Type of recognition
Learning participation and brief reflection (Organized Learning, lightly evaluated)
Aligned to Learning Agents Flexible Spectrum of Recognition:

Learning Objectives
Putting RPL Into Career Development Practice
This session explores the use of RPL in career advising.
Learning content
SESSION RECORDING
(Introduction, Lindsay, Liz & Barbara’s presentations, Round Up, does not include breakouts, linked below)
Introduction deck
- Presentation 1: Hidden Credits: How Recognition of Prior Learning Fuels CCDP Career Journeys
Lindsay Guitard, Registrar and Manager, Career Certification, NSCDA
Presentation deck
Breakout recording
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) makes the invisible visible, turning the lived and professional experiences of Career Development Practitioners into recognized competencies that support certification and continued growth. Within the CCDP program, RPL plays a vital role in helping practitioners map their knowledge, skills, and experience to national standards, transforming what they’ve already accomplished into formal recognition and career advancement.
As Canada’s career landscape evolves amid rapid economic change, RPL offers more than a pathway to certification. It is a framework for lifelong learning. This session explores how CCDPs can leverage RPL not only to achieve certification but also to maintain and expand it through meaningful, self-directed professional development. Together, we will explore how recognizing experience fuels confidence, competence, and career mobility in an ever-shifting world of work.
- Presentation 2: From Experience to Evidence: How Elevates Career Development
Elizabeth Nicholas, Virtual Employment & Education Specialist, Trenton Military Family Resource Centre
Presentation deck
Breakout recording
The field of Career Development is evolving, and so are the expectations of the clients we serve. Harnessing tools to fortify your practice has never been more important. More than just an academic tool, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) transforms everyday career conversations, revealing hidden potential while strengthening client confidence.
- Presentation 3: Hidden Sector, Hidden Talent: Career Development and Prior Learning Communities in Canada
Barbara Wilson, CCDP, Consulting Director, Challenge Factory
Presentation deck
Breakout recording
In 2023, Challenge Factory published groundbreaking research that identified who Canadians turn to for career, education, and employment advice and guidance. The findings revealed the breadth and depth of a robust, but hidden sector. This session will reveal where Prior Learning fits within this ecosystem, who we can forge stronger relationships with, and how to ensure our impact is brought into the light.
Learning Experience, Activities
This 90 minute webinar session featured:
- 3 presenters for a total of 60 minutes of webinar presentation
- 30 minutes of detailed discussion with peers and experts in a choice of 3 virtual breakout rooms, one per presenter
- Follow-up professional reflection using a scaffolded form
Assessment
After the webinar session, the badge recipient completed a badge application reflecting on what they learned and how they might apply it in their professional practice.
This is a Reflective Learner participation badge with no formal assessment of learning, just light validation of the badge recipient's professional reflections.
Estimated learning effort
2 hours, including post-webinar reflection
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
The Institute for Performance and Learning (I4PL) endorses CAPLA and the practice of RPL.
This badge is a professional learning record that can count as 2 CEUs toward maintenance of I4PL's Certified Training and Development Professional™ (CTDP) certification.
About CAPLA

The Canadian Association for Prior Learning Assessment (CAPLA) supports and advocates for the awareness, acceptance, and better practice of Recognition of Prior Learning processes, knowledge, skills, and attributes for all people.
What is Recognition of Prior Learning?
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a set of processes that allows individuals to identify,
document, be assessed, and gain recognition for their prior learning. The focus is on the learning, rather than on where or how the learning occurred. Knowledge, skills, and abilities
gained from life experiences may be formal, informal, or non-formal. RPL processes may serve several purposes, including: credit or advanced standing at an academic institution, licensure and professional certification, employment, career planning, community recognition or self-knowledge.
Adapted from the CAPLA RPL Quality Assurance Manual
This badge was issued in partnership with CanCred.ca.
