit:

A generic NCEF/UL Application Form for the specific course being applied for e.g. Fitness Instructor (Certificate in Exercise and Health Fitness), Personal Training Specialist Module, Children’s , Team Sports Fitness, Studio Cycling, Tutor Education Specialists Module– specifying in the appropriate space provided on the application if they wish to apply for the recognition of their prior learning.
A Portfolio of Learning Form (POL) which includes a detailed report of learning and work experience in the Health & Fitness Industry and any other area that is particularly relevant to the module being applied for (e.g. Personal Training). Please ensure that you attach any requested documentation with your POL such as written references and copies of your certificates. Applications will not be processed if the POL is incomplete.
A cost of €125 applies to ALL RPL (Portfolio of Learning) applicants however if successful this fee is then deducted from the cost of overall programme fees. Please submit the fee with initial application.

Please note that there is a different Portfolio of Learning for each course (module) within the pathway.

APPLICATION

FAQs

1. How can I apply for RPL for my NCEF Level 1 Certificate (or equivalent) towards the UL/NCEF Certificate in Exercise and Health Fitness?

Processing of applications by the NCEF/UL RPL Assessment Board commenced in Sept 07. You must complete and submit a generic NCEF/ UL Application Form, a Portfolio of Learning Form (POL) and RPL fee. The POL will provide details with regard to the learning you have achieved in both formal education and in any work or life experience relevant to this application.

2. Is there a fee for RPL and if so what does it cover?

For applicants seeking recognition of their NCEF/PEAI L1 Certificate (or equivalent) there is an RPL fee of €795. This fee includes application, registration with UL as a UL student, processing & individual assessment by the NCEF/ UL RPL Assessment Board, official results, UL Examinations Board submission and UL graduation.

If you are applying for Recognised Prior Learning for entry onto any course such as the Certificate in Exercise & Health Fitness then a cost of €125 applies to all Portfolio of Learning applicants, however if successful this fee is then deducted from the cost of overall programme fees. Please submit the fee with initial application.

3. How can I apply for RPL for my expired NCEF Level 1 Certificate (or equivalent) towards entry onto Year 2,3 or 4 of the Flexible Learning Pathway?

Candidates should complete and submit a generic NCEF/UL Application Form & a Portfolio of Learning Form (POL), which includes a detailed report of learning and work experience in the Health & Fitness Industry and any other area that is particularly relevant to the unit being applied for (e.g. Personal Training) & the €125 RPL fee.

4. What is a Portfolio of Learning?

In a Portfolio of Learning, you provide details with regard to the learning you have achieved a) in formal education and b) in any work or life experience relevant to this application. A portfolio is an investment opportunity for you to collect and collate evidence of the level of competence that you have achieved in a structured format so that it can be presented for recognition of prior learning, skills and abilities. The official NCEF/UL Portfolio of Learning Form (POL) has been tailored to include all the elements referred to above – you simply complete the form and attach any documentation requested e.g. CV & references.

5. Do I have to attend an Interview if I apply for RPL?

It may be necessary for you to be interviewed in order to provide greater detail and or to clarify the learning he/ she has achieved. The interview may also include having you complete a short written assignment on some element of your prior learning experiences. You will be informed prior to interview if you will be required to complete a written assignment as part of the interview process.

6. What Criteria will be used by the board to assess my prior learning?

In the case of each individual applicant, the following General Assessment Criteria will be used:

Relevance/ Validity: Evidence presented is directly relevant to the standard for entry to, credit towards or exemption from parts of the award/ stage/unit in question.
Equivalency: Evidence presented demonstrates that the standards for entry to, credit towards or exemption from parts of the award/ stage /unit in question have been met.
Currency: Evidence is current within the last 5 years. Evidence provided may be older but if so must still show that it is current to the skill, knowledge and competency requirements of the award/ stage / unit in question.
Authenticity: Evidence is endorsed by educational institution where appropriate and / or by current employer, referee/ appropriate person.
Sufficiency: The evidence provided is adequate to meet the application for entry to credit towards or exemption from parts of the award/ stage / unit in question.