Early Childhood Education Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Program
What Is RPL?
RPL is an assessment of your past education & professional experience to determine if you meet the criteria for a Level 2 ECE classification in Nova Scotia.
RPL is not a course. It is a series of exams & interviews used to assess your knowledge & skill level. Successful completion of RPL does not grant a diploma or any other credential from any college or university, and is not transferable in college or university Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR) processes.
Overview of the RPL Process
- Review the Program Guide
- Submit RPL Application & upload required support documents using the online form & pay application /eligibility fee
- Receive & review the Candidate Examination Package
- Prepare for the examination
- Register for the examination & pay examination fee
- Pass the written examination, review results & feedback
- Receive & Review the Candidate Situational Interview Package
- Prepare for the situational interview
- Register for the situational interview & pay registration fee
- Pass the situational interview
- If successful, receive results along with the RPL Program Successful Completion Certificate and Letter
- Apply for Classification Upgrade with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
RPL Fees – Effective November 2023
To help reduce the cost to participate, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is pleased to provide funds to cover the application, exam, & interview fees for 20 applicants, who are currently working in regulated child care, or Family Home Day Care licensed by the Province of Nova Scotia, or a Pre-primary Program until the end of 2024. Funding is tied to candidate participation in exam & interview preparation programs through Opportunity Place.
There is an option on the RPL application form to indicate you wish to receive government funding for this process.
Application
- Fee = $500.00
- HST = $75.00
Exam
- Fee = $1150.00
- HST = $172.50
Interview
- Fee = $1150.00
- HST = $172.50
TOTAL COST
- Fee = $2800.00
- HST = $420
Recognizing Prior Learning can be applied to:
- Hiring and Recruitment
By providing a measurable standard of competency for an ECE Level 2 Classification in Nova Scotia.
- Training
By providing an opportunity for candidates to engage in self- directed learning to demonstrate their competencies in ECE through non-traditional methods of learning.
- Competency Development
By requiring skills and standards of performance and transparent, reliable assessment processes
- Performance evaluation
By assessing a candidate’s competency using standardized and validated assessment tools
- Succession and Career Planning
By successfully completing the RPL Program candidates can upgrade their classification level which can lead to opening up career opportunities.
- Employee/Labour Relations
By supporting and recognizing the professional development of employees against a standard of competency.
- Recognition of Competency
By successfully completing the RPL Program enables the candidate to apply for a classification upgrade.
Photo Courtesy of Through the Years Child Care & Community Centre
– Successful RPL Candidate
– Successful RPL Candidate
Level 2 Early Childhood Educator Competency Profile for Nova Scotia
March 2021
RPL Program Accommodations
The following outlines the principles and responsibilities for the provision of accommodations within the assessment process for Candidates in the RPL Program.
RPL Program Information for Employers
RPL is the process used to identify, document, assess and recognize existing skills and knowledge.
RPL Program Complaints & Appeals Process
The following outline the principles and administrative process(es) by which a RPL Program Candidate may register a complaint with respect to the conduct of any individual or the management and administration of the RPL Program
RPL Program FAQ
RPL Program Resource List
RPL Program Guide
RPL Policies and Procedures