Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA SA) is a South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) recognised professional body implementing the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in the country for all IIASA occupational qualifications, part qualifications and professional designations registered by SAQA.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is defined as “The principles and processes through which the prior knowledge and skills of a person are made visible, mediated and assessed for the purpose of alternative access and admission, recognition and certification, or further learning and development” – National RPL Policy, 2019
RPL provides formal recognition and verification of individuals who deserve credit for their competences and skills they have, even if these have been gained; through informal education (not in a classroom setting), acquired during their working lives on the job, from other informal or unstructured learning experiences regardless of where and how the learning was attained or in participation in society and community activities outside formal places of learning. RPL promotes the concept that people never stop learning.
The Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) acknowledges that RPL is a fundamental tenet of the NQF and provides access, progression, support and career guidance for learners at all levels in formal education and training as well as workplace.
RPL addresses social justice and access to advancement via the opportunities of career progression and lifelong learning. RPL offers opportunities to progress individual development as well as to participate in the community, civic, and economic aspects of life, recognising the previous skills and knowledge of candidates gained through work experience. RPL carries specific significance as it is central to the promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion.
The IIA SA as an Internal Audit Professional Body recognised by SAQA has a responsibility to comply with SAQA’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy which requires professional bodies to include an RPL route as an alternative for the attainment of a professional designation.
The Institute of Internal Auditors offers four (x4) Occupational Qualifications for members:
- Occupational Certificate Internal Auditor: OC IA
- Occupational Certificate Internal Audit Manager: OC IAM
- Occupational Certificate Internal Auditor Manager Quality Assurer: OC IAM QA
- Occupational Certificate Information Communications Technology Internal Auditor: OC ICT IA
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Candidates might seek RPL for various reasons and depending on various contexts. There are two main forms of RPL which reflect the different purposes and different processes within which RPL takes place ( RPL for Access and RPL for Credits)
RPL offers an alternative access route into a programme of learning, professional designation or recognition in the workplace to those who do not meet the specified qualification entry requirements. In this regard, qualifications, part-qualifications and professional designations registered on the NQF must provide alternative entry requirements so that candidates can be admitted to the qualification, part qualification, or professional designation, through RPL.
This is a process of formal recognition and verification of individuals who deserve credit for their competences and skills they have gained over years of experience.
RPL for credits is to provide for the formal award of credits for, or towards a qualification or part-qualification registered on the NQF.
This is a process of formal recognition and verification of individuals who deserve credit for their competences and skills they have gained over years of experience.
The Principal Certified Internal Auditor (PCIA) is a designation that supervisory and management level internal auditors in the internal audit profession should strive to obtain.
Professional Designations
The QCTO Policy for the implementation of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) states that the Assessment Quality Partner (AQP) must also design and implement a tool to conduct RPL at EISA stage to support candidates that might have difficulties sitting for formal EISA. RPL also provides an alternative access route to Professional Designations, awarded by IIA SA.
