What is RPL
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a formal assessment process that converts the skills, knowledge, and experience you've already gained through your military or emergency services career into nationally recognised qualifications in Australia — without returning to a classroom.
Training and assessment are delivered under a third-party arrangement with Asset College RTO #31718.
RPL is a legitimate, government-regulated assessment process that formally recognises what you already know and can do — turning real experience into real qualifications.
The AQF is the national policy for regulated qualifications in Australian education and training. RPL is embedded within this framework, acknowledging that learning happens everywhere — not just in classrooms. ASQA (Australian Skills Quality Authority) regulates all RPL providers to ensure assessment rigour and qualification integrity.
The AQF recognises that valuable learning happens in many different settings
Structured programs delivered by registered institutions that lead to an officially accredited qualification — such as a TAFE certificate, diploma, or university degree.
Your formal ADF or emergency services training courses often map directly to units of competency within civilian qualifications. A promotion course like the Junior Leadership Course may satisfy multiple units in a Diploma of Leadership and Management — meaning you're already closer to a qualification than you think.
Structured training programs that don't lead to an accredited qualification but still develop valuable skills — like workplace training, professional development, and short courses.
Military and emergency services personnel complete hundreds of hours of non-formal training throughout their careers. While these programs don't issue AQF qualifications themselves, the skills they develop are directly assessable. Your Course Reports and ROAs (Records of Achievement) are critical evidence.
Skills and knowledge gained through everyday work experience, life activities, and on-the-job learning — the things you've mastered by doing, not by studying.
This is often the most valuable category for military and emergency services personnel. Years of operational experience, leadership under pressure, and real-world problem-solving count heavily in RPL assessments. Your position descriptions, performance appraisals, and service records document this learning.
RPL combines all three types of learning into a single assessment — your formal training, structured courses, and hands-on experience all count towards your qualification.
See how military and emergency services personnel convert their real-world experience into nationally recognised qualifications through RPL with 3CIR.
See why thousands of military and emergency services personnel choose RPL over going back to TAFE or university.
RPL qualifications range from Certificate II through to Graduate Diploma. Click each level to learn more — all prices include the 25% military and emergency services discount.
For those entering a new career field or building foundational skills. Ideal if you have some experience and want to formalise entry-level competencies. The Certificate II in Workplace Skills (BSB20120) is the most popular option at this level.
View Certificate II qualifications →The entry point for most junior enlisted military personnel and frontline emergency services staff. Demonstrates competency in your field and provides a solid resume boost. Popular options include Business (BSB30120) and WHS (BSB30719).
View Certificate III qualifications →Ideal for supervisory and management-ready personnel. Our most popular level with 16 qualifications including Leadership & Management, WHS, Security, Government, Project Management, HR, and Cyber Security. Personnel Vetting option is $962.50 (includes 1 online unit).
View Certificate IV qualifications →For experienced NCOs, supervisors, and managers. Demonstrates high-level competency and can provide 33% credit towards a 3-year Bachelor Degree. Popular options: Leadership & Management, Project Management, WHS, Security Risk Management, and Government.
View Diploma qualifications →Just below a Bachelor's degree — for senior NCOs and officers with extensive management experience. Provides 50% credit towards a 3-year Bachelor Degree. Directly impacts your CV, university applications, and career salary.
View Advanced Diploma qualifications →The highest qualification 3CIR offers — above even a Bachelor's degree. For highly experienced leaders seeking executive-level recognition. Options include Management (Learning), Strategic Leadership, and Portfolio Management.
View Graduate Diploma qualifications →All prices above already include the 25% military and emergency services discount — GST-free, no hidden fees. Payment plans available through Afterpay, Klarna, Zip, GoCardless, and DebitSuccess.
Ready to start? Step 1 takes 30 seconds.
Begin Your Free Assessment →Tick the documents you already have to see how prepared you are for RPL. Don't worry if you can't tick everything — most people start with 4–6 items.
Tap each myth to reveal the truth about Recognition of Prior Learning.
Military and emergency services personnel across Australia have transformed their careers through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) with 3CIR.
Everything you need to know about RPL — from eligibility to certification.
Don't let your hard-earned skills go unrecognised. Find out exactly which qualifications you're eligible for — it takes 30 seconds and costs nothing.