Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning commonly known as RPL largely refers to an assessment process used to evaluate a person’s existing skill sets, knowledge and experience gained either by formal, non-formal or informal learning. RPL under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 2016-20 primarily has threefold objectives.
Benefits of Recognition Of Prior Learning
- No fee is charged to a candidate for participating in the RPL program
- RPL recognizes the value of learning acquired outside a formal setting and provides a government certificate for an individual’s skills
- Candidate receive exposure to concepts of digital and financial literacy
- Candidate will receive accidental insurance coverage for three years free of cost
Procedure Of RPL
RPL Under PMKVY involves a 5-step process
Mobilization
Mobilization involves activities related to mobilization of potential candidates who are skilled but uncertified.
Counselling and pre-screening
Potential candidates are counselled about PMKVY, what is RPL and how the skill certification will assist them in transforming their life. After counselling, a pre-screening test is conducted to ascertain the job role which matches the prior knowledge and existing skill sets of the potential candidates. Pre-screening test involves collection of supporting documentation/ evidences from the candidates and a candidate self-assessment.
Orientaion
All candidates are mandatorily provided orientation of 12 hours. This orientation includes 6 hours of domain specific training, 4 hours of training on soft skills and entrepreneurship, and 2 hours on familiarization with the assessment processes and methods. Knowledge gaps identified during the counselling stage are also addressed during the orientation delivery. Candidates may opt to receive
Final Assessment
Assessment of candidates is conducted by the assessment bodies accredited by the Sector Skill Councils (SSCs). Under PMKVY RPL, the candidate is assessed on both Core as well as Non-Core NOSs [National Occupational Standards (NOS) describe best practices by bringing together performance criteria, knowledge and skills pertaining to a job role. A set of NOSs related to a specific job role is called Qualification Pack (QP). Qualification Pack for every Job Role is pegged at a NSQF Level.] of a Qualification Pack (QP). Core NOSs carry 70% weightage and Non-Core NOSs carry 30% weightage in the total assessment score of the candidate. SSCs may choose to conduct offline as well as online assessment depending upon the characteristic of the sector and availability of online modules.
Certification
Mark sheet and pay-out distribution to candidates- SSC upon approving the result issues the certificate to successful candidate. Pass percentage in the assessment exam for job roles of NSQF level 1, 2, 3 is 50% and for job roles of NSQF level 4 and above is 70%. A candidate who achieves greater than or equal to the pass percentage for a QP is awarded the PMKVY RPL Certificate, Mark sheet and a candidate pay-out of INR500. A candidate who achieves less than the pass percentage mentioned for a QP, but at least 30% or above of the total score, receives only mark sheet and candidate pay-out of INR500. A candidate who scores less than 30% of the total score, shall receive only the mark sheet and be encouraged to undergo Short Term Training under PMKVY.
What is the qualification required?:
RPL is applicable to any candidate of Indian nationality who,
On the date of enrollment, fits the minimum age criteria as per the Qualification Pack (QP) requirements.
Possesses an Aadhaar Card [verifiable alternate IDs, such as PAN or Voter ID may be applicable for Jammu & Kashmir and certain states in the North-East Region] and a bank account.
Fits the pre-screening criteria defined by SSC for the respective job role.
Project Implementing Agency Criteria (PIA):
PIA can be any legal entity such as SSC, Industry Association, Training Partner, Government Body, NGO and Corporate, except Assessment Agency..
RPL under PMKVY can be implemented via five modes; viz. RPL at Camps, RPL at Employer’s Premise, RPL at Centre’s, RPL with Best in Class Employers and RPL through Demand. Process of implementation largely remains the same in all five modes.
PIA targets a particular location where a certain group/ cluster of candidates with particular skill set are consolidated. These can be industrial or traditional clusters. Ceiling amount of pay-out to PIA is INR1700 per candidate.
RPL of already employed candidates is majorly conducted at the employer’s premise in this mode. The PIA may partner with an employer wherein it may choose to mobilize already employed candidates (either on permanent or contractual terms of the employer) or engage potential job seekers in that industry. Ceiling amount of pay-out to PIA is INR1400 per candidate.
RPL is conducted at designated training centres. This delivery channel is more suitable for candidates who are desirous of participating under RPL during weekends. RPL at Centres acts as an effective way to function as a walk-in centre for obtaining RPL certification. A pilot was conducted under PMKVY wherein targets were approved to PIAs to conduct RPL in approved PMKKs (Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras). Ceiling amount of pay-out to PIA is INR1600 per candidate.
This mode of RPL focuses on flexible and direct collaboration with top reputed employers in different sectors through Sector Skill Councils. Sector Skill Council functions as Project Implementing Agency in this mode. The aim is to put the top employer in the center of the activities and extend the NSQF certification to the large uncertified workforce existing across employers in various sectors. The proposed projects in this mode looks to utilize Top chef/ Departmental Head/ Supervisors/Workshop Managers/Senior Supervisors/Master Trainers of employers as ‘Employer Assessor’. It is required that these undergo orientation on assessment by SSC as per NSQF standards. RPL in this mode intends to encourage organized sectors of the economy and bring more objectivity by favouring online methods of assessments (preferable). Pay-out to PIA in this mode is INR500/ 800, as per guidelines. No pay-out to employer is proposed.
RPL through demand will be conducted at Centres to which targets have been allocated by NSDC and mobilization of candidates will happen through a Demand Aggregation portal.