RPL – RECOGNISING PRIOR LEARNING

If you’re working already, or have completed some courses in the past, there are some options for you regarding RPL (recognition of prior learning), allowing you to get exemptions for what you already know.

Recognising Prior Learning and Workplace Experience

Perhaps you’ve picked up some qualifications or courses in the past that include subjects that are similar to the ICB’s.

How does the ICB RPL work?

If you have studied similar courses previously, or have relevant work experience, you can apply for exemptions (recognition of prior learning.) Applications must be based on NQF registered qualifications/part qualifications and need to be submitted with the following documentation:

proof of provider accreditation (some examples are: DHET, Seta’s QAP, Umalusi, CHE)
NQF level
SAQA qualification registration number.

For all exemptions applied for, qualifications must have been obtained within the last 5 years i.e. “current” per SAQA requirements or if qualifications are older than 5 years, they must still be NQF registered together with current relevant work experience.

How to apply for ICB RPL

Register and update your contact details on the ICB student portal and quote the ICB number on the RPL guideline.
Pay the RPL application fee to the ICB (please refer to the ICB Exam fees list for correct fees).
Submit the following documents (in PDF format) to the ICB and tick each to show that all documents are attached.
- Registered on the ICB student portal and provide ICB number
- Copy of your payment deposit slip / proof of payment
- Official copies of your previous course results (transcript of results), obtained from a registered/accredited training provider
  Note: Foreign qualifications need a SAQA “Certificate of Evaluation” included.
- A detailed CV explaining your work experience and including references from relevant jobs
- A copy of your ID book
- A letter from your Manager confirming work experience (if applicable)
- The online application form, completed in full and all sections accepted to indicate agreement to

The RPL Online Application Form

You can submit your application online by clicking here.

RPL Review Process and Costs

Once the ICB’s Exemptions Review Board has reviewed your application, which can take up to 6 weeks, they will write to you with their decision. You could receive specific subject exemptions or even a full qualification exemption. Feedback will be given by learning area (subject) and could be:

Full Exemption granted

If the ICB recognises your previous studies and grants you credit for equivalent subjects, you will need to pay an exemption fee per subject granted. (Please refer to the ICB Exam fees list for the fees.)

Exemption not granted

If the ICB does not feel that your previous qualification(s) or work experience match part or all of the learning outcomes of the subjects you are applying for.

Conditional exemption granted

This means you don’t qualify for the full exemption but can submit more evidence without having to write an exam. You will however, be required to complete a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) assessment provided by the ICB to prove your competency in a particular subject. You will need to pay a RPL fee for each subject (please refer to the ICB Exam fees list for the fees).

Once we have received your proof of payment, we will send you an email to access the RPL PoE . The PoE is be available for you to complete via the MACCI digital portal for each subject granted and submit it by the “Due Date.” You must do all the assessments in the Portfolios and then upload them back to the ICB via the MACCI portal for final assessment. We will review them and let you know the outcome 7-8 weeks after the due date stated on the PoE label. The completion of an RPL PoE is regarded as an assessment entry and all the policies and procedures with regards to ICB assessments apply.

If you are assessed as ‘exempt’, you will get full exemption for that particular learning area. If you are ‘unsuccessful’, you’ll need to register in order to study the learning areas and enter for the assessments/exams.

For an easy overview of the RPL process, click here

Compulsory Student Registration

In order to accept any exemptions granted, you will need to be a registered learner of the ICB. If you are not yet an ICB learner, you will need to pay the annual student registration fee (please refer to the ICB Exam fees list for the fees). Thereafter, if you continue as a learner, the registration fee will be payable each calendar year.

RPL Conditions

The fees and exemption opportunities are valid for six (6) months from date of this letter. If you have not accepted and paid for these exemptions within six (6) months, you will need to contact us. Please note: if the fees change within the six (6) month period, learners will be liable to pay the balance of the new fees.
Qualification Certificates are only issued once a full qualification is obtained.
No certificates are issued for exempted learning areas/subjects.
No refunds for Exemption Fees will be given under any circumstances. It is the student’s responsibility to fully understand the process and implications before accepting these exemptions.
Please ensure that you submit all your documentation upfront because the ICB Board will base their decision on this alone. Any additional documentation submitted after the initial application, will require the process to start from the beginning and another application fee will be due.
Payment of annual student registration fee is for STUDENT REGISTRATION (no certificate issued.)

For queries, please contact: support@icb.org.za and put ‘Exemptions’ in the subject line.

Download the ICB RPL Policy

For more information read through the Guidelines for Recognition of Prior Learning.

RPL Webinar

Have a look at our RPL webinar we hosted at the end of last year, where discussed the following;