RPL is an acknowledgement that status equivalent to the prior qualification has been awarded for the soul purpose to access the qualification applied for.
Example: You need an honours degree to gain access to a master's programme.
Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is about the skills and knowledge you've gained through work and life experiences.
For example, working in an office could help you get a certificate in business administration.
Working on a farm could count towards a qualification in agriculture or mechanics.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a method of assessment [leading to the award of credit] that considers whether learners can demonstrate that they can meet the assessment requirements for a unit through knowledge, understanding or skills they already possess and do not need to develop through a course of learning