Is there a fee for RPL applications?

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Yes. A fee of €125 applies to all RPL applicants, however if are successful in your application and offered a place on your course of choice, this fee is deducted from the overall cost of the course fees. You must submit the RPL fee with your initial application.

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What is a Recognition of Prior Learning application?

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Minimum entry requirements are set for all NCEF courses. If you do not meet the minimum entry requirements, you are required to complete and submit additional documentation and complete an interview and this is known as a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) application.

The NCEF/UL Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Scheme

The NCEF/UL RPL Scheme strictly adheres to the policies and procedures as laid down by the University of Limerick. An RPL Assessment Board defines and oversees the implementation of the scheme and a cost of €125 applies to ALL RPL applicants on application, however if successful, this fee is then deducted from the cost of overall programme fees.

In an RPL application, you provide details with regard to the learning you have achieved a) in formal education and b) in any work or life experience relevant to the application. This is an investment opportunity to collect and collate evidence of the level of competence that you have achieved in a structured format so that it can be presented for recognition of your prior learning, skills and abilities.

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Do I have to attend an interview?

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Yes. When you submit your RPL application and fee, an interview date will be arranged. This is to discuss your application and choice of course, assess your knowledge of the course, and/or to clarify the learning you have achieved. This interview can conducted by face-to-face, by telephone or by video on MS Teams.

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What criteria will be used by the RPL Board to assess my prior learning?

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In the case of each individual applicant, the following general assessment criteria will be used:

• Relevance/Validity: That the evidence presented in the application is directly relevant to the standard for entry to, credit towards or exemption from parts of the award/module in question.
• Equivalency: That the evidence presented in the application demonstrates that the standards for entry to, credit towards or exemption from parts of the award/module in question have been met.
• Currency: That the evidence presented in the application is current within the last 5 years. Evidence provided may be older but if so, must still show that it is current to the skill, knowledge and competency requirements of the award/module in question.
• Authenticity: That the evidence presented in the application is endorsed by an educational institution where appropriate and/or by a current employer, referee/appropriate person.
• Sufficiency: That the evidence provided is adequate to meet the application for entry to credit towards or exemption from parts of the award/module in question.

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How do I make an RPL application?

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Apply online:- Year 1 Certificate & Higher Certificate in Exercise & Health Fitness (18yrs to 23yrs) Year 1 Certificate & Higher Certificate in Exercise & Health Fitness (>23yrs) Year 2 Higher Certificate in Exercise & Health Fitness Year 3 Diploma in Exercise & Health Fitness Year 4 BSc in Exercise & Health Fitness In addition to the application above, submit the following supporting documentation by email to ncef@ul.ie:

• Copies of any additional certificates you may have e.g. copies of degrees/diplomas/certificates, ACE, NTC, ITEC certificates, coaching certs etc.
• A brief CV to include your employment history, temporary and/or full time work positions.
• Two character references. These character references may be from a current employer or from sporting/charity clubs/organisations that you are a member of or work with and should be on Office/company or Sporting Body headed paper.
• Attach any other information that you feel will support and strengthen your application.
• Ensure you send all the requested information above in one email to ncef@ul.ie
• Contact the NCEF Head Office to pay the RPL fee of €125 - this is to be paid by online bank transfer. We will email you our bank details.
• Finally, send a confirmation email to ncef@ul.ie that you have made payment.

We will append your supporting documentation to your application and once payment has been received, your application will be processed and presented to the next RPL Board meeting and an interview will be arranged.

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