Effectiveness of Prior Learning Recognition (RPL) Program Management in Improving Student Competence
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58818/ijems.v5i2.313Keywords:
Prior Learning Recognition (RPL), Program Management, Student Competence, Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, Educational EffectivenessAbstract
This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of Prior Learning Recognition (RPL) program management in improving student competence within the context of higher education. RPL is an innovative approach that acknowledges learners’ prior knowledge, skills, and experiences obtained through formal, non-formal, and informal learning. This research employs a qualitative approach with a descriptive-analytical design, utilizing data collected through literature review and document analysis. The findings indicate that effective RPL program management significantly contributes to enhancing student competence by accelerating learning pathways, increasing learning motivation, and ensuring the relevance of education to labor market needs. Key factors influencing the success of RPL implementation include institutional commitment, clear assessment standards, qualified assessors, and adequate administrative systems. However, challenges remain, such as limited awareness, inconsistent implementation, and lack of standardized procedures across institutions. Therefore, strengthening management strategies, improving regulatory frameworks, and enhancing institutional capacity are essential to optimize the effectiveness of RPL programs in improving student competence and supporting lifelong learning.
Downloads
References
Raciti, M., Tham, A., & Dale, J. (2024). Recognition of prior learning in higher education: A systematic literature review. Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice, 21(9). https://doi.org/10.53761/bys3aj56
de Paor, C. (2024). The recognition of prior learning (RPL) as pedagogical practice: Tensions and affordances in assessment. Studies in Continuing Education, 46(3), 382–395. https://doi.org/10.1080/0158037X.2023.2224236
Mottais, É., Dorceus, S., & Bélisle, R. (2024). Temporal dimension in recognition of prior learning (RPL) in vocational education and training from a social justice perspective. International Journal of Lifelong Education, 43(5), 494–508. https://doi.org/10.1080/02601370.2024.2353165
Baumeler, C., Engelage, S., Hämmerli, C., & Salzmann, P. (2023). Recognition of prior learning in professional education from an organisational perspective. International Journal of Lifelong Education, 42(2), 208–221. https://doi.org/10.1080/02601370.2023.2177759
Ma’ruf, M. F., Said, A., Mindarti, L. I., Putra, F., & Esmael, S. T. E. (2024). Analysis evaluation of intergovernmental cooperation in recognition of prior learning (RPL) program in Indonesia. JPSI (Journal of Public Sector Innovations, 9(1), 34–48).
Pokorny, H. (2023). Recognition of prior learning: Policy and practice in higher education. Higher Education Research & Development, 42(4), 765–780.
Cooper, L., & Harris, J. (2023). Recognition of prior learning: Exploring tensions between assessment, equity, and access. Studies in Continuing Education, 45(2), 210–225.
Andersson, P., & Fejes, A. (2023). Recognition of prior learning: Research, practice and policy. International Journal of Lifelong Education, 42(1), 1–15.
Wheelahan, L., Moodie, G., & Buchanan, J. (2023). Skills recognition and workforce development: The role of RPL. Journal of Education and Work, 36(3), 250–265.
Harris, J. (2023). RPL and the recognition of experiential learning in higher education. Adult Education Quarterly, 73(2), 150–167.
European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP). (2023). Recognition of prior learning: European guidelines. CEDEFOP.
UNESCO. (2023). Recognition, validation and accreditation of prior learning: Global perspectives. UNESCO Publishing.
International Labour Organization. (2023). Skills recognition and lifelong learning systems. ILO.
OECD. (2023). Advancing lifelong learning through recognition of prior learning. OECD Publishing.
Zhang, Y., & Zheng, J. (2023). Recognition of prior learning and its impact on student competence development. Education Sciences, 13(5), 455–470.
Browning, K. (2020). A case study on the recognition of prior learning (RPL): Perceptions of university faculty. Canadian Journal for the Study of Adult Education, 32(1). https://doi.org/10.56105/cjsae.v32i1.5499
Andersson, P., & Fejes, A. (2020). Recognition of prior learning: Research, practice and policy. International Journal of Lifelong Education, 39(1), 1–7.
Cooper, L., & Harris, J. (2020). Recognition of prior learning: Exploring tensions between assessment, equity and access. Studies in Continuing Education, 42(2), 123–138.
Wheelahan, L., Moodie, G., & Buchanan, J. (2020). Skills recognition and workforce development: The role of RPL. Journal of Education and Work, 33(5–6), 378–390.
Harris, J. (2020). RPL and the recognition of experiential learning in higher education. Adult Education Quarterly, 70(4), 312–329.
UNESCO. (2020). Recognition, validation and accreditation of prior learning: Global perspectives. UNESCO Publishing.
OECD. (2020). Making lifelong learning a reality through recognition of prior learning. OECD Publishing.
International Labour Organization. (2020). Skills and lifelong learning systems: Recognition of prior learning. ILO.
Conrad, D. (2022). Accreditation and recognition of prior learning in higher education. In Handbook of Open, Distance and Digital Education (pp. 1–17). Springer.
Assinger, P. (2022). Recognition of prior learning in workplaces: Exploring managerial practice. Studies in Continuing Education, 45(3), 378–395. https://doi.org/10.1080/0158037X.2022.2109615
Pokorny, H. (2021). Recognition of prior learning in higher education: Institutional practices and challenges. Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 46(7), 1020–1034.
Cedefop. (2021). European guidelines for validating non-formal and informal learning. European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training.
Singh, M. (2021). Global perspectives on recognition of prior learning and adult education. International Review of Education, 67(1–2), 1–20.
Guo, S., & Andersson, P. (2021). The role of RPL in lifelong learning and social inclusion. International Journal of Lifelong Education, 40(5–6), 451–465.
Keevy, J., & Chakroun, B. (2022). Level-setting and recognition of learning outcomes: Implications for RPL systems. Journal of Education Policy, 37(4), 567–583.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
Categories
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Neneng Sulastri, Rahul Khan (Author)

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Copyright and License Statement
Authors who publish their manuscripts in this Journal agree to the following conditions:
The copyright for any article in The International Journal of Education Management and Sociology (IJEMS) is fully held by the author under a Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 license:
- The author acknowledges The International Journal of Education Management and Sociology (IJEMS) has the right to publish for the first time with a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License / CC BY 4.0.
- Authors can enter writings separately, arrange non-exclusive distribution of manuscripts that have been published in this journal into other versions (eg sent to the author's institutional repository, publication in a book, etc.), by acknowledging that the manuscript has been published for the first time in The International Journal of Education Management and Sociology (IJEMS)
- The International Journal of Education Management and Sociology (IJEMS) published under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License / CC BY 4.0. This license permits anyone to copy and redistribute this material in any form or format, compose, modify, and make derivative works of this material for any purpose, including commercial purposes, so long as they include credit to the Author of the original work.







