Online pilot test: Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) instrument

In order to capacitate community-based paralegals (CBPs), they must first have access to quality and accredited education and training. However, that access to the Bachelor of Paralegal Studies is currently blocked by the systemic articulation criteria that are statutorily determined. The alternative route to access is through recognition of prior learning (RPL), and instruments have to be designed that enable access for paralegals in practice. The Unit for Applied Law at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) therefore approached the Democracy, Governance and Service Delivery (DGSD) programme of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) to implement a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pilot survey. The main purpose of the study was to pilot test the draft RPL online survey instrument administered to community paralegals working at Community Advice Offices across South Africa. CPUT will use feedback from the pilot survey presented in this report to finalize the RPL instrument for implementation in the main study. Paralegals in practice, therefore, informed the design of the RPL instrument.