Training> Recognition of Current Purchasing Capabilities (RCPC)
Recognition of Current Purchasing Capabilities (RCPC)
The Purchasing Certification Program provides individuals who have completed relevant training and assessment and/or have relevant work experience the opportunity to have this recognised through RCPC. The following links provide access to further information regarding the RCPC process and procedures:
What is Recognition of Current Purchasing Capabilities (RCPC)?
Who is eligible to apply for RCPC?
What are the costs involved in undertaking RCPC assessment?
What is self-assessment?
Why undertake a self-assessment?
Self assessment Template (levels 2 to 4)
What is the process involved in obtaining RCPC?
For further information or assistance please contact Queensland Government Chief Procurement Office on +61 7 3235 4333 or email courserego@qgcpo.qld.gov.au.
What is Recognition of Current Purchasing Capabilities (RCPC)?
Recognition of Current Purchasing Capabilities (RCPC) is specific to the Purchasing Certification Program but follows the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) requirements for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
RCPC is available for those who consider they have the capabilities required for certification at levels 2, 3 and 4.
The purpose of assessment through Recognition of Current Purchasing Capabilities is:
- To have relevant training and/or experience formally recognised; and
- To determine any training and/or development gaps.
An applicant is assessed under RCPC on the basis of their specific knowledge and demonstrated experience as defined by the Certification Program's Purchasing Capabilities at each level. Elements that would generally be considered under an RPL system (such as 'life experience') that are not specific to purchasing are not considered in the assessment process under Recognition of Current Purchasing Capabilities.
(A sound indoctrination in government purchasing policy is fundamental to successful purchasing outcomes. It is important that those seeking RCPC at any level can demonstrate their ability to understand and apply both State and Local purchasing policies as stipulated in Level 1 capabilities and associated training.)
The criteria for RCPC includes:
- an independent assessment of capabilities;
- currency of training or relevant experience; and
- evidence of an adequate level and quality of documented training or relevant experience.
The principle of RCPC is that if the applicant wants to have training, other than specified training, and/or demonstrated work experience considered as the basis of certification, responsibility is on the applicant to demonstrate it is equivalent in terms of level and content.
Students who possess Statements of Attainment relating to Public Service Training Package (PSTP) procurement competencies can be assessed for credits in relation to the Purchasing Certification Program courses.
Advanced Standing - is credit for knowledge acquired in a variety of ways including previous studies and relevant work experience. The applicant must demonstrate a level of skill and knowledge equivalent to the capability requirements for the level applied for. It is a natural entry point into the certification system that is generally granted on the proviso that further training and assessment be undertaken in order to achieve certification. It does not constitute a full RCPC application, it is just an entry point. Certification is not awarded for advanced standing.
Cross Credit - is direct credit given for equivalent approved training and assessment undertaken. Certification may be awarded.
For further information or assistance please contact Queensland Government Chief Procurement Office on +61 7 3235 4333 or email courserego@qgcpo.qld.gov.au.
Who is eligible to apply for RCPC?
RCPC is available for those who can demonstrate the capabilities required at levels 2 to 4 by registering for and completing appropriate assessment, and/or by providing documentary evidence of training already completed together with results of assessment of that training already completed.
For further information or assistance please contact Queensland Government Chief Procurement Office on +61 7 3235 4333 or email courserego@qgcpo.qld.gov.au.
What are the costs involved in undertaking RCPC assessment?
Certification level |
Cost of RCPC per level |
1 |
RCPC assessment is not available |
2 |
$748.00 |
3 |
$1,800.00 |
4 |
$2,500.00 |
As the certification system is cumulative, applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have met the capabilities of the previous level/s as well as the one applied for. For example, if you were to apply for RCPC at certification level 3, you would need to address the capabilities at levels 1, 2 and 3. The costs at each level take into account the requirements for assessment of the previous certification levels, if required.
NB: Prices listed above are only a guide and are GST inclusive.
For further information or assistance please contact Queensland Government Chief Procurement Office on +61 7 3235 4333 or email courserego@qgcpo.qld.gov.au.
What is self-assessment?
Self-assessment involves making an initial judgement of your ability to meet the capability requirements at a particular level. By familiarising yourself with the capability requirements, you are then able to link relevant training/assessment undertaken and/or relevant work experience with each capability and begin to compile your list of required evidence.
A template is provided to assist you with your self-assessment - Self Assessment Template (Word, 668kb)
Why undertake a self-assessment?
A self-assessment is a useful tool as it provides a starting point for commencing your application by prompting you to think about your training/assessment undertaken and/or workplace experience gained, and how this relates to the particular capability requirements of the level you wish to apply for.
Self-assessment is a mandatory requirement prior to making application for RCPC. By completing a self-assessment, a realistic assessment of your current level of purchasing capability can be determined. The self-assessment tool can guide you towards an informed decision (with the help of the Queensland Government Chief Procurement Office RCPC Co-ordinator) to either make application for RCPC or undertake further Purchasing Training and/or assessment.
For further information or assistance please contact Queensland Government Chief Procurement Office on +61 7 3235 4333 or email courserego@qgcpo.qld.gov.au.
Self Assessment Template
Download Self Assessment Template (levels 2 to 4) (Word, 668kb)
NB: The template is a word document. You must save the template to your local directory before completing. The template can be completed electronically by filling out the designated areas, however, it must be signed and mailed once complete.
For further information or assistance please contact Queensland Government Chief Procurement Office on +61 7 3235 4333 or email courserego@qgcpo.qld.gov.au.
Recognition of Current Purchasing Capabilities (RCPC) Process
The following flow chart provides a guide to the stages involved in achieving recognition in the certification system through Recognition of Current Purchasing Capabilities.
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The applicant is required to contact the RCPC Co-ordinator to register their interest in applying for RCPC and to receive further information. |
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Initially the applicant will be asked to complete a self-assessment to be submitted to the Queensland Government Chief Procurement Office RCPC Coordinator.
The RCPC co-ordinator will then advise the applicant if they are suitable for RCPC, or may identify the need to undertake further training and/or assessment or make alternate arrangements for Advanced Standing or Cross Credit. |
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The applicant will then formally apply to Queensland Government Chief Procurement Office with payment to receive the full Recognition of Current Purchasing Capabilities Kit. |
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Upon completion, the applicant will submit their application to Queensland Government Chief Procurement Office who register the application and forward it to the assessor. |
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The assessor identifies any knowledge and/or evidence gaps and informs the applicant of any additional requirements. |
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The assessor contacts the applicant to arrange a suitable interview time (either face-to-face or by phone depending on location and availability). |
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The assessor submits their final report on the assessment process to Queensland Government Chief Procurement Office and the applicant is notified of the outcome. |
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Queensland Government Chief Procurement Office issues the applicant with a certification certificate. |
For further information or assistance please contact Queensland Government Chief Procurement Office on +61 7 3235 4333 or email courserego@qgcpo.qld.gov.au.
Last updated November 2007
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