Advanced Standing, RPL, and Credit Transfer

Recognition of Prior Learning at the Central Institute

The Institute recognises previous study or learning that can be counted towards our courses. This is called Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). This process can reduce the number of units required to complete an undergraduate or postgraduate course. Different types of study are assessed for equivalency including credential studies and informal (non-credentialed) learning. 

• As a student of the Central Institute, you can apply to have “specified credit” for specific units credited toward your course (i.e. core subjects or specified electives).  
• You can also apply to have unspecified credit applied to your course (i.e. electives that will appear as “unspecified credit” on your academic transcript). Please refer to the relevant Course outline when looking for equivalent or unspecified units. 
• You are required to present evidence to prove that you have demonstrated sufficient knowledge, skills, and or experience to meet both the Course requirements and the appropriate level of study as stipulated by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)

What is Advanced Standing?

Advanced Standing refers to credit granted towards a course based on prior learning or experience. This can be achieved through two main pathways:

• Credit Transfer is granted when you have successfully completed equivalent units at another recognised higher education institution. The learning must be at the same AQF level and meet the unit outcomes. Please note we do not accept “second-hand” credit—credit that has already been transferred into another course.
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the assessment of your previous formal, informal, or non-formal learning (e.g., work experience, short courses, or self-directed study) to determine if it meets the learning outcomes of specific units. If approved, credit will be granted for full units only—not part-units.

Applications are reviewed by a member of the academic team. You will be advised in writing of the decision ten working days after the completed application has been submitted and received by Student Services.  

Conditions and Limitations

• You can only apply for Advanced Standing within your first year of study at the Institute for units and/or work experience that have already been completed
• Credit may not be granted for specialist or practical units.
• Final capstone units and innovation hubs are not available for Advanced Standing.
• Prior learning must have occurred within the last 10 years.
• Applications must be submitted during the admissions process and before commencing any units for which credit is sought.
• 50% rule: You may obtain specified/unspecified credit for up to 50% of units in a specified course.
• 80% content coverage: Evidence of a minimum of 80% coverage of unit content is required for specified credit to be granted. 
• Exemption for an exemption: Previous study granted as Advanced Standing/Exemption at another institute cannot be used for Advanced Standing into a course. 
• Experience and study must be current: Any study cited in an Advanced Standing application must have been completed no more than 10 years prior to the date of application. 
• Study must be at the equivalent AQF level: Approved study must be at a comparable AQF level. 
• Examples of approved study: Qualifications from accredited Australian Higher Education institutions or equivalent overseas institution as assessed by Training Services New South Wales https://www.training.nsw.gov.au/ in disciplines of IT or related fields may be considered. 
• Professional Recognition: While the Institute makes every effort to ensure that Advanced Standing for units meets the criteria of professional and accrediting bodies, it is up to the discretion of the professional bodies whether to accept the exemptions granted by the Institute. The Institute encourages all students applying for Advanced Standing to seek advice from the relevant professional bodies prior to applying for Advanced Standing. The Institute is not responsible for the decisions pertaining to Advanced Standing made by professional bodies.  

Evidence required

You must provide

• Copies of unit outlines (information must include: learning outcomes, weekly structure, topic list, assessment details, contact hours/student workload) from your other provider/s 
• Verified copies of certificates and transcripts (copies to be certified by a Justice of the Peace or originals sighted by a CITI staff member or approved agent). 
• Documents in a foreign language will need to be officially translated to English. 

Automatic Credit Pathways

If you are applying based on an articulated pathway or prior diploma/advanced diploma studies, you may be eligible for automatic credit towards specific first-year units.

For admission purposes, RPL may also be used to demonstrate that you meet course entry requirements, especially if you have not completed a prior formal qualification.

Maintaining Course Integrity

We are committed to maintaining the integrity of your course outcomes.

All credit decisions are made by experienced academics in your field, ensuring that your prior learning aligns with the expectations of your chosen qualification.

Reduced Course Duration 

If you are granted Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), Advanced Standing, or Credit Transfer, the Institute will review your course and calculate a new expected duration based on the credit awarded. This ensures you still meet all course learning outcomes while maintaining the quality and academic standards of your studies. 

You will be notified in writing if your course duration is reduced. This notice will clearly explain: 

• The credit you have been granted. 

• The units or subjects affected. 

• Your new expected course completion date. 

We will also let you know if the change has any effect on your study load, course progression, or, for overseas students, visa requirements. 

For overseas students who have not yet received a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), the CoE will only be issued once the approved credit has been applied and the new course duration is accurately recorded. The Institute will not issue a CoE that overstates the course length or fails to recognise your granted credit, as this is required by law. 

If your RPL or credit application is still being assessed during the admissions process, we will clearly explain that the assessment must be finalised before your CoE can be issued. We will also provide guidance on how the outcome may affect your study plan and course length. 

This approach ensures that all students are fully informed, that course duration is reported accurately, and that overseas students maintain compliance with their visa conditions. 

Transcript and Records

Any Credit Transfer or RPL will be shown on your Academic Transcript and official documentation. Credit Transfer and RPL are grade exempt.

Apply for Advanced Standing

For more information or to apply for Advanced Standing, contact Student Services:
[Student Services Contact form]

Explanation of Advanced Standing, Credit Transfer, and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) 

More Information

Detailed information regarding RPL policy can be found in our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy and Procedures.