“Is Your Service Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Hurting Your Career More Than Helping It?”

Introduction

When military and police veterans transition to civilian careers, they often face one overwhelming challenge: translating years of service into qualifications that resonate with civilian employers. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) certifications promise a solution—formalising military skills into diplomas and certificates. But are these certifications always beneficial?

?Or are you being SCAMMED?

For many veterans, RPL unintentionally hinder career prospects rather than help them. Here’s why this issue deserves deeper scrutiny and what you can do to avoid common pitfalls.

The Case of Too Many Certifications

Take the story of Mark, a 15-year military veteran. Eager to maximise his chances in the civilian job market, Mark invested more than $15,000 dollars into obtaining 11 RPL certifications. His resume listed diplomas in areas ranging from project management to logistics, security, and risk management. It’s a typical scenario we see in the industry time and time again.

Mark assumed this broad array of qualifications would show his versatility and readiness for a civilian career. Instead, it worked against him. Recruiters found the long list of certifications confusing, even overwhelming. Hiring managers questioned the depth of his knowledge in any one area. Mark’s applications repeatedly failed to make it past the initial review.

Mark’s story is not unique. For veterans like him, RPL certifications can backfire in ways they never anticipated.

While the process for Mark to obtain the certifications was rudimentary application through his transition officer to an RTO… there wasn’t any further career advice or education on how to best use these certifications to maximise their benefits.

Why RPL Might Hurt Your Career

?1. Employer Perception Gaps

Many employers are unfamiliar with the concept of RPL and may undervalue the certifications. Without context or explanation, these qualifications may appear:

???? ??????????? Inflated: A long list of RPL certifications can seem superficial if employers don’t see the connection between them and the job’s requirements.

???? ??????????? Unproven: Recruiters often question the rigor of RPL assessments compared to traditional degrees or industry-recognised certifications.

?2. Diluting Your Brand

RPL is intended to highlight your skills, but when overused, it can dilute your personal brand. Instead of positioning you as an expert in a specific field, it often suggests a lack of focus or direction.

Employers are looking for depth, not just breadth. A resume filled with generalised certifications can make you seem like a “jack of all trades, master of none.”

?3. Industry-Specific Challenges

Different industries place different levels of value on RPL certifications.

Here’s a closer look:

???? ??????????? Cybersecurity: This industry is highly credential-driven. Employers will prioritise certifications like CISSP, CISM, those in from Offsec, Mosse Cyber Security Institute (MCSI), Fortinet, AWS and SANS over RPL diplomas and very often over formal degrees. They question whether an RPL in security adequately demonstrates any technical or non-technical proficiency required for the role, and almost always will reject an application on this basis.

???? ??????????? Project Management: While an RPL diploma in project management may look good, employers might still prefer candidates with certifications like PMP, PMBok, PRINCE2, Agile and Scrum Master which are globally recognised and carry more weight.

???? ??????????? Logistics and Operations: In roles requiring specific tools or methodologies, an RPL diploma may not address the practical experience employers need to see. Generally, there is no real way to prove your experience or capability.

?4. Cost vs. Value

The financial investment in RPL can be significant, often running into thousands of dollars. For veterans like Mark, the return on investment isn’t always clear. If the certifications fail to resonate with employers or align with industry needs, they may represent more of a sunk cost than a stepping stone.

New to the cybersecurity world as of December 2024 is the University of Southern Queensland Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity which requires micro credentialing, industry certifications and an FREE RPL assessment that together accounts for the first two years of study off the degree. The final year is in a work placement whether that is an internship, job or apprentice type of role.

This entire degree was designed and tested with military veterans and is now open to everyone globally. At a cost of less than $10,000 AUD ($6207 US) it is clear to see where you can get significant value for you time and money while utilising your RPL.

RPL certifications have their place, but they aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution

?How to Make RPL Work for You

?1. Be Strategic with Your Certifications

Focus on quality over quantity. Instead of collecting every possible RPL diploma, identify the certifications most relevant to your target industry. Highlight one or two that truly reflect your skills and the job’s requirements.

?2. Bridge the Gap with Recognised Credentials

If you’re transitioning into a field like cybersecurity or project management, complement your RPL with certifications that carry industry recognition, such as:

???? ??????????? ISC2 CISSP, Offsec, MCIS or Fortinet in cybersecurity.

???? ??????????? PMP or PRINCE2 for project management.

?3. Customise Your Resume

Tailor your resume for each role by selecting the most relevant certifications and providing context for how they align with the job. Avoid listing every RPL you’ve obtained—employers value focus over quantity.

4. Leverage Veteran Transition Programs

Organisations like Solve Transition specialise in helping veterans align their military skills with civilian careers. Through mentoring, targeted training, and industry networking, they can help you craft a career strategy that goes beyond just collecting certifications.

?Key Takeaway

RPL certifications have their place, but they aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Overloading your resume with diplomas or relying solely on RPL to demonstrate your value can hurt your career prospects. Instead, take a focused, strategic approach.

Your military experience is more than a collection of certifications—it’s a demonstration of discipline, leadership, and adaptability. Let those qualities shine, and use RPL as a tool, not a crutch, to build a career that reflects your full potential.

If you want to better understand the capabilities and strengths you bring from service you are more than welcome to undertake our Capability Assessment with Solve Transition for FREE and receive your personalised report that you can then use for your resume, cover letter, and interview. To obtain access go to https://solvetransition.com/ and send an email through.

Have you had experience with RPL certifications? Did they help or hurt your career journey? Share your thoughts below.

?Podcast Teaser:

Want to dive deeper into the pros and cons of RPL for veterans? In my upcoming podcast, we’ll explore real stories, industry insights, and strategies to maximize your career transition. Stay tuned!

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#VeteransInTransition #RecognitionOfPriorLearning #SolveTransition

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