In the Vocational Training System there are 2 pathways to gaining a qualification.  The 1st is through Training and Assessment to achieve the qualification outcome.  The 2nd is through an Assessment only pathway.  Recognition of Prior Learning is one of these.  Every Registered Training Organisation who offers a qualification is required to also offer a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pathway as well.

RPL considers your previous work and education background, life experiences and any other evidence that you can provide that you meet the assessment criteria for each unit in the qualification.  This pathway is much shorter than attending the whole course.

Some options for RPL listed below:

1. Approach an RTO who offers the qualification you want and pay directly for the RPL process.

2. Skilling Solutions Queensland - 1300 654 687

You go in for an interview and can receive a $500 scholarship towards the cost of a Certificate IV course or $1000 towards the cost of a Diploma course.

If you are successful in the interview, you will receive a letter confirming your scholarship and a list of Registered Training Organisations (including TAFEs) to choose from to do your RPL.  You can then follow up with the RTO you'd like to work with.  It usually makes the RPL process faster and smoother if you update your resume and have copies of training certificates, job descriptions and any other paperwork that provides evidence of your skills and knowledge.

You could try the National Training Information Service, search under training packages for CHC08 Community Service Training Package (CSTP), this will give you a list of all the current qualifications under the CSTP and the job roles related to each qualification.  This can help you decide what qualification you'd like to RPL.  There are qualifications in youth work, child protection, youth justice, mental health, alcohol and other drugs, community services work, community education, community services management, social housing and many others.