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Diploma of Screen and Media

This qualification reflects the role of those who work in a range of screen and media industries, including animation, gaming and digital effects, specialist make-up services, film and television, radio and podcasting, lighting and sound, and content creation environments. They apply technical and theoretical concepts in a broad range of contexts to undertake advanced skilled work. They will have technical and theoretical knowledge, with depth in some areas in a field of work. The job roles that relate to this qualification may include director (film and television), technical director, master control operator, editor, content creator, sound designer, radio station manager, specialist make-up artist (creative), director of photography, instructional designer, editor (film and television), artistic director, production manager (film and television), lighting designer (productions), interface designer, special effects designer, animation designer, assistant film producer, information architect, lead animator, roto artist, compositor, compositing supervisor, motion graphics artist, editor, motion capture artist, 3D animator, 3D modeller, texture artist, concept artist. Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification considerations National Standard for Licensing Persons Performing High Risk Work The National Standard for Licensing Persons Performing High Risk Work applies to persons performing dogging and rigging work. Completion of the following units is required for certification at either basic, intermediate or advanced levels: CPCCLDG3001 Licence to perform doggingCPCCLRG3001 Licence to perform rigging basic levelCPCCLRG3002 Licence to perform rigging intermediate levelCPCCLRG4001 Licence to perform rigging advanced level. National Code of Practice for Induction for Construction Work Sets and staging for some performances or events may fall within the definition of construction work. If so, people entering the construction site are required to complete the general induction training program specified by the National Code of Practice for Induction Training for Construction Work (Australian Safety Compensation Council, May 2007). Achievement of the unit CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry from the CPC Construction, Plumbing and Services Training Package fulfils this requirement. Units of competency in qualification Some individual units of competency may have their own licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements. Users must check individual units of competency for licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements relevant to that unit.

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
CUA51020
LevelAQF 5Diploma
Units
PackageCUACreative Arts and Culture 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

    Director

    Translating scripts into visual narratives while leading technical and creative crews to fulfill artistic aims.

  • 02

    Production Manager

    Overseeing film or television project timelines, budgets, and personnel to ensure successful delivery.

  • 03

    Editor (Film and Television)

    Assembling raw footage into a cohesive story by managing pace, mood, and climax through technical precision.

  • 04

    Lighting Designer

    Creating visual atmospheres through the strategic placement, intensity, and colour of light on production sets.

  • 05

    Animation Designer

    Developing visual schemes and concepts for complex animated productions and supervising animation teams.

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
  • Current resume and detailed work history
  • Position descriptions for production or creative roles
  • Employment contracts or freelance service agreements

Production Documentation
  • Call sheets, scripts, and storyboards
  • Production schedules and budget tracking documents
  • Safety plans and risk assessments for sets or locations

Creative Portfolio
  • Showreels or links to published digital content
  • Animation files, 3D models, or texture maps
  • Sound design samples or radio broadcast recordings

Technical Records
  • Lighting plots and technical specifications
  • Editing logs and post-production workflows
  • Interface designs or information architecture wireframes

Professional Validation
  • References from producers, directors, or studio heads
  • Industry awards or peer recognition
  • Records of professional development and industry memberships

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.