The APS has sought advice on the matter of RPL from the Psychology Board of Australia, which has stated there will be no recognition of prior learning.
The model proposed by the APS needs to work within the limits set by the regulators. The Psychology Board of Australia has made it clear that people are held to different standards depending upon whether they have an Area of Practice Endorsement or not.
Further, the Psychology Board of Australia has determined that continuing professional development (CPD) serves to maintain the level of qualification an individual has achieved, not to increase it.
This is supported by a Supreme Court decision that has determined the relevance of qualifications and training in differentiating psychologists. See https://jade.io/article/346549. These common law precedents have to be considered.
The APS notes the new pathway specifically designed for registered psychologists who have not completed an accredited 5th and 6th year level postgraduate course. This pathway is generally a one-year stand-alone program and once completed graduates are eligible for entry into the registrar program to obtain an Area of Practice Endorsement.
The APS remains committed to advocating to the Heads of Departments and Schools of Psychology Australia (HODSPA) for the commencement of these courses as soon as possible; we understand that universities are intending to start offering the courses in 2020.
Qualifications and training standards across all professions are lifting, and the APS is working to ensure the psychology profession is strengthened.