Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) & Credit Transfer
At the Australian Compliance Institute, we recognise that experienced professionals shouldn’t have to start from scratch. We offer two pathways to formally acknowledge your existing skills and knowledge.
Quick Comparison
| Credit Transfer | Recognition of Prior Learning | |
|---|---|---|
| You have… | Completed equivalent units at another RTO | Developed skills through work experience |
| Process | Administrative verification | Full assessment (evidence + interview) |
| Timeframe | 5–10 business days | 4–8 weeks |
| Fee | $90 application + course fee (less CT reduction) + adjustment fees | $2,150–$4,000 + course fee (less RPL credits) |
Credit Transfers
What is Credit Transfer?
Credit Transfer applies when you’ve already completed identical or equivalent units at another Australian RTO. This is an administrative process with no assessment required.
Eligibility: You must hold a verified Statement of Attainment or qualification from an Australian RTO for either an identical unit code, or an equivalent unit as listed on training.gov.au.
How It Works
- Submit the Credit Transfer Application Form with your USI transcript or certified copies of credentials
- Pay the $90 (+GST) application fee
- We verify your credentials via USI transcript or direct contact with the issuing RTO
- We confirm unit equivalency against training.gov.au mapping
- Your course fee is reduced by the per-unit credit amount (varies by qualification)
- You complete all training and submit all assessments
- Assessor marks each assessment but excludes the components mapped to credited units
- Assessment Adjustment Fee of $100 (+GST) applies per affected clustered assessment
Credit Transfer Fees
| Qualification | Application Fee | Fee Reduction per Unit |
|---|---|---|
| 10964 NAT Certificate IV in Compliance and Risk Management | $90 | $150 |
| 11419NAT Graduate Certificate in Compliance and Risk Management | $90 | $200 |
| FNSSS00010 Anti-money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing Skill Set | $90 | $50 |
| FNS80020 Graduate Certificate in Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-terrorism Financing | $90 | $250 |
| FNS80120 Graduate Diploma of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-terrorism Financing | $90 | $250 |
All fees exclude GST
Assessment Adjustment Fee
When your credited unit is part of a clustered assessment (an assessment covering multiple units), an Assessment Adjustment Fee of $100 (+GST) applies per affected assessment. This covers the modified marking and mapping work required.
No adjustment fee applies where an assessment maps to a single unit (e.g., AML/CTF Skill Set assessments each cover one unit only).
See the Assessment Clusters section below to understand which assessments your credited units may affect.
Credit Transfer Examples
Example 1: 10964NAT Certificate IV in Compliance and Risk Managment. Credit Transfer for BSBLDR411 (Member Rates)
BSBLDR411 appears in two assessment clusters:
- A1 Foundations
- A2 Monitoring
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| CT application fee | $90 |
| Course fee | $2,800 |
| CT reduction (1 unit × $150) | −$150 |
| Assessment Adjustment (A1) | $100 |
| Assessment Adjustment (A2) | $100 |
| Total | $2,940 |
Example 2: FNSSS00010 Anti-money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Skill Set, Credit Transfer for FNSRSK512 (Member Rates)
Each Skill Set assessment maps to a single unit, so no adjustment fee applies.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| CT application fee | $90 |
| Course fee | $1,200 |
| CT reduction (1 unit × $50) | −$50 |
| Assessment Adjustment | — |
| Total | $1,240 |
Summary: 10964NAT Certificate IV in Compliance and Risk Management Credit Transfer (Member)
| Pathway | Total |
|---|---|
| Standard enrolment | $2,800 |
| CT (1 unit, affects 1 assessment) | $2,840 |
| CT (1 unit, affects 2 assessments) | $2,940 |
| CT (1 unit, affects 3 assessments) | $3,040 |
Summary: FNSSS00010 Anti-money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Skill Set, Credit Transfer (Member)
| Pathway | Total |
|---|---|
| Standard enrolment | $1,200 |
| CT (1 unit) | $1,240 |
| CT (2 units) | $1,190 |
| CT (3 units) | $1,140 |
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
What is RPL?
RPL is a formal assessment of your current competence, recognising skills and knowledge you’ve developed through work experience, professional development, or informal learning.
Important: RPL is not a shortcut. You must demonstrate the same level of competence required of students who complete the full course.
Is RPL Right for You?
RPL works best if you have:
- 3+ years of relevant experience in compliance, risk, or AML/CTF roles
- Access to workplace documents you’ve produced (policies, reports, procedures)
- A current employer or recent supervisor who can verify your work
- Confidence you can demonstrate competence across most or all units
RPL may not suit you if you:
- Have experience in only a few units
- Cannot easily gather evidence (previous employers unavailable, documents confidential)
- Are time-poor (evidence gathering often takes longer than completing the course)
Why Does RPL Cost More Than the Course?
RPL is a rigorous assessment process. It requires significantly more assessor time than standard course delivery: individualised evidence review, verification of third-party references, professional conversation, and competency determinations against each unit. The benefit is a faster pathway to qualification for those who can demonstrate existing competence, not reduced cost.
The RPL Process
Stage 1: Screening — $200 (+GST)
Submit your CV and self-assessment against each unit. We assess your likelihood of success.
Outcomes: Proceed / Partial RPL recommended / Do not proceed
Timeframe: 10 business days
Fee is non-refundable but credited toward Stage 2 if you proceed.
Stage 2: Portfolio Submission — Balance of RPL Fee
Submit your full evidence portfolio with mapping to unit requirements. A qualified assessor reviews your evidence.
Outcomes: Evidence sufficient / Minor gaps (14 days to provide more) / Significant gaps
Timeframe: 15 business days after receiving complete portfolio
Stage 3: Professional Conversation — Included
A 30–60 minute recorded video interview with a qualified assessor to verify evidence and confirm your knowledge.
Outcomes: Competency confirmed / Not yet confirmed
Stage 4: Outcome and Enrolment
- Full RPL granted: Qualification or Statement of Attainment issued
- Partial RPL granted: Enrol in remaining units; RPL credit of $150 per unit granted applied against course fee
- RPL not granted: Written feedback provided; appeal rights apply
RPL Fees
Assessment Fees by Qualification
| Qualification | Units | Member | Non-Member |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10964NAT Certificate IV in Compliance and Risk Management | 9 | $2,150 | $3,000 |
| 11419NAT Graduate Certificate in Compliance and Risk Management | 9 | $3,250 | $4,000 |
| FNSSS00010 Anti-money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing Skill Set | 3 | $750 | $1,000 |
| FNS80020 Graduate Certificate in Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing | 3 | $3,250 | $4,000 |
| FNS80120 Graduate Diploma of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing | 8 | $4,000 | $5,000 |
All fees exclude GST. Stage 1 ($200) is included and credited to Stage 2 if proceeding.
How RPL Fees Work: Cert IV Example (Member)
| Outcome | RPL Fee | Course Fee | RPL Credit | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9/9 units granted | $2,150 | $2,800 | −$1,350 | $3,600 |
| 6/9 units granted | $2,150 | $2,800 | −$900 | $4,050 |
| 3/9 units granted | $2,150 | $2,800 | −$450 | $4,500 |
| 0/9 units granted | $2,150 | $2,800 | $0 | $4,950 |
How RPL Fees Work: AFNSSS00010 Anti-money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing Skill Set (Member)
| Outcome | RPL Fee | Course Fee | RPL Credit | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/3 units granted | $750 | $1,500 | −$150 | $2,100 |
| 2/3 units granted | $750 | $1,500 | −$100 | $2,150 |
| 1/3 units granted | $750 | $1,500 | −$50 | $2,200 |
Key points:
- RPL always costs more than standard enrolment
- More units granted = lower total cost
- RPL credit is applied per unit granted against the course fee
Evidence Requirements
Rules of Evidence
| Criterion | What This Means |
|---|---|
| Valid | Directly relates to the specific unit requirements |
| Sufficient | Covers all elements and performance criteria |
| Authentic | Your own work, verified by a third party |
| Current | Work experience within 2 years; qualifications within 5 years (with CPD) |
Types of Evidence
- Direct evidence: Policies, reports, procedures, project documentation, presentations you’ve produced
- Indirect evidence: Position descriptions, org charts, performance reviews
- Third-party verification: Reference letters using ACI templates
- Qualifications: Certified copies of certificates or transcripts
Assessment Clusters
Use these tables to understand which assessments your credited units may affect.
10964NAT Certificate IV in Compliance and Risk Management
| Assessment | Focus | Units Covered |
|---|---|---|
| A1 – Foundations | Compliance frameworks, risk identification, leadership, documentation | BSBAUD412, BSBOPS403, FNSRSK411, BSBLDR411, BSBWRT411 |
| A2 – Monitoring | Legislative change, compliance monitoring, non-compliance response | BSBAUD412, BSBLDR411, PSPREG034, PSPREG036, FNSORG411 |
| A3 – Audit & Breach | Breach management, audit planning & execution, reporting | BSBAUD412, FNSORG411, PSPREG036, PSPREG043, BSBWRT411 |
11419NAT Graduate Certificate in Compliance and Risk Management
| Assessment | Focus | Units Covered |
|---|---|---|
| A1 – GRC Framework | CMS design, risk criteria, obligations register, enterprise risk management | BSBAUD601, PSPGEN135, PSPGEN136 |
| A2 – Performance & CI | Data analysis, KRI dashboards, continuous improvement strategy | BSBDAT501, BSBSTR601 |
| A3 – Investigation | Investigation management, critical thinking, regulatory brief | PSPREG049, BSBCRT611 |
| A4 – Strategic Change | Strategic direction, change management | PSPGEN120, BSBLDR601 |
FNSSS00010 Anti-money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing Skill Set
| Assessment | Focus | Units Covered |
|---|---|---|
| A1 – Risk Assessment | ML/TF risk tables, heat map, treatment plans | FNSRSK512 |
| A2 – Product Vulnerability | Product definitions, vulnerability mapping, controls | FNSINC512 |
| A3 – Regulatory Compliance | Regulatory framework, obligation register, industry codes | FNSFMK515 |
No Assessment Adjustment Fee applies for this qualification as each assessment maps to a single unit.
FNS80020 Graduate Certificate in Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing
| Assessment | Focus | Units Covered |
|---|---|---|
| A1 – Leading Compliance | Regulatory ecosystem, program design, governance | FNSINC811 |
| A2 – Risk Assessment | Product, channel, customer, geographic vulnerability | FNSAML812 (E1-2), FNSAML815 (E1-2) |
| A3 – Control Design | Control gap analysis, stakeholder consultation, monitoring | FNSAML812 (E3-4), FNSAML815 (E3) |
| A4 – Strategic Review | Framework benchmarking, gap remediation, recommendations | FNSAML812 (E1.2, E4), FNSAML815 (E3-4) |
FNS80120 Graduate Diploma of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing
| Assessment | Focus | Units Covered |
|---|---|---|
| A1–A4 | As per Graduate Certificate above | FNSINC811, FNSAML812, FNSAML815 |
| A5 – CDD & Reporting | Customer due diligence framework, transaction monitoring | FNSAML814, FNSAML813 |
| A6 – Program Design | AML/CTF program design, implementation planning | FNSAML811, FNSAML816 |
| A7 – Regulatory Relationships | Regulatory relationship strategy, AUSTRAC engagement | FNSINC802 |
Qualifications Available for RPL
10964NAT Certificate IV in Compliance and Risk Management (9 units)
- BSBAUD412 Work within compliance frameworks
- BSBLDR411 Demonstrate leadership in the workplace
- BSBOPS403 Apply business risk management processes
- BSBWRT411 Write complex documents
- FNSORG411 Conduct individual work within a compliance framework
- FNSRSK411 Apply risk management strategies to own work
- PSPREG034 Assess compliance
- PSPREG036 Act on non-compliance
- PSPREG043 Undertake compliance audits
11419NAT Graduate Certificate in Compliance and Risk Management (9 units)
- BSBAUD601 Establish and manage compliance management systems
- BSBLDR601 Lead and manage organisational change
- PSPGEN135 Manage risk
- PSPGEN120 Provide strategic direction
- PSPGEN136 Undertake enterprise risk management
- PSPREG049 Manage investigations program
- BSBDAT501 Data analytics
- BSBCRT611 Apply critical thinking for complex problem solving
- BSBSTR601 Manage continuous improvement
FNSSS00010 Anti-money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing Skill Set (3 units)
- FNSFMK515 Comply with financial services regulation and industry codes of practice
- FNSINC512 Assess vulnerability of financial products and services to money laundering and terrorism financing
- FNSRSK512 Assess risks
FNS80020 Graduate Certificate in Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing (3 units)
- FNSAML812 Design and assess controls to monitor money laundering and terrorism financing risk
- FNSAML815 Manage assessment of organisational vulnerability to money laundering and terrorism financing
- FNSINC811 Lead compliance with financial services regulations and industry codes of practice
FNS80120 Graduate Diploma of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing (8 units)
From Grad Cert AML/CTF:
- FNSAML812 Design and assess controls to monitor money laundering and terrorism financing risk
- FNSAML815 Manage assessment of organisational vulnerability to money laundering and terrorism financing
- FNSINC811 Lead compliance with financial services regulations and industry codes of practice
Additional Units:
- FNSAML811 Design anti-money laundering and counter terrorism financing programs
- FNSAML813 Design and monitor reporting systems for suspicious transactions
- FNSAML814 Design customer due diligence policies and procedures
- FNSAML816 Implement an anti-money laundering and counter terrorism financing program
- FNSINC802 Develop and build effective relationships with regulatory and industry bodies
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What’s the difference between Credit Transfer and RPL?
Credit Transfer recognises units you’ve completed at another RTO (administrative verification). RPL assesses competence from work experience (evidence portfolio + interview).
Which should I apply for first?
If you hold existing qualifications with relevant units, apply for Credit Transfer first. It’s faster and typically less expensive.
Credit Transfer Questions
Why do I pay the course fee if I already have some units?
You receive a reduction in course fee for each credited unit. You also complete all training and assessments, but components mapped to credited units are excluded from marking. Where this affects a clustered assessment, an Assessment Adjustment Fee applies.
What happens if I am granted Credit Transfer for a unit in a cluster?
ACI uses clustered assessments to reflect realistic workplace workflows. If you receive CT for one unit in a cluster, we will adjust your assessment instructions so you aren’t re-assessed on that unit. An Assessment Adjustment Fee of $100 (+GST) applies to cover this customisation.
Do I still attend training for credited units?
Yes. You complete all training (classroom or self-paced) and submit all assessments. The credited components are simply excluded from marking.
RPL Questions
When do I actually enrol in the course?
You complete the RPL assessment before full enrolment. Formal enrolment in the qualification (or the remaining gap units) occurs at Stage 4, once your final RPL results are confirmed.
Is the $200 Stage 1 fee a “lost” cost?
No. If your screening results in a “Proceed” recommendation, the $200 is credited toward your Stage 2 assessment fee. It is only non-refundable if you are advised not to proceed or choose to withdraw at the screening stage.
Why does RPL cost more than the course?
RPL is a rigorous assessment process. It requires significantly more assessor time than standard course delivery: individualised evidence review, verification of third-party references, professional conversation, and competency determinations against each unit. The benefit is a faster pathway to qualification for those who can demonstrate existing competence, not reduced cost.
Can I apply for RPL in just a few units?
Yes, but consider whether it’s worthwhile. The RPL fee is fixed per qualification regardless of how many units you seek.
What if my RPL application is not successful?
You will receive written feedback explaining the decision. You can then choose to enrol in the full course, and ACI may, at its discretion, partially credit your paid RPL fees toward the enrolment. You also have the right to appeal any decision within 30 days.
How long does RPL take?
Typically 4–8 weeks from Stage 1 to final outcome, depending on how quickly you compile your evidence.
Examples with Fees
10964NAT Certificate IV in Compliance and Risk Management (Member)
| Pathway | Total |
|---|---|
| Standard enrolment | $2,800 |
| CT (1 unit, affects 1 assessment) | $2,840 |
| CT (1 unit, affects 2 assessments) | $2,940 |
| CT (1 unit, affects 3 assessments) | $3,040 |
| RPL full (9/9 granted) | $3,600 |
| RPL partial (6/9 granted) | $4,050 |
| RPL partial (3/9 granted) | $4,500 |
FNSSS00010 Anti-money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing Skill Set (Member)
| Pathway | Total |
|---|---|
| Standard enrolment | $1,500 |
| CT (1 unit) | $1,540 |
| CT (2 units) | $1,490 |
| CT (3 units) | $1,440 |
| RPL full (3/3 granted) | $2,100 |
| RPL partial (2/3 granted) | $2,150 |
| RPL partial (1/3 granted) | $2,200 |
RPL Resources
Download these guides to help you prepare your RPL application:
Related Policies
Need Help?
Contact our student support team at [email protected] to discuss which pathway suits you.