FORKLIFT LICENSING – RECOGNITION of PRIOR LEARNING (RPL)

After a request from one of our Turf Queensland members we investigated the issue of RPL when applying for the new forklift licences. Some Registered Training Organisations (RTO) are not recognising RPL as it takes money out of their pocket and some do it. It is therefore suggested that you shop around and check out your normal RTO as RPL can be recognised. The response below clarifies that issue.

I have consulted with the Licensing and Advisory Services (LAS) team at Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) regarding your concerns about the process required for obtaining a forklift licence and can advise the following:

The forklift licence is a competency based training module.  RTO’s may recognise prior learning however it is at the discretion of each RTO as to how they apply RPL to an individual.  RTO’s are likely to have their own systems in place that will guide them in this decision making process.  As a result you will be required to liaise directly with each RTO to gain a better understanding as to their guidelines for accepting RPL.

Whilst industry frustration at the length and cost of this course is understandable, RPL falls outside the scope of WHSQ.  WHSQ are therefore unable to require RTO’s to recognise prior learning or experience. WHSQ are also unable to comment on the costs imposed by RTO’s. 

Please note that the mandatory assessment component of the course cannot be subject to RPL.  This assessment component must be undertaken by the applicant. 

For further information in relation the application of RPL please contact ASQA direct.

Greg Vincent
Manager
Agriculture Unit
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland
Department of Justice and Attorney-General