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Nationally Recognised RPL Pathway

Certificate II in Transport Security Protection

AVI20325

You possess the specialised skills required to maintain the integrity of our national transport hubs and protect the travelling public. We are currently establishing partnerships with Registered Training Organisations to offer a recognition pathway for this qualification. Please register your interest to be notified when we can help you demonstrate that your experience meets the national standard.

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About This Qualification

This qualification is for roles requiring general and specialist skills to operate effectively in a broad range of transport security screening roles. Transport Security Screening Officer job roles may include: Air Cargo Examination OfficerAirport Screening OfficerMaritime Screening Officer. This qualification includes the units of competency required by Transport Security Screening Officers to perform transport security screening functions including, controlling access to security sensitive areas, undertaking physical searches, and identifying and managing weapons, explosives and prohibited items. A Transport Security Screening Officer must also apply effective communication skills to work in a broad range of transport security protection roles. Transport Security screening personnel working at this level will apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy and limited judgement in structured and stable contexts within narrow parameters. Individuals seeking accreditation as a Transport Security Screening Officer should check industry specific accreditation requirements with Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) or its successor. This qualification contains one not for public access (NFPA) restricted unit of competency. Content of NFPA units of competency is not published on the National Register. Access to this unit of competency is critical to security screening operations. Content of this unit is maintained separately and is only available to Registered Training Organisations (RTO’s) authorised by DoHA. To gain access contact the department at [email protected]. Licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication. Refer to the AVI Companion Volume Implementation Guide for further information.

Qualification Code

AVI20325

Training Package

AVI — Aviation Training Package

AQF Level

Certificate II

Total Units

See training.gov.au

Entry Requirements

Yes

RPL It Status: Available

Important: RPL It Australia is a student support service. All assessment and qualification issuance is conducted by our partner Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). RPL It does not deliver training, conduct assessments, or issue qualifications.

Career Outcomes

According to training.gov.au, this qualification supports the following roles:

RoleResponsibilities
Airport Screening OfficerConducting primary and secondary security checks on passengers and baggage at aviation terminals to ensure safety.
Air Cargo Examination OfficerInspecting freight and cargo to identify prohibited items and ensure compliance with aviation security regulations.
Maritime Screening OfficerManaging access control and screening personnel or goods entering secure maritime zones and ports.

Licensing

STATE SPECIFIC

⚠️ Important

Accreditation as a Transport Security Screening Officer is strictly regulated by the Department of Home Affairs. Holding this qualification is a key requirement, but you must also meet specific background clearance and operational standards.

NationalDepartment of Home Affairs (Cyber and Infrastructure Security Centre)
NSWDepartment of Home Affairs
VICDepartment of Home Affairs
QLDDepartment of Home Affairs
WADepartment of Home Affairs
SADepartment of Home Affairs
TASDepartment of Home Affairs
NTDepartment of Home Affairs

Delivering Registered Training Organisations

All assessment and qualification issuance for this qualification is carried out by one of the following partner RTOs, each of which holds AVI20325 on their scope of registration with ASQA:

Which RTO will deliver my qualification? The delivering RTO will be confirmed during your skills review and prior to enrolment. Your qualification will be issued directly by the delivering RTO and is nationally recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework.

Fees

Final pricing will be confirmed before enrolment.

You will receive a detailed, personalised quote — including the total fee, payment terms, interest-free payment plan options, and the name of the delivering RTO — before you are asked to enrol or make any payment.

Refund policy:If RPL It is unable to process your application, you will receive a full refund of any fees paid to RPL It. Once your portfolio has been submitted to the RTO for assessment, the RTO's refund policy applies. Details will be provided before enrolment.

Indicative Timeframes

✓ What we control

  • • Guiding you through evidence gathering
  • • Submitting a complete portfolio to the RTO
  • • Following up on your behalf

⏳ What we don't control

  • • The RTO's assessment workload
  • • The assessor's evaluation timeline
  • • The qualification issuance process

Based on our experience, the majority of RPL candidates receive their qualification within 4–6 weeks of their complete evidence portfolio being submitted to the RTO. Individual timeframes vary based on qualification complexity, evidence completeness, and RTO capacity.

Roles & Responsibilities

RPL It AustraliaDelivering RTO
RoleStudent support serviceRegistered Training Organisation
Initial skills review
Evidence gathering guidance
Formal assessment✅ Qualified assessors
Assessment judgement✅ Made by the RTO
Gap trainingAvailable if required (delivered by RTO)
Qualification issuance✅ Issued by the RTO
Complaints & appealsOwn complaints process✅ RTO process applies to assessments

RPL It Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 55 689 826 917) is not an RTO and does not deliver training, conduct assessments, or issue qualifications.

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Could RPL Be Right for You?

Experience can be evidence.

RPL is the process that helps you demonstrate it.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a formal assessment process that evaluates the skills, knowledge, and experience you've gained through your career to determine whether you meet the requirements of a nationally recognised qualification. It isn't a shortcut — it applies the same assessment standards as any other pathway.

RPL typically involves:

📋

A review of your work experience against the qualification requirements

💼

Compilation of an evidence portfolio demonstrating your competency

👤

Assessment by a qualified assessor from a Registered Training Organisation

🎯

If gaps are identified, targeted training to build on your existing expertise

ℹ️ Important Pathway Advice

RPL isn't the right pathway for everyone. If you don't have substantial, relevant, and current industry experience, a traditional study pathway may serve you better.

Our approach:

“We'd rather guide you to the right pathway than enrol you in the wrong one.”

What Kind of Experience Counts?

If RPL becomes available for this qualification, the types of experience and evidence that would typically be relevant include:

📋

Work History & Roles

  • Detailed CV or resume outlining years of service in security screening
  • Current position descriptions for aviation, maritime, or cargo roles
  • Records of employment or letters of reference from security providers
🔍

Screening Operations

  • Logs of X-ray image interpretation and prohibited item detection
  • Records of conducting primary and secondary passenger screening
  • Physical search reports and incident documentation
🛡️

Access & Control

  • Evidence of managing access control points in secure areas
  • Documentation of vehicle searches and perimeter security checks
  • Records of identifying and managing weapons or explosives
⚠️

Compliance & Safety

  • WHS incident reports and workplace safety contributions
  • Dangerous goods awareness and handling documentation
  • Records of managing disruptive behaviour or unlawful interference
🆔

Certs & Identification

  • Valid Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC) or Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC)
  • Internal training records for specific screening equipment
  • Previous security-related units of competency or certifications

Not sure if you qualify?

Speak with our team for a free eligibility discussion.

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This is general guidance based on training.gov.au. Specific requirements will be confirmed by the delivering RTO's assessor when RPL becomes available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this qualification and RPL.

Is this qualification currently available through RPL It?
We are currently in the process of establishing partnerships with Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) that hold this specific qualification on their scope. By registering your interest, you will be the first to know when the RPL pathway is active.
Why should I register my interest?
Registering ensures you are notified as soon as an RTO partner is secured. It also allows us to begin a preliminary review of your experience so you are well-positioned to start the evidence-gathering process immediately.
Is an RPL qualification the same as one from full-time study?
Yes. A qualification earned through Recognition of Prior Learning is identical to one earned through traditional study. It is issued by a Registered Training Organisation and holds the same national weight and validity.
Do I need a background check to qualify for RPL?
Yes. To meet the entry requirements for this qualification, you must have passed a valid background check, such as an Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC) or Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC).
How does the 'Not For Public Access' (NFPA) unit affect my RPL?
This qualification contains a restricted unit critical to security operations. We only work with RTOs authorised by the Department of Home Affairs to ensure that the assessment of these sensitive competencies is handled with the required security protocols.
Can I specialise in a specific screening stream?
Yes. The qualification allows for specialisation in Air Cargo, Airport, or Maritime screening. Your evidence portfolio will be tailored to reflect the specific stream that aligns with your professional background.
Is an RPL qualification the same as one obtained through full-time study?
Yes. RPL is a legitimate form of assessment within the Australian VET system. The qualification issued is identical to one obtained through any other mode of delivery and is nationally recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework.
Who assesses my evidence?
Your evidence is assessed by a qualified assessor employed or contracted by the delivering Registered Training Organisation (RTO) — not by RPL It. The assessor holds the credentials required under the 2025 Standards for RTOs and has current industry experience.
What if gaps are identified in my skills?
If the assessor identifies areas where your evidence does not fully demonstrate competency, the RTO can provide gap training. The RTO will discuss any associated requirements or costs with you if this becomes necessary. Gap training is targeted to the specific areas identified and is designed to help you meet the full requirements of the qualification.
What if I don’t have enough experience for RPL?
If the initial skills review indicates that RPL is not suitable for you at this time, we’ll let you know honestly and discuss alternative options. We would rather direct you to the right pathway than enrol you in a process that won’t lead to a successful outcome.
How long does the RPL process take?
Based on our experience, the majority of RPL candidates receive their qualification within 4–6 weeks of their complete evidence portfolio being submitted to the RTO. However, this is an average based on past outcomes — not a guarantee. Factors include qualification complexity, evidence completeness, whether gap training is required, and the RTO’s current assessment capacity.
Can I do this from outside Australia?
This depends on the specific qualification. Many qualifications are based on Australian codes, standards, and legislation, and some require access to an Australian workplace for assessment. If you are based outside Australia, please contact us to discuss whether RPL is feasible for your circumstances.

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