Register for the RPL Digital Badge: Starting September 2026
The Recognition of Prior Learning Digital Badge
Register by Friday 18th September 2026.
We are delighted to announce the return of the RPL Digital Badge, a free course designed specifically for staff working in tertiary education. Offered by the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching & Learning, this fully online course provides a flexible and comprehensive introduction to the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
With hundreds of badges already issued over previous iterations, this course has proven to be an invaluable resource for educators looking to deepen their understanding of RPL and its application within higher education. Whether you're new to RPL or looking to refine your approach, this course offers the tools and knowledge needed to enhance your practice and benefit your institution.
The RPL Digital Badge is designed to support a wide range of colleagues across higher and further education, with past participants spanning academic staff and teams in recruitment and admissions, lifelong learning, quality assurance, teaching and learning, administration, and many other roles involved in enabling effective RPL practice. It also creates a valuable space to connect with peers from across the wider tertiary sector, helping to build shared understanding and confidence in RPL processes.
The badge is delivered through six webinars, each featuring guest speakers who bring practical insight and specialist expertise, and all sessions are recorded to ensure flexibility for participants balancing varied workloads and schedules.
Course Programme and Delivery Dates
- Commencing Wednesday 23rd September 2026
- Running over 6 weeks, concluding Wednesday 4th November 2026
- Live Webinars every Wednesday from 9:30am – 11:00am
- Webinar Duration: 90 mins
- Facilitated by Dr. Ciara Staunton and Dr. Clare Walsh
Please note webinars are recorded.
There are 25 learner effort hours required for the successful completion of this badge, which can be broken down as follows:
- Live Webinars every Wednesday from 9:30 – 11:00am (9 hours)
- Peer Triad Participation for one hour per week (6 hours)
- Self-directed learning through engagement with the course materials and associated activities (10 hours)
Registration Closes Friday 18th September. All applicants are guaranteed a place, with course enrolment information distributed on Monday 21st September.
“I would recommend it to colleagues based on the delivery of this iteration - it was excellent!”
Key Outcomes to Date
Since its inception, the RPL Digital Badge has established itself as a growing community of practice, helping to advance professional development and sectoral engagement with Recognition of Prior Learning across Ireland's tertiary education sector.
The badge equips individuals with the knowledge and confidence to apply RPL in their own contexts and helps to support inclusive, learner-centred education. Here are some of the key outcomes of the badge deliveries thus far:
- 900+ staff registered for the RPL Digital Badge, with 400+ badges issued
- 59 facilitator badges issued, empowering participants to deliver the badge and support RPL development within their own institutions
- 66% of badge earners are based in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs); of these, more than half hold academic roles
- 96% satisfaction rate reported among surveyed participants
- Strong cross-sector engagement, with high levels of collaboration and participation from both academic and professional services staff
These outcomes reflect a growing sector-wide recognition of RPL as a critical element in creating flexible, accessible pathways for learners.
The RPL Digital Badge was originally developed by the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, in partnership with:
- Dr Deirdre Goggin, Munster Technological University (MTU)
- Dr Cathal de Paor, Mary Immaculate College (MIC)
- With updates and ongoing delivery facilitated by Dr Clare Walsh and Dr Ciara Staunton, RPL in Higher Education Project, a Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 3 initiative.
For more information, contact Dr Clare Walsh (clare.walsh@tua.ie) or Dr Ciara Staunton (Ciara.staunton@tua.ie).
