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Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping

This qualification reflects the role of individuals in the accounting and bookkeeping industry, including business activity statement (BAS) agents and contract bookkeepers; and of those employees performing bookkeeping tasks for organisations in a range of industries. It includes preparing and lodging business and instalment activity statements, data processing, monthly reconciliations, preparing budgets, preparing reports on financial performance and the position of the business, preparing end-of-year adjustments, and finalising financial records after year-end. Dealing with the Commissioner of Taxation on behalf of a taxpayer in relation to activity statements and other lodgement matters is also a key component of the role that this qualification reflects. Individuals in these roles apply theoretical and specialist skills and knowledge to work autonomously, and exercise judgement in completing routine and non-routine activities. Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification considerations Work functions in the occupational areas where this qualification may be used are subject to regulatory requirements. Refer to the relevant regulator for specific guidance on requirements. Persons providing a BAS service for a fee or other reward must be registered by the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) and this qualification is currently cited as meeting the TPB education requirements for registration as a BAS agent. Other requirements apply, including a designated period of experience. Persons seeking BAS agent registration should check current registration requirements with the TPB, as registration requirements are reviewed regularly.

Important:RPL it Australia is a student support service. All assessment and qualification issuance is conducted by the delivering Registered Training Organisation. RPL it does not deliver training, conduct assessments, or issue qualifications.

Qualification overview
FNS40222
LevelAQF 4Certificate IV
Units1310 core, 3 elective
PackageFNSFinancial Services Training Package
Timeframe
Typically 4 to 6 weeksAfter evidence is submitted to the RTO. Individual timelines vary.
Fees
Personalised quote before you commitIncludes the total fee and payment terms. Any gap training cost is confirmed in writing before you agree to it. 50% of the fee is the RPL it service fee and is non-refundable.Refund and withdrawal policy
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Recognition of Prior Learning

What is an RPL qualification?

Recognition of Prior Learning assesses skills you already have against a nationally recognised qualification. Demonstrate competency, and you receive the same nationally recognised qualification, issued by a registered training organisation (RTO), as someone who completed the full course.

Who is eligible for RPL?

  • You have years of experience in your field
  • You learned the work on the job, through mentoring or on your own
  • You need the qualification for licensing, promotion or migration
  • You hold overseas qualifications you want recognised in Australia
An RPL it team member sorting an electrician's job photos and reference letter into his evidence folder at a ute tailgate on a building site

How RPL works in four steps

  1. Free Skills Review

    Tell us about your work experience. We’ll match it to valid qualifications.

  2. Build your portfolio

    Your account manager helps you gather your required evidence for your RTO.

  3. RTO assessment

    Your evidence portfolio is submitted to our partner RTO. A qualified assessor evaluates your competency.

  4. Get your qualification

    Once assessed as competent, the RTO issues your nationally recognised qualification.

Career Outcomes

Explore Roles Associated with this Qualification

If your current or past work looks like one of these roles, this qualification may suit you.

  • 01

    Accounts Supervisor

    Overseeing the classification and reporting of financial information while managing office tax compliance and budgeting.

  • 02

    Accounts Officer

    Managing the essential flow of accounts payable and receivable and preparing trial balances for review.

  • 03

    Bookkeeper

    Establishing and maintaining robust accounting systems and supervising complex payroll operations for organisations.

Evidence Checklist

What Suitable Evidence Can Support Your Evidence Portfolio?

Your consultant can help you identify relevant workplace records. The delivering RTO decides whether the evidence is sufficient and current.

Work History & Roles
  • Detailed CV reflecting bookkeeping experience
  • Position descriptions for accounts or finance roles
  • Employment contracts or letters of service

Financial Reporting
  • Sample Profit and Loss statements and Balance Sheets
  • General ledger and subsidiary ledger extracts
  • End-of-year adjustment records and reconciliations

Taxation & Payroll
  • Completed Business Activity Statements (BAS)
  • Payroll register exports and superannuation records
  • Instalment Activity Statement (IAS) preparation notes

Accounting Systems
  • Evidence of setting up charts of accounts
  • Software screenshots of bank feed reconciliations
  • System audit logs from Xero, MYOB, or QuickBooks

Budgeting & Compliance
  • Operational budget templates and variance reports
  • Internal financial control policy documents
  • Correspondence regarding legislative compliance

Qualfication comparison

RPL and Traditional Study

Two routes to the same qualification, assessed against the same RTO competency standards.

RPL PathwaySupported by RPL it, assessed by the RTO
Traditional StudyDelivered and assessed by the RTO
Starting point
Your existing, current workplace skills and evidence
A planned course of learning and assessment
How competency is shown
Workplace evidence mapped to the qualification requirements
Learning activities, assignments, practical work, and assessment
Assessment decision
Made by a qualified assessor from the delivering RTO
Made by a qualified assessor from the delivering RTO
If gaps are identified
Additional evidence or targeted gap training may be required
Learning and assessment continue through the course structure
Qualification outcome
Issued only when the RTO determines all requirements are met
Issued only when the RTO determines all requirements are met

RPL it Australia reviews

What our clients say

Selected Google reviews. Individual experiences vary. Every applicant is assessed against the same requirements, and some require gap training or additional evidence.

Frequently asked questions

Recognition of Prior Learning, your experience, and your next step.

Got more questions?
How long does the RPL process take?

Most candidates who submit a complete evidence portfolio receive their qualification within 4 to 6 weeks from RTO assessment. The total timeline depends on evidence readiness. Strong documentation can help the process move quickly, while evidence gaps or gap training may take longer.

Is an RPL qualification the same as one from TAFE?

Yes. An RPL qualification is issued under the Australian Qualifications Framework, the same framework that governs qualifications from TAFE colleges and all other Registered Training Organisations. It carries the same national recognition. Licensing requirements vary, so check with the relevant authority.

How much does RPL cost?

RPL costs vary by qualification level, complexity, and number of units. Because RPL assesses what you already know rather than teaching new content, it is typically less expensive than full enrolment. Contact our team for a tailored quote. Payment plans are interest-free with no establishment fee, and the instalment schedule and any extension fee that could apply are set out in your quote.

What evidence do I need for RPL?

Evidence can include your resume, reference letters from employers, photos or videos of your work, previous qualifications and certificates, job descriptions, and any other documentation that demonstrates your skills and knowledge. The RTO tells you exactly what evidence it needs for your specific qualification, and your RPL it consultant helps you put it together.

Can I get credit for units I have already completed?

Yes, if you hold a qualification or Statement of Attainment that includes units equivalent to units in this qualification. This is called credit transfer. The delivering RTO checks your AQF certification documents or authenticated VET transcript. Where a unit is equivalent and your certification is authenticated, the RTO must grant credit for it. It can refuse only on limited grounds, for example where a licensing or regulatory requirement calls for reassessment.

Delivering RTO · 1 partner RTOs

Assessed and issued by a partner RTO

Your delivering RTO is confirmed before enrolment. Check any RTO’s registration on training.gov.au.