Making your application
The work you did in Match your existing skills with a qualification means your application, including a portfolio of evidence, will be easy to prepare. Show that to your assessor. In some cases, it may be enough. In other cases, you may need to present it differently for that particular RTO. And, sometimes, the assessor will want more information. Most RTOs will ask you to fill out a special application form.
In summary, your portfolio gives evidence of your skills and knowledge in specific units of competency. It will include documents like:
- course certificates from Australia or overseas
- references
- resume
- examples of work you have done
- photographic or video evidence of work you have done
- payslips
There is no final rule about what goes into a portfolio. It should just include whatever it takes to prove your skills to someone who hasn’t met you before and who understands your industry. Think about the best ways to present your portfolio so that it is easy for an assessor to understand.
In preparing the portfolio, ask yourself these questions:
- What evidence do I already have, such as work records, certificates or samples of work?
- What evidence can I collect, such as testimonials?
- What evidence could my assessor gather through observation or questioning?
When you are checking your portfolio, make sure it shows your knowledge and skills are:
- current
- relevant to the particular unit of competency you are applying for
- genuine
Please see Gathering evidence for details on how to write your application in relation to a particular competency or qualification.
Study areas on Prove It!
- Aged Care
- Automotive Mechanical
- Beauty
- Children's Services
- Community Services
- Disability Work
- Financial Services
- Training & Assessment
You may find it helpful to go to a website called Prove It! This website can help you build a portfolio of evidence and apply for recognition through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). It’s free and easy to use but it doesn’t apply to all qualifications.
You may also find Skillsbook helpful. This is a more comprehensive service with some functions at no cost and others, like producing reports, incurring a fee, so you’ll need to assess the value of it for you before proceeding.
Skillsbook helps you to:
- Work out which qualification and which units of competency you should apply for recognition in
- Determine what types of evidence you may be able to provide
- Determine your best-match to qualifications based on the skills you think you have
- See in which areas you might require further training
- Build an online portfolio and skillsbook
- Communicate with teachers, students and friends
The service includes a help function both online and via a 1300 telephone service.
