European inventory on validation of non-formal and informal learning 2023 update: Ireland

Since 2018, there have been significant developments and investment in RPL in both the further education and training (FET) and higher education (HE) sectors, and to some extent in community (adult) education.

At the moment, RPL provision across the country is uneven, with examples of good practice in relation to specific communities, (economic) sectors or qualifications. This bottom-up, demand-driven model means that RPL is being developed to meet the needs of learners, employers, and regional contexts. Providing dedicated funding for pilots and projects has worked well to date, because it has enabled providers and practitioners to test approaches and then to identify and share good practice through the national networks and communities that have been set up for this purpose.

Frameworks, guidance, information and training in both FET and HE are supporting greater awareness and capability amongst providers and practitioners. In time, as these become more embedded, RPL will be made available to greater numbers of individuals and will be implemented in a more consistent manner.