Pricing for the ARPL assessment isn’t one-size-fits-all — it depends on your trade and the amount of training the assessment recommends for you, so costs can vary from one candidate to the next. One thing worth knowing: if your assessment shows you need GAP closure training, your ARPL retake afterwards comes at no additional cost. For an accurate quote based on your specific trade and experience, get in touch with our Johannesburg team — we’ll confirm exact pricing before you commit to anything.

The ARPL assessment itself can be booked almost immediately once you meet the minimum requirement — 3 years’ relevant work experience in your trade, or just 18 months if you hold an N6. Once assessed, you’ll typically receive your serial number around 2 weeks later. If the assessment recommends Trade Test Readiness training, this takes roughly 4 weeks, with your actual trade test happening immediately after. In total, most candidates move from ARPL assessment through to sitting their trade test within 4–8 weeks, although your official Red Seal certificate can take a further 3 months to be issued and printed by the QCTO. Training doesn’t need to be attended consecutively — at Qualitas, you can work through the process according to your own availability.

This will depend on the outcome of your ARPL assessment. Candidates who are ready to progress may be advised to complete Trade Test Preparation or Trade Test Readiness Training to practise the practical skills and equipment required for the trade test.

If your ARPL assessment identifies gaps in your skills or knowledge, you may be recommended for Gap Closure Training before progressing. This gives you an opportunity to address the areas identified during your assessment and prepare for the next stage.

You need a minimum of three years of relevant work experience in the trade in which you wish to qualify.

The ARPL assessment evaluates your existing skills, knowledge and work experience to determine your trade test readiness. The trade test is the practical assessment used to demonstrate your competence in your chosen trade. If gaps are identified during your ARPL assessment, additional training may be recommended before you proceed to the trade test.

The term “ARPL trade test” is often used when referring to the process of accessing a trade test through Recognition of Prior Learning. However, the ARPL assessment and trade test are separate stages. The ARPL assessment takes place first and determines whether you are ready to progress to the trade test or require additional preparation.

An ARPL assessment evaluates the skills and knowledge you have gained through previous work experience to determine your readiness to progress towards a trade test.