Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) is committed to member education and enabling lifeguards to achieve recognised qualifications within New Zealand. The following outlines the process to gain recognition of prior learning (RPL) for qualifications.


What is RPL?

Recognition of prior learning describes a process used to evaluate skills and knowledge gained outside the classroom.  These skills and knowledge are then recognised against a set of standards or learning objectives. To be granted RPL, you need to collect and present evidence that clearly demonstrates you have met or exceeded the requirements of all the learning outcomes on the SLSNZ course or award.

What kind of evidence is required?

Evidence for assessment may come from:

  • Recognised proven achievements outside formal learning.
  • Achievement gained through a formal learning programme 

Your evidence may come from a variety of sources, which may include:

  • Existing qualifications or parts of qualifications. NB: Both a copy of the qualification transcript or certificate and a list of learning objectives or content of each of the relevant topics covered in the course, must be supplied.
  • Log books 
  • Documentation of observations of your performance.
  • References and testimonials from recognised educators, coaches or sports administrators.
  • Your Curriculum Vitae
  • Verified attestations of your experience or qualifications.

The evidence should be concise and arranged systematically so SLSNZ can easily see the match between your evidence and the SLSNZ learning outcomes. The onus is on you to present all necessary evidence. To protect the credibility of SLSNZ and in fairness to those who complete the full SLSNZ courses and awards, your application will initially be declined if insufficient evidence is submitted.

The evidence you provide must:

  • Be verifiable as your own work.
  • Be related to the SLSNZ courses you are seeking credit for.
  • Demonstrate what you know, understand and are able to do now, not what you were able to do three or more years ago.

Who will assess the evidence and how will it be assessed?

SLSNZ will evaluate your application, undertake any necessary checks and communicate the result to you. Checks may include:

  • Personal interview
  • Checking authenticity of information supplied
  • Contacting a nominated referee
  • Endorsement by your club
  • Requesting completion of an appropriate assessment task
  • Observation of your performance

What are the outcomes of the process?

The assessor must be confident you are able to meet or exceed all of the requirements of the learning outcomes for the SLSNZ course/qualification for which you seek RPL. The assessor may decide:

  1. Your evidence meets all requirements and SLSNZ will issue the Award.
  2. Your evidence meets some, but not all of the requirements. Further evidence may be required and/or you may be asked to complete an assessment task in order to demonstrate competency in the areas where your evidence does not cover or does not meet, the requirements.
  3. Your evidence does not meet the requirements and the assessor recommends you enrol in all or part of a SLSNZ course or complete a module(s).

What's next?

To apply for Recognition of Prior Learning please download the following application: SLS Member RPL Application Form - PDF Version here or Word Version here

 

NZ Registered Medical Professionals with St John, Registered Nurses and Doctors

If you are a current medical professional, you are not required to complete the Recognition of Prior Learning application form.  All medical professional RPL's are treated on a case by case basis depending on the individuals level of experience and context of application.  Information required from medical professional will include:

Accepted training:

  • St John First Responder,  EMT, and Paramedic – Please supply your current ATP letter and a official verification of currency. 
  • Registered Nurse – Please supply your nursing registration number and a brief explanation of your current area of nursing, experience or your latest CORE advanced certification. 
  • Doctor – Please supply your latest registration renewal document and a brief explanation of your current area experience. 

Depending on the a individuals level of experience and evidence supplied, SLSNZ will evaluate if your RPL will be credited to Surf First Aid or Advanced Surf First Aid. You maybe required to complete the SLSNZ online Surf First Aid module as part of this process. Information about our First Aid framework can be found here.

  • NZ Police – Please note that the current NZ Police first aid training does not cross credit into our first aid framework.

Please email the required documentation to member.education@surflifesaving.org.nz for review and evaluation. 

International Qualifications accepted by SLSNZ

Surf Lifeguard Award

Country

Organisation

Qualification

Australia

Surf Life Saving Australia

Bronze Medallion

Great Britain

Surf Life Saving Great Britain

Beach Lifeguard Award*

Great Britain

Royal Lifesaving Society UK

National Beach Lifeguard*

UK

Combined Surf Lifesaving Great Britain, Surf Lifesaving Wales, Royal Lifesaving Society

National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Award*

South Africa

Lifesaving South Africa

Beach Lifeguard Award*

 

*While we are able to recognise these international awards, a full Surf Lifeguard Award refresher must be completed on arrival in NZ, to be current with  NZ surf lifeguard standards and patrol in NZ.

Surf Lifeguard Award - Refresher

Country

Organisation

Qualification

Australia

Surf Life Saving Australia

Bronze Medallion Proficiency

 

IRB Crewpersons Module

Country

Organisation

Qualification

Australia

Surf Life Saving Australia

Inflatable Rescue Boat Crew Certificate

Great Britain

Surf Life Saving Great Britain

Inshore Rescue Boat Crew

 (Surf Endorsed)

Great Britain

RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institute)

Inshore Rescue Boat Crew

 (Surf Endorsed)

 

Senior Lifeguard Award - IRB Drivers

Country

Organisation

Qualification

Australia

Surf Life Saving Australia

Inflatable Rescue Boat Driver (Silver Medallion)

Great Britain

Surf Life Saving Great Britain

Inshore Rescue Boat Driver

 (Surf Endorsed)*

* SLS Great Britain IRB Drivers who are not certified as 'surf endorsed', are able to apply to have their competency assessed on arrival to NZ. 

Whats next?

To apply for International Recognition of Prior Learning please download the following application:  International RPL Application Form here