Do you work in the security business but do not have the formal credentials? You may have been working as a security officer, crowd controller, or loss prevention officer for many years, but do not have the certification to advance your career. If this describes your situation, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be your exit strategy, and you will obtain a Certificate 2 in Security Operations (CPP20218) without being a captive audience in a classroom.
Why Certificate 2 in Security Operations Matters
The security industry in Australia is rapidly expanding, with strong growth in the demand for qualified professionals in retail, events, construction sites, and corporate environments. A Certificate 2 in Security Operations (CPP20218) is the entry-level qualification that is the essence of security jobs throughout the country.
The nationally accredited qualification provides the fundamental skills required, such as access control, security situation monitoring, communication protocols, and working safely. Whether you want to land your first security position or want to validate your on the job experience of many years, your certification speaks volumes of your capabilities to potential employers, most states in Australia will accept the qualifications as meeting their services licensing requirements.
What Is RPL and How Does It Work?
What is RPL? Recognition of Prior Learning is an assessment process that recognizes knowledge and skills you have already attained via work experience, volunteer experiences, or informal training. Rather than require you to go through training again for competencies you have already attained, RPL allows you to show evidence of your prior learning to gain a qualification.
An RPL process requires the applicant to present evidence of their work experience: this could include employment records, recommendations, work samples, and evidence giving detailed descriptions of their work duties. Qualified assessors will then decide whether the candidate's experience meets the required competency standards for the certificate 2 in security operations.
This can be an important pathway to recognition for experienced security professionals who practice in environments and areas that require recognition of prior learning for them to attain formal recognition for their competency to help progress their career, or to meet license conditions.
Understanding RPL Course Structure and Process
An RPL course differs from traditional training courses in that it does not require classroom attendance or assignments. An RPL is an assessment-based path in which your skills and knowledge are assessed against the requirements of a national qualification.
The course begins with a detailed consultation in which our assessors determine which units of competency you possess. Next, you submit evidence of your skills through formal employment records, references from your supervisor, samples of work you have completed, pictures of work you have completed, or a statutory declaration outlining your duties.
In the end, our qualified assessors review your evidence portfolio, whether partially or in full, to determine if your skills and knowledge meet the required standards for certificate 2 in security operations. In the event there are gaps, we will ask you to provide more evidence or finish just those particular units as opposed to the whole qualification.
Overall, these courses will assess you on what you currently know and have done while completing a course, thus making it much faster and less expensive than simply redoing a course for skills you know you have completed working in that industry.
Who Is Eligible for RPL in Australia?
One of the most commonly asked questions, related to Recognition of Prior Learning, is "What are the eligibility requirements?". The good news is that RPL is often much more accessible than people think, and you don't even need formal training to be eligible.
Work Experience Counts: If you've worked in a security capacity for six months to a year, you're likely performing work that demonstrates competencies that form part of a qualification. Paid employment is the most obvious evidence, but if you have volunteered in security roles, this will also count.
Skills Formed Somewhere Else: Your knowledge might come from a previous working life, from volunteering, life experience, or from informal training organized by your employer. RPL assessors do not assess how or where your skills have come from; they assess your actual ability.
No Age Restrictions: RPL welcomes young professionals formalizing earlier career experiences, and workers who are transitioning into recognised skills from decades of service with no recognised credentials.
International Experience Welcome: If you have worked in security overseas, you may be able to use this international experience as part of your requirements for Australian qualifications through RPL, and it will help in transitioning you into the Australian workforce.
The core factor around eligibility will relate to being able to demonstrate you can perform the required tasks to industry standards; therefore, RPL is a great pathway for any number of candidates seeking a Certificate 2 in Security Operations (CPP20218).
How We Simplify Your RPL Journey
Completing the RPL process by yourself can be daunting, especially with gathering information and understanding assessment criteria. Get RPL Australia specializes in working with candidates through each step of the process, beginning with consultation until the certificate is issued.
We know exactly what assessors expect to see and will assist you with pulling together a compelling portfolio of evidence. To support you, we will personalize the application to accurately represent your skills and maximize your chances of receiving a successful assessment.
When you partner with Get RPL Australia, you are not just submitting documents to whom you think is an institution you supplied paperwork to - you are collaborating with professionals who are dedicated to providing certification for your hard-earned skills in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
Take the Next Step in Your Security Career
Now is a great opportunity to formalize your experience if you've been working in security and don't have the formal qualifications. The Certificate 2 in Security Operations (CPP20218) via RPL could be closer than you think, and we want to help you achieve it.
Don't let the absence of formal qualifications hold back your career progression. Contact Get RPL Australia today and start the RPL assessment process. You deserve to recognize your potential by directing your experience into qualifications that employers value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the RPL Certificate equal to a regular certificate?
Yes, it is. The qualification you earn from an RPL course is equally recognised and valued as a qualification earned from an ordinary course of study. Employers and licensing bodies do not distinguish between the two.
What is the duration for concluding the RPL process?
The RPL assessment process generally takes 2-4 weeks to finish, depending on the time frame for submission of the required evidence/documentation. A considerably expedited process than a regular course, which can take several months.
Can I get Certificate II Security Operations without formal training?
Yes, provided you have relevant work experience. RPL is based on what you can do, not how you learned to do it. Work experience and knowledge acquired on the job can be assessed for a competency, whether you have attended a formal class or not.
What evidence do I need for RPL Security Operations?
Typical evidence includes: employment records, position descriptions, references, photos and videos of your workplace activity, written incident reports, and a detailed written statement outlining your duties and responsibilities.
