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11242NAT - Graduate Diploma of Sandtray Therapy

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Pathway to 11242NAT Graduate Diploma of Sandtray Therapy

Experienced practitioners may be eligible to gain the 11242NAT Graduate Diploma of Sandtray Therapy through a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pathway.

RPL is an evidence-based assessment process that recognises skills, knowledge and competence gained through formal education, professional practice, non-formal learning and relevant experience. It enables eligible practitioners to demonstrate what they already know and can do, rather than unnecessarily repeating learning they have already achieved.

The RPL process is conducted in accordance with the ASQA Standards for RTOs 2025, ensuring that decisions are fair, transparent, consistent and based on sufficient evidence while maintaining the integrity of the nationally recognised qualification.

RPL is not a fast-track qualification or a reduced standard. A qualification is only awarded where the learner can demonstrate the required competency through appropriate evidence and assessment.

An initial $150 enrolment fee applies for the eligibility screening and assessment of your suitability for the RPL pathway

Course Description

Process Overview

The RPL pathway provides experienced practitioners with a structured opportunity to have their existing skills, knowledge and professional experience assessed against the requirements of the 11242NAT Graduate Diploma of Sandtray Therapy.

The process is designed to identify what you already know and can demonstrate, determine where your existing competence aligns with the qualification, and identify any areas where further learning or assessment may be required.

1. Prior Learning & Professional Experience
We begin by reviewing your previous education, professional qualifications, Sandtray Therapy training, clinical experience, supervision, professional practice and other relevant learning. This may include formal, non-formal and informal learning.

2. RPL Eligibility Screening
An initial screening determines whether your background and experience are appropriate for consideration through the RPL pathway. This includes reviewing your qualifications, professional experience and previous Sandtray Therapy learning. An initial $150 eligibility screening fee applies.

3. Evidence Collection
Eligible applicants are guided to identify and submit evidence that demonstrates their existing competence. Evidence may include qualifications, training records, professional portfolios, case studies, reflective practice, supervision records, workplace documentation, reports and other relevant evidence.

4. Mapping to 11242NAT
Your evidence is systematically mapped against the units of competency and assessment requirements of 11242NAT. This ensures that previous learning and experience are assessed against the actual requirements of the nationally recognised qualification.

5. Rigorous Assessment
An assessor evaluates the evidence to determine whether it is sufficient, authentic, current and relevant. Where necessary, additional assessment activities may be used to confirm competence, such as professional discussion, written responses, practical demonstrations, case studies or other assessment methods.

6. Competency Decision
A formal assessment decision is made for each relevant competency. Where the evidence demonstrates the required standard, competency is recognised through RPL. Where evidence is insufficient, further evidence or assessment may be required.

7. Gap Training Where Required
If areas of knowledge or competence are identified that have not yet been demonstrated, the learner is provided with an opportunity to undertake targeted gap training and/or additional assessment. This ensures that all qualification requirements are met rather than assuming that previous experience automatically demonstrates competency.

8. Completion of Outstanding Requirements
The learner completes any remaining training, assessment, professional practice, evidence or other requirements identified through the RPL process.

9. Issuance of the Graduate Diploma
Once all requirements of 11242NAT Graduate Diploma of Sandtray Therapy have been successfully completed and competency has been confirmed across the qualification, the nationally recognised qualification can be issued.

A Fair and Rigorous Pathway

Prior experience is valued — but competence must be demonstrated.

RPL does not guarantee a qualification based on experience alone. Every application is individually assessed against the requirements of 11242NAT, ensuring the same competency standards apply whether a learner completes the qualification through conventional study, RPL, or a combination of RPL and gap training.

Course dates

DateLocation 
1 Oct 2026 – 1 Mar 2027Opengate Institute Western Sydney Richmond NSWRegister

Delivery mode

Blended – online and face to face learning

Duration

RPL is available from the point of enrolment. The duration of an individual RPL pathway is determined by the learner’s existing skills, knowledge, experience and evidence, together with the assessment and any gap-training requirements identified by the RTO. There is no prescribed ASQA timeframe for completing RPL.

The 2025 Standards deliberately give RTOs more flexibility. ASQA’s guidance says the amount of training and course duration can be adjusted according to the learner’s existing skills, knowledge and experience. RPL can therefore legitimately reduce the amount of training and potentially the duration of the program.

An example is a learner applies for RPL, they must complete the required documentation (RPL KIT) unpon enrolment. Once eligibilty screening has approved the RPL the learner will be invoiced, upon payment their student portal will become accessible for the upload of evidence, completion of assessment and certificate issuance.

RPL is self-paced. You have access to your student portal where you will upload your RPL evidence and complete your assessments.

Entry requirements

RPL eligibility framework for 11242NAT

an RPL applicant could be considered suitable for an RPL assessment pathway where the applicant demonstrates:

1. Professional eligibility
The learner meets the established entry requirements for the Graduate Diploma.

2. Relevant prior learning
The learner has undertaken substantial prior study, professional development or other learning relevant to the knowledge and skills contained within 11242NAT.

3. Relevant professional practice
The learner has sufficient professional experience to provide meaningful evidence of the practical application of relevant competencies.

4. Sandtray Therapy experience
Where RPL is being sought for Sandtray Therapy-specific competencies, the learner must demonstrate actual prior learning and practice relevant to those competencies rather than relying solely on general counselling or therapeutic experience.

5. Evidence portfolio
The learner can provide sufficient evidence for the assessor to determine competency.

6. Currency
The evidence demonstrates that the learner’s skills and knowledge remain current and applicable to contemporary professional practice.

7. Authenticity
The learner can demonstrate that the submitted evidence is their own work and reflects their actual skills and professional practice.

8. Assessment readiness
The learner is willing and able to participate in interviews, professional discussions, written assessment, practical demonstration, observation or other assessment methods required by the RTO.

9. Gap training commitment
The learner agrees to undertake additional training and assessment where the RPL assessment identifies gaps.

10. Full course completion
The learner understands that the Graduate Diploma can only be awarded after all requirements of 11242NAT have been successfully demonstrated.

RPL applicant should generally be able to demonstrate:

A suitable professional or academic background relevant to therapeutic practice, counselling, psychology, social work, education, community services, youth work or another relevant cognate discipline, consistent with the course’s entry requirements.

Assessment requirements

The key principle in assessment:

The learner does not receive the qualification because they have experience. They receive recognition because their experience and prior learning have been rigorously assessed and demonstrated to meet the requirements of the qualification. This is consistent with ASQA’s current 2025 Standards. The Graduate Diploma training package delivers 8 units of competency including learning and assessment modules/units. Learners would need to sucessfully complete the assessment units embedded within the training package as well as uploading their RPL evidence.

Course fees

  • RPL Fee: $150.00 AUD paid by Student (upfront payment)
  • RPL Unit 1: $550.00 AUD paid by Student
  • RPL Unit 2: $550.00 AUD paid by Student
  • RPL Unit 3: $550.00 AUD paid by Student
  • RPL Unit 4: $550.00 AUD paid by Student
  • RPL Unit 5: $550.00 AUD paid by Student
  • RPL Unit 6: $550.00 AUD paid by Student
  • RPL Unit 7: $550.00 AUD paid by Student
  • RPL Unit 8: $550.00 AUD paid by Student

Payment Options

Debit/Credit card payment via secure system (Stripe) as well as Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).

Qualification

Graduate Diploma of Sandtray Therapy 11242NAT

Units of competency

Core Units

  • CHCCSL004 – Research and apply personality and development theories
  • CHCPRP003 – Reflect on and improve own professional practice
  • CHCPRP007 – Work within a clinical supervision framework
  • NAT11242001 – Conduct Sandtray Therapy sessions
  • NAT11242002 – Conclude and monitor sessions
  • NAT11242003 – Plan and provide Sandtray Therapy in a group setting
  • NAT11242004 – Apply symbol work in Sandtray Therapy
  • NAT11242005 – Apply advanced clinical Sandtray Therapy

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