“I have just received my transcript for Cert III in Fitness which I completed by the RPL process. As a trainer/assessor and somebody who has been involved in the VET sector for the past 8 or so years, I would like to congratulate you and the FIA team for implementing the RPL process so professionally, and responding so quickly to any correspondence that I had sent you. I have worked with and seen lots of RTO’s over the years and I am extremely impressed with the way in which you are implementing your education course, and most importantly that you are serious about maintaining the standards contained in the qualifications”

Rick Naylor

The RPL process recognises a person’s prior skills and knowledge through formal training, informal learning work experience or life experience. Based on the evidence presented the person may be given exemptions from all/partial subject content and several of the tutorial requirements.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) 2008

You can download the RPL application form by using the link above. Please also read the relevant information below

What is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) ?

The RPL process recognises a person’s prior skills and knowledge through formal training, informal learning, work experience or life experience. Based on the evidence presented the person may be given full exemption from all subject content and several of the tutorial requirements. Once RPL has been granted for Certificate III in Fitness students may then apply for Certificate IV RPL for the Certificate IV in Fitness, or even concurrently.

How do I apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL) with the FIA?
You will be required to complete an RPL application form, providing relevant documents, based on the following:

A/. Current Exercise Science Degree:
If you hold a current Exercise Science Degree (completed in the previous five years), but are not currently registered with Fitness Australia.

You may be required to: (based on the documents you provide)

Successfully complete several workplace training and assessment tasks (WPTA) using the materials provided and your own resources. Additionally you will need to currently hold or gain an approved Senior First Aid Certificate. You are also be eligible to purchase several relevant FIA textbooks if required.

You may be exempt from: (based on the documents you provide) All formal campus based education courses and associated costs.

B. Other Qualifications/Experience
If you have or are completing a related degree (physiotherapy, physical education, health sciences etc) or have partially completed a current Exercise Science Degree (enrolled in the previous five years or if you have completed Relevant Fitness courses with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), prior to December 2001 and are not currently registered with Fitness Australia.

You may be required to: (based on the documents you provide)
Successfully complete several workplace training and assessment tasks (WPTA) and you may be asked to attend and pay to complete several core subjects for the course you have applied for. Additionally you will need to currently hold or gain an approved Senior First Aid Certificate. You are also be eligible to purchase several relevant FIA textbooks if required.

You may be exempt from: (based on the documents you provide) All formal campus based education courses and associated costs.

Certificate III in Fitness - Fitness Instructor
Full RPL Program A: $299.00 (receive the textbook, complete professional development)

Full RPL Program B: $499.00 (receive the textbook, complete professional development and skills development)

*Please note: If you want to register as either AquaFitness, Group Exercise Instructor and/or gain Sport trainer you will need to Pay and attend the relevant Elective and complete the relevant workbook materials and assessment that are part of these courses, once you complete the RPL program for Cert III in Fitness - Fitness Instructor.

Certificate IV in Fitness - Personal Trainer
Full RPL Program A: $499.00 (complete professional practice - textbooks available for purchase if required)

Full RPL Program B: $499.00 (complete professional practice - textbooks available for purchase if required) and additionally pay and complete several core subjects for the course you have applied for.

Diploma of Sport or Fitness - Strength & Conditioning Specialist and/or Fitness Specialist
Full RPL Program A: $699.00 (complete Case Management (Dipl.Fitness) or Professional Practice Sport (Dipl.Sport) - textbooks available for purchase if required.

Full RPL Program B: $699.00 (complete Case Management (Dipl.Fitness) or Professional Practice Sport (Dipl.Sport) - textbooks available for purchase if required and additionally pay and complete several core subjects for the course you have applied for.

What do I get on successful completion of all the requirements for RPL?
On the successful completion of all requirements you will receive a Certificate/Diploma for the course enrolled. We will also provide you with a Certificate, Academic Transcript and Statement of Competencies, which will enable you to register with the relevant industry authorities.

Terms and Conditions of enrolment in any FIA RPL Program
The program fee includes all professional assessments by a Certificate IV Assessment and Workplace Trainer. Full Payment in full (minus your $50.00 submission fee) is required once you have agreed to the RPL decision. If a student decides to withdraw from the program after the FIA has received this form and prior to being sent the RPL materials the student waives the $50.00 submission fee. Requests for refunds will not be accepted once all the RPL Program materials have been sent. Students are considered to be enrolled from the date the RPL Program materials have been sent. Please note: There is a resubmission fee of $30.00 per re-submission item. Students who are deemed not yet competent (NYC) in any area will be required to re-submit and if found to be NYC again will be asked to enroll in the full course and submit all course materials. There may be additional postage and handling fees if full subjects are required to be undertaken (see postage fees for relevant distance/online learning curses). Students completing an RPL program and completing any subjects in a course will be expected to adhere to the terms and conditions of that course.