HOW TO APPLY FOR AN RPL ASSESSMENT

Apply by logging into YourMembership (YM) online profile on SACAP’s website (www.sacapsa.com);

Select:

·                Our Services

·                Recognition of Prior Learning

·                RPL Assessment - APPLICATION

It is important to follow the process to the end, in order to receive and invoice and the link to download the Project Plan document that must be completed.

PLEASE NOTE:  Applicants who are unable to take advantage of the online process, can contact SACAP for assistance in submitting a hard copy application.

 

1.        Introduction

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a key strategic component of the 5^th Term Council’s plan that aims to realise transformation in the profession.

The 5^th Terms Council of the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) took a decision to lift the moratorium which it placed on the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). All architectural professionals who are registered, in good standing and meet all the requirements are encouraged to apply.

The purpose of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme is to redress past imbalances and assess previously acquired skills, knowledge, and experience, with the view to providing an opportunity to registered professionals to articulate to the next level of registration.

Articulating within the profession will uplift the professional status of successful applicants and is expected to help Architectural Professionals to unlock more lucrative work opportunities.

 

2.        What is RPL?

RPL gives credit and acknowledgement for the competencies, or portion of the competencies, acquired through previous learning and experience.

The RPL programme allows only for access to elevated professional registration and is not an academic qualification.

 

3.        Who is eligible to apply for an rpl assessment?

·                Professional Architectural Draughtspersons,

·                Professional Architectural Technologists; and

·                Professional Senior Architectural Technologists

who had been registered in their current professional registration category for a minimum of 3 (three) years, is eligible to apply for an RPL assessment.

Articulation can only be done one registration level at a time:

 

4.        COST

The Council took a decision to reduce the administration fee for RPL assessments, in order to be transformational and not to create a barrier for RPL Applicants.

The total fee payable for the RPL assessment is divided into 2 payments, the first being payable with the initial application and the balance when the applicant progresses to the Assessment phase.

The fee payable for RPL assessments are:

 

Articulating from Professional Senior Architectural Technologist (PSAT) to Professional Architect (PrArch)
Phase 1 – Application fee	R500.00
Phase 2 – Authentication	R6 500.00
Articulating from Professional Architectural Technologist (PAT) to Professional Senior Architectural Technologist (PSAT)
Phase 1 – Application fee	R500.00
Phase 2 – Authentication	R3 500.00
Articulating from Professional Architectural Draughtsperson (PAD) to Professional Architectural Technologist (PAT)
Phase 1 – Application fee	R500.00
Phase 2 - Authentication	R2 000.00

 

5.     THE RPL PROCESS

5.1     SELF ASSESSMENT:

5.1.1   Apply by logging into YourMembership (YM) online profile on SACAP’s website (www.sacapsa.com);

5.1.2      Access the application form

·                Our Services

·              Recognition of Prior Learning

·                RPL Assessment - APPLICATION

5.1.3      It is important to follow the process to the end, in order to receive and invoice and the link to download the Project Plan document that must be completed.

5.1.4      The link will give the applicant access to the Project Plan document.

5.1.5      This document can be completed over time.  The finalised document must be submitted from SACAPs website, by logging into the registered professional’s profile and selecting RPL Assessment:  SUBMISSION

5.1.6   Project Plan Document

·           This document must be completed for 5 (five) of the applicant’s projects.

·           The details of these projects will also form the Portfolio for assessment under the Authentication phase.

 

5.2   Authentication by RPL Panel

Applicants that are eligible for this phase, on their initial application, will:

5.2.1      Receive and pay invoice for authentication phase.

5.2.2      Be required to submit an electronic Portfolio for assessment.

5.2.3      An administrative process for authentication will follow.  This will include the setting of a date for the online RPL assessment.

5.2.4      Confirmation to applicant of date and time of the assessment will follow.

 

6.        AFTER THE ASSESSMENT

6.1    A report of the assessment panel will be tabled at a meeting of the Council for confirmation of the outcomes, where after applicant will be informed of the outcome, in writing

6.2    If the assessment outcome is Successful, the applicant can apply to be upgraded to the next registration category.

6.3   If the outcome is un-successful, the applicant will be informed of any steps that can be taken to augment the shortcomings identified in the assessment.  Alternatively, the applicant has the right to appeal the outcome, by submitting a fully substantiated appeal.