ARPL 2025

What is ARPL?

The process of assessing a candidate’s experience rather than their theoretical knowledge, and identifying the gaps if any, closing those gaps and testing the candidate so they can receive a formal qualification.

From 1 September 2019 all candidates who are not in a formal apprenticeship must do an ARPL test, it is compulsory.

What are the requirements for ARPL:

• Application form

• Certified copy of ID

• Certified copy of highest qualification

• Curriculum vitae (CV)

• Service letter

(Letter from employer verifying experience)

1. start and end date of service to be specified

2. tasks carried out should be specified and trade specific

Highest qualification and work experience needed for ARPL

  • Minimum three (3) years relevant work experience within South Africa and N2 four subjects’ certificate or equivalent qualification including relevant trade theory,

Or

  • Minimum three (3) years relevant work experience within South Africa and Relevant
    Engineering NC(V) NQF level 3,

Or

  • Minimum three (3) years relevant work experience within South Africa and Technical Grade 12 with Mathematics, Engineering Science and related theory subject,

Or

  • Minimum Eighteen (18) months relevant work experience within South Africa, completed of all relevant work experience modules and Relevant Engineering NC(V) NQF level 4

Or

  • Minimum Eighteen (18) months relevant work experience within South Africa and relevant (Directly related to the trade theory subjects) N6 certificate or National Technical Diploma (S and N Stream)

Or

  • Minimum four (4) years’ work experience within South Africa with Grade 9 (Standard 7)

ARPL Process

High school student filling out test answers with pen
1. An assessor will interview and fill in a questionnaire with you
electrician testing industrial machine
3. You will demonstrate your experience in your trade via a practical task and fill in a questionnaire with you
Study concentrated mixed race student male prepares for important college library scholarship test
2. You will be asked to do a theory assessment
Hand showing thumbs up gesture
4. Feedback on points 1 to 3
If you are found competent you will proceed to the trade test. If you are not yet competent, the gap training will be identified to get you to the trade test level.

What is gap training?

Gap training in South Africa’s artisan field refers to targeted skills development programs designed to address deficiencies between an individual’s current competencies and the requirements of a formal trade qualification. Often linked to the Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) process, it identifies gaps through assessments by bodies like the National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB). This training bridges theoretical knowledge, practical skills, or workplace experience gaps, ensuring artisans meet the Occupational Qualification standards. It prepares candidates for trade tests. If these gaps are small enough for us to polish up and train you in, we will do this for the duration based on the recommendation of the assessment.

This will give the candidate an opportunity to head back to the workplace or an accredited training center such as ours where he can then learn these skills.

We also offer this service to candidates who have done their ARPL assessments at other centers and have received recommendations. Please make this report available should you wish to apply with us.

For costing of the ARPL Assessment

GET A QUOTE

For additional information please contact training@aitf.co.za