Registration Open for the Recognition of Prior Learning Digital Badge!

Register by Friday 26th September.

We are delighted to share the details for the 6th iteration of the RPL Digital Badge, the free online course being delivered by the HEA National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning. The course, developed in partnership with the Human Capital Initiative Recognition of Prior Learning in Higher Education Project, has already issued 400 badges and continues to be a valuable resource for educators looking to deepen their understanding of RPL and its application within higher education.

Highlights from the RPL Digital Badge to date include:

• 813 staff registered for the RPL Digital Badge, with 400 badges issued
• 51 facilitator badges issued, empowering participants to deliver the badge and support RPL development within their own institutions
• 96% satisfaction rate reported among surveyed participants Strong cross-sector engagement, with high levels of participation from academic and professional services staff.

Who should complete the RPL Digital Badge?

The RPL Digital Badge helps staff in the tertiary sector learn about RPL and how it applies to their own work, both at their institution and within the broader education sector. The 6-week course is available to all staff currently working in tertiary education. Participants from other sectors and those with an interest in RPL are also welcome. There is no charge to participate.

What are the Learning Outcomes?

The course equips participants with the tools and knowledge to:

• Explain the concept of RPL and reflect on its application within their own setting;
• Reflect on the potential impact of RPL for an institution, its staff and students;
• Identify existing policies and consider their alignment with practice;
• Analyse the relationship between programme and module learning outcomes and the RPL candidate.

“This was a really great course. The content was excellent and it really enhanced my understanding of RPL both in the Further Education and Higher Education sectors. I would highly recommend it to others.”

Course Programme & Dates

• Commencing 1st October 2025
• Running over 8 weeks
• Live Webinars every Wednesday from 9:30am – 11:00am
• Webinar Duration: 90 Mins

Please note webinars are recorded.

See further guidance information below. There are 25 learner effort hours required for the successful completion of this badge which can be broken down as follows:

• Live Webinars every Wednesday from 9:30 – 11:00am (9 hours)
• Peer Triad Participation for one hour per week (6 hours)
• Self-directed learning through the engagement with the course materials, completion of associated activities and the production of a Journal of Reflection (10 hours)

*An additional five learner hours are required for the facilitator add-on (optional), in addition to attendance at two extra webinars over 2 weeks.

Registration Closes on Friday 26th September.

Registration Details

There is no fee to take part in the RPL Digital Badge. Participants can be those working in higher education, or those who are working on other sectors who have an interest in RPL.  

Register Here: Recognition of Prior Learning (October 2025) – Open Courses

Registration closes on Friday 26th September 2025.

Badge Developers

This open course has been developed by the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education in partnership with Dr Deirdre Goggin, MTU, and Dr Cathal de Paor, MIC (original content designers); updates by Dr Ciara Staunton and Dr Clare Walsh, RPL in Higher Education Project, a HCI Pillar 3 Initiative.

Visit www.priorlearning.ie to find out more about the RPL in Higher Education Project.