RPL means Recognised Prior Learning (sometimes called RCC - Recognition of Current Competencies). To apply for this, you must be confident you have had suitable prior experience. It’s a “fast track” qualification solution to those who can provide evidence of having already achieved the course learning outcomes as a result of their prior coaching.

RPL is not relevant if you need to become competent in most of the requirements set down. In this case, it is recommended you partake in a complete course which is a practical and enjoyable way to refresh and update your coaching skills as well as learn new ones. However If you’re already well experienced, and confident of your knowledge of all or nearly all of the requirements, then RPL is the way to go instead of a complete course and being taught most things you already know.

When considering your suitability for qualification by RPL, you need to first consider the Learning Outcomes (L1 , L2) for your proposed level. If you’re confident you already have a good understanding of most or all of them and you could provide substantiation, then proceed to lodge your application. You are fully refunded the RPL and membership fee if you are assessed as “not yet sufficiently competent”.

There are a number of ways of substantiating your current skills. Effectively the RPL assessment is based on your providing appropriate information about your background and possibly having an assessment (with pupils) on court observed by an acceptable Advanced Level 2 coach. The “background evidence” could include any combination of the following... a written description of your related work or life experience including time you have already been coaching tennis, any coach training course already undertaken, your playing background, and your possible involvement with other education activities (for example as a teacher of any skill or coach of another sport). Please make sure to include contact numbers (of other coaches or organisations worked for etc) if possible –otherwise a Stat Dec may be required.

Once this is submitted to Head Office, consideration is given as to whether or not any further information is required or any on- court assessment or theory exam needed.