Get skills you learnt on the job certified (Recognition of Prior Learning)
Kenya National Qualifications Authority · sources read 2 Oct 2026
Go to an accredited RPL assessment centre (a TVET college, Jua Kali worksite or workplace), fill in an expression of interest and build a portfolio of evidence of your work. Assessors check it, test you in practice, and if you pass you get a nationally recognised certificate.
- Fee
- We couldn't confirm a fee from the official page. Check it there before you pay.
- Where
- In person at an accredited RPL assessment centre (TVET institution, Jua Kali worksite or workplace)
What you need
- A filled RPL application form
- A portfolio of evidence: CV, reference letters, samples, photos or videos of your work, and any certificates you have
- Testimonials from current or previous employers and customers, if you have them
Steps
- Visit an accredited RPL assessment centre: a TVET institution, Jua Kali worksite or workplace. An RPL counsellor helps you fill in an expression of interest and pick the right qualification and level.
- Submit the filled application form and the fee to the assessment centre, or online.
- Collect your portfolio of evidence. An RPL assessor checks it against the standards for the qualification.
- If your portfolio meets the standard, you are booked for a practical assessment at an accredited centre, which could be a college, worksite or workplace.
- If you pass, you get a nationally recognised certificate from a qualifications awarding institution accredited by KNQA. If you are not satisfied, you can appeal.
Watch out
- Your evidence must be from the last 4 years before you apply.
- There is no single fee. The cost depends on how many units of competency you want recognised, and you are told the total before assessment starts.
- Only use institutions accredited for RPL and qualifications registered on the KNQF, or your certificate may not count.
Who can apply
- Anyone with skills but no matching certificate: informal or formal sector workers, retirees, refugees, migrants, people who never went to school or left school.
- You need solid experience and knowledge in your field of work.
Official sources (3)
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) knqa.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- The process of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) knqa.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- Recognition of Prior Learning Candidates’ Guide 2021 knqa.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026