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From Unskilled to SkilledGuide 6 of 9

RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning)

6 min read•Updated February 2026 Opdateret feb. 2026

Get credit for what you already know and can do – shorten your path to skilled. RPL (Realkompetencevurdering – Recognition of Prior Learning) is a process where your knowledge, skills and competences are assessed and recognized.

This can give you credit in an education – even if the competences were acquired outside the formal education system.

In practice, this means you can shorten your education time by getting credit for what you already know.

What can be recognized?

RPL can include several different types of competences:

  • Work experience – What you've learned through your job
  • Courses and further education – Formally documented training
  • Volunteer work – Experience from associations and organizations
  • Personal interests – Self-taught skills and knowledge
  • Previous education – Even incomplete educations count

How does the process work?

  1. Contact an educational institution

    Find a school that offers the education you're interested in.

  2. Document your competences

    Gather documentation of your experience and knowledge.

  3. Get assessed

    An assessor reviews your competences against the education goals.

  4. Get your result

    You'll receive a competence certificate showing what you can be credited for.

Advantages of RPL

  • Shorter education – Skip subjects you already master.
  • Lower costs – Less time in education means lower expenses.
  • Motivation – You're recognized for what you already know – that motivates.
  • Documentation – You get a formal certificate of your competences.

Tips for the process

Prepare well:

  • Gather all documentation – certificates, diplomas, references
  • Describe your work tasks in detail
  • Think about what you've learned through your experience
  • Be thorough – don't undersell yourself

Who is RPL suitable for?

RPL is particularly relevant if you:

  • Have several years of work experience in a specific field
  • Have taken courses or further education
  • Have acquired skills through hobbies or volunteer work
  • Have started an education without completing it

Summary

RPL is your opportunity to get credit for what you already know. It can shorten your education significantly and get you to the goal faster. Contact an educational institution to start the process.

Next step

In the next guide, we look at Education Upgrade (Uddannelsesløft) – a special scheme for unemployed who want to become skilled.

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