Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
RPL and CAT information brochure and application form
Contents
About Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in higher education ......................... 2
1. What is RPL? ..................................................................................... 2
2. Who can apply for RPL? ...................................................................... 3
About Credit Accumulation & Transfer (CAT) in higher education ...................... 4
3. What is CAT?..................................................................................... 4
4. The difference between RPL and subject exemptions (credit accumulation
& transfer - CAT)..................................................................................... 4
5. How long will it take? ......................................................................... 4
5.1 Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for access: ................................ 4
5.2 Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for exemption: ........................... 5
5.3 Credit Accumulation & Transfer (CAT) ............................................. 6
Summary of each process ........................................................................... 7
6. Process for RPL for access: ................................................................. 7
7. Process for RPL for exemption ............................................................. 8
8. Process for CAT ................................................................................. 9
Fees for RPL and CAT: ................................................................................ 9
RPL for access - application form to get the access portfolio .......................... 10
Initial RPL for exemption application form ................................................... 12
Credit Accumulation & Transfer (CAT) application form ................................. 18
1|Page RPL-CAT student guide [Link]
About Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in higher
education
1. What is RPL?
During your lifetime, you will have acquired various skills, competencies and
experiences. This informal learning is valuable even if it has never been formally
assessed. This learning could have taken place at work, during short courses or
from community work in a relevant field.
RPL is an assessment process that helps you to make this informal learning
visible so that you can use it to either:
• apply for exemption for subjects on the Chartall Business College BBA
degree. OR
• apply for access into the degree where you would not normally be
permitted access;
Note:
• To qualify for this exemption, you will be required to show the faculty at
Chartall Business College that you have achieved the specified prescribed
learning outcomes in the subject curriculum.
• To qualify for access, you will be required to show the faculty at Chartall
Business College that you have achieved sufficient academic competencies
to study at higher education level.
If you have a partially completed degree and you want to transfer your credits
to the Chartall Business College BBA, please also read the section on Credit
Accumulation & Transfer)
2|Page RPL-CAT student guide [Link]
2. Who can apply for RPL?
RPL for access:
You may apply for RPL for access if you are 23 years or older with at least three
years current, relevant working experience.
RPL for exemption:
You may apply for RPL for access if you are 25 years or older with at least five
years current, relevant working experience. Your prior learning should
have been gained through one or more of the following means:
• Workplace learning;
• Informal study for recreational/personal interest (so-called lifelong
learning);
• Non-accredited company or industry based-training;
• Working with experts in your field;
You may apply for RPL if you feel that the prior learning you have acquired
meets the prescribed requirements of the equivalent subject offered by Chartall
Business College as part of the BBA. This can be determined initially by
reviewing the module outlines on the [Link] website.
If you are applying for RPL for exemption, you will also need to comply with all
the admission requirements for the qualification first.
You may not apply for credit in a module that you have previously attempted
unsuccessfully at Chartall Business College.
No more than 50% of the BBA can be awarded as exemptions and no third year
subjects can be exempted.
3|Page RPL-CAT student guide [Link]
About Credit Accumulation & Transfer (CAT) in higher
education
3. What is CAT?
CAT applies to subjects that you have formally studied, been assessed for and
passed at another higher educational institution in South Africa. These subjects
must match the Chartall Business College subjects as follows:
• Be at the same academic level (or higher);
• Have the same number of credits (or higher);
• Have the same or highly similar subject content (or more detail);
• Have been obtained during the course of your enrolment on the same
type of academic programme (i.e. an undergraduate degree).
4. The difference between RPL and subject exemptions (credit
accumulation & transfer - CAT)
If you want to apply to transfer subjects previously completed at another higher
education institution, you need to complete and submit the CAT application form
(attached).
5. How long will it take?
5.1 Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for access:
• Make an application by completing the RPL for Access portfolio form (to
get the actual portfolio sent to you).
• If you need assistance contact Chartall Business College
• The Chartall Business College Academic Council and faculty will review
your application and give you feedback within one month of your
application.
• There is a non-refundable administration fee that is payable when you
request the portfolio.
4|Page RPL-CAT student guide [Link]
5.2 Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for exemption:
• Make sure you meet the degree entry requirements, review the subject
contents on the web site ([Link]) and work out which
subjects you think you could RPL for.
• Make an initial application by completing the Initial RPL for Exemption
application form.
• There is a non-refundable RPL administration fee that is payable when you
submit your initial application.
• The Chartall Business College Academic Council and faculty will review
your initial application and give you feedback within one week of your
application.
• If the outcome of the initial application is that you may go ahead with RPL
for exemption, you must enrol for the degree by completing the Chartall
Business College application form. You will need to pay the required, non-
refundable, degree application fee when you submit this application form.
• There is a non-refundable fee per subject that you want to RPL for. This
is payable on enrolment.
• Complete the RPL for exemption application form.
• The Chartall Business College faculty will contact you to prepare you for
the RPL process. They will tell you what additional information you will be
required to submit. This could include:
o A portfolio of biographical information
o Completion of a workplace assignment;
o Completion of a challenge examination;
o Completion of a portfolio with real-world documents;
o An interview;
• It is then up to you to collate the required evidence into a portfolio for
assessment (separate evidence per subject will be required). You will be
guided on this by the faculty member -either online or by phone or face-
to-face. The time you take to collect your evidence is then up to you.
• Your submission will be assessed by the faculty and you will be given
feedback on the success of your application for exemption within one
month.
5|Page RPL-CAT student guide [Link]
• You may not enrol for more than five subjects per semester (this includes
those you are completing via RPL). You may to enrol for subjects to start
studying while you are doing your RPL.
• You will be guided by the faculty while you are doing RPL, but there is no
training that will be provided at all.
5.3 Credit Accumulation & Transfer (CAT)
• The Chartall Business College Academic Council and faculty will review
your application and give you feedback within one week of your
application.
• You do not need to be an enrolled student to be considered for CAT but
there is a non-refundable administration fee that is payable when you
submit your application.
6|Page RPL-CAT student guide [Link]
Summary of each process
6. Process for RPL for access:
2. If you do not meet the 3. Complete the RPL for
entry requirements access portfolio.
1. Review the entry
complete the RPL for access Workshops will be available
requirements
application for the portfolio ionline each month for
and pay the required fee. those who need help
6. You may appeal in writing 5. Answer within one month
- yes or no (with reasons) 4. Submit portfolio to
to the Academic Council if Chartall Campus by courier
dissatified
7. Final answer within one
week.
7|Page RPL-CAT student guide [Link]
7. Process for RPL for exemption
1. Make sure you meet the
entry requirements fully 2. Complete the initial RPL 3. Academic Council will
for exemption application reply within one week -
[Link] form - after reviewing you decide to apply for
/bachelor-business- subject outcomes (fee admission or exit the
administration-bba- payable) process
degree/
5. Once accepted on the
6. Faculty will contact you 4. Apply for degree
degree, apply formally for
regarding evidence admission - completing
RPL - completing RPL
required. A fee per subject Chartall Application form
exemption application
is payable. and paying admission fee
form
7. Attend prepare for RPL
exemption session, 8. Submit evidence for 9. Evidence is assessed by
complete portfolio per assessment faculty within one month
subject
10. Outcome will be:
a. No subject exemption (you
may appeal for a review)
b. Subject exemption granted
8|Page RPL-CAT student guide [Link]
8. Process for CAT
2. If you feel your 3. Submit form to
1. Review the subject
existing degree credits BBA@[Link]
outlines on
match, complete the with proof of
[Link]
RPL & CAT application payment of
.com
form (CAT section) administration fee
5. You may appeal in 4. Answer within one
6. Final answer within writing to the week - yes or no
one week. Academic Council if (with reasons)
dissatified
7. Enrol for the
degree, your credits
will be transfered
Fees for RPL and CAT:
Description of fee Fee payable
RPL for access portfolio of evidence R2000 (payable to access the
portfolio)
Initial RPL exemption application R500 (payable on submission)
RPL exemption per subject (after R3500 per subject (payable to access
initial application has been successful) the portfolio/s)
CAT application R500 (payable on submission)
9|Page RPL-CAT student guide [Link]
RPL for access - application form to get the access
portfolio
This form is for students who want to enrol on the Chartall Business College
BBA without meeting the stipulated entry requirements. This form is to
request the RPL for Access portfolio of evidence which must be completed and
submitted to Chartall Business College within six months of this form being
submitted.
A non-refundable fee (see list of fees) must accompany this
application before the RPL for Access portfolio will be sent to the
prospective student.
Surname
First name/s
Email address
Cell number
Work number
(direct line)
Employer
Current position
Highest school Name of highest qualification:
leaving or other Subject Grade
certificate, subjects
and grades
10 | P a g e RPL-CAT student guide [Link]
Declaration of Understanding
This agreement comprises of TWO sections:
Part 1: Financial undertaking
I agree that:
• This is only the initial RPL for access application form and it must be
accompanied by a non-refundable payment.
Part 2: RPL assessment
I understand:
• My rights and responsibilities1 as an RPL candidate.
• The process to be followed in applying for RPL for access (as per the RPL
& CAT student guide).
• That I must still complete an RPL for access portfolio of evidence (a
template will be sent to me).
• Support for my RPL for access process will be online. There will be
scheduled online session and tutorial groups. Attendance is optional.
• That I must submit the completed portfolio of evidence within six months
of this application.
• If I should appeal against the findings of the Academic Council, I may only
do this in writing and if I submit additional, relevant evidence to the
Programme Manager.
RPL declaration
Name and surname
Date
Signature
Place of signature
1
Rights = to a fair and equitable RPL process and assessment, with support and
guidance. Responsibilities = to be truthful and only submit authentic evidence for
assessment.
11 | P a g e RPL-CAT student guide [Link]
Initial RPL for exemption application form
This form is for students who want to evaluate if their workplace learning is
likely to be sufficient to exempt them from subjects on the Chartall Business
College BBA. This is not the end of the RPL for exemption process and
additional assessment will be required to actually award the exemptions.
A non-refundable fee (see fee schedule) must accompany this initial
application.
Surname
First name/s
ID number
(submit certified copy)
Passport number
(if no ID number, certified
copy)
Email address
Cell number
Work number
(direct line)
Employer
Current position
National Senior
Certificate
(‘matric’) subjects
and grades
12 | P a g e RPL-CAT student guide [Link]
Study/training history
In the space below, please enter particulars of certificates, diplomas etc. which you have
received for attending short courses, in-service training courses and other similar activities.
Name Start and end dates of Awarding institution
(e.g. Management skills) course (e.g. Employer name or ABC
(e.g. 3 June – 7 June 2015) College)
Add an additional page if necessary
13 | P a g e RPL-CAT student guide [Link]
Experience profile
In the block below, please summarise your experience in the subject discipline that you are
applying for Recognition of Prior Learning. Also attach a detailed CV and a signed copy of at
least your most recent job description (signed by your manager to attest to its authenticity)
Job title Employer Duration
(e.g. bank manager) (full name of employer) (e.g. 2015 - 2017)
Add an additional page if necessary
14 | P a g e RPL-CAT student guide [Link]
Motivation for your subject exemption
Complete one form per subject using the template below as a guideline:
Please provide a detailed motivation of at least 300 words for each separate
exemption claim. (Note you can only claim exemptions for subjects in the first and
second years. No third-year subjects will be exempted.)
Subject
My motivation for exemption:
Certified copies of any relevant courses attended to support my claim for
exemption:
15 | P a g e RPL-CAT student guide [Link]
Declaration of Understanding
This agreement comprises of TWO sections:
Part 1: Financial undertaking
I agree that:
• This is only the initial RPL application form and it must be accompanied by
a non-refundable payment.
• No feedback will be given until the above-mentioned fee has been
received by Chartall Business College.
• If my initial application for RPL is successful, I acknowledge that an
additional RPL for exemption fee will be paid per subject that I apply for
(see fees below).
• The actual RPL assessment costs will be calculated on the number of
subjects assessed and not on the number of exemptions awarded.
• Payment must be made in full before I will receive an official RPL
Assessment Feedback letter.
Part 2: RPL assessment
I understand:
• My rights and responsibilities2 as an RPL candidate.
• The process to be followed in applying for RPL (as per the RPL & CAT
student guide).
• The duration of the RPL process.
• That I must have applied for and been accepted for admission to the
Bachelor of Business administration BEFORE I apply for RPL exemption
(not this initial application, the actual application).
• That my qualification cannot be awarded with distinction if any RPL credit
is granted.
• That I may enrol for a maximum of five subjects per semester. This
includes RPL for exemption subjects.
• That I may not be granted exemption for more than 50% of my
qualification, whether by RPL or credit transfer.
• That I may not apply for RPL for any subject which I have attempted
unsuccessfully in the last five years.
• If I should appeal against the findings of the Academic Council, I may only
do this in writing and if I submit additional, relevant evidence to the
Programme Manager.
2
Rights = to a fair and equitable RPL process and assessment, with support and
guidance. Responsibilities = to be truthful and only submit authentic evidence for
assessment.
16 | P a g e RPL-CAT student guide [Link]
RPL declaration
I declare that the evidence submitted is authentic and verifiable.
Name and surname
Date
Signature
Place of signature
Checklist to accompany your application
Tick to ensure you
have submitted it
Initial RPL Application Form (available on
[Link] and BBA@[Link])
Certified copies of your highest school-leaving certificate
Certified copies of all relevant certificates/diplomas and
copies of syllabi of relevant courses if possible
Detailed CV – with a focus on your skills and knowledge
acquired in each position
Detailed current job description (company branded),
signed off by a line manager with their contact details
Certified copy of ID or alternative form of ID (you must be
25 years and older to qualify for the RPL for exemption
process.)
The signed Declaration of Understanding
Proof of payment of the application fee (please use your
surname as reference number)
17 | P a g e RPL-CAT student guide [Link]
Credit Accumulation & Transfer (CAT) application form
This form is for students who want to apply for the transfer of credits already
achieved at other South African higher educational institutions. This is so that
they will not need to repeat equivalent subjects on the Chartall Business
College BBA.
A non-refundable fee (see fee schedule) must accompany this initial
application.
Surname
First name/s
ID number
(submit certified copy)
Passport number
(if no ID number, certified copy)
Email address
Cell number
Work number (direct line)
Employer
Current position
Previous higher education
institution (name)
The registration number of the
provider (if private)
Qualification enrolled for
SAQA ID number of the qualification
Year of enrolment
Year of termination of studies
18 | P a g e RPL-CAT student guide [Link]
Subjects achieved
In the space below, please enter details of the subjects you have achieved
Subject code and name of subject Institution Year / NQF Credit value Month/Year Chartall
(e.g. MAN01 - Management) level (e.g. 15 achieved column – leave
(e.g. NQF 6) credits) (e.g. Nov 2015) blank
Add an additional page if necessary
Attach a full, certified transcript of your subject achievements, showing assessment outcome, credit value and date of achievement
Attach an official curriculum outline for each subject applied for
19 | P a g e RPL-CAT student guide [Link]
Declaration of Understanding
This agreement comprises of TWO sections:
Part 1: Financial undertaking
I agree that:
• This is CAT application form must be accompanied by a non-refundable
payment.
• No feedback will be given until the above-mentioned fee has been
received by Chartall Business College.
Part 2: CAT evaluation
I understand:
• My rights and responsibilities3 as an CAT candidate.
• The process to be followed in applying for CAT (as per the RPL & CAT
student guide).
• That a subject must be equivalent in terms of level, content and credit
value to be considered for CAT.
• That I must have applied for, and been accepted for, admission to the
Bachelor of Business administration BEFORE any credits are transferred.
• That my qualification cannot be awarded with distinction if any CAT credit
is granted.
• That I may not be granted exemption for more than 50% of my
qualification, whether by RPL or credit transfer.
• That no CAT exemptions can be applied for third year (NQF 7) subjects.
• That requests for CAT exemptions will be declined for subjects achieved
longer than 10 years ago. Some subjects where there is a faster pace of
change may require even more currency to be considered.
• If I should appeal against the findings of the Academic Council, I may only
do this in writing and if I submit additional, relevant evidence to the
Programme Manager.
CAT declaration
I declare that the evidence submitted is authentic and verifiable.
Name and surname
Date
Signature
Place of signature
3
Rights = to a fair and equitable RPL process and assessment, with support and
guidance. Responsibilities = to be truthful and only submit authentic evidence for
assessment.
20 | P a g e RPL-CAT student guide [Link]
Checklist to accompany your application
Tick to ensure you
have submitted it
CAT Application Form (available on
[Link] and BBA@[Link])
Certified copies of your highest school-leaving certificate
Certified copies of all relevant statements of results from
your last institution
Certified copies of syllabi of relevant subjects
Certified copy of ID or alternative form of ID (you must be
25 years and older to qualify for the RPL for exemption
process.)
The signed Declaration of Understanding
Proof of payment of the application fee (please use your
surname as reference number)
21 | P a g e RPL-CAT student guide [Link]