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Applying for recognition of equivalence of an existing qualification or credentials

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Staff with existing accredited teaching qualifications or credentials may request recognition of equivalence to the GCHE by applying to the University Teaching Qualifications Committee (UTQC).

The Secretary,
University Teaching Qualification Committee,
Human Resources
Monash University.
MONASH 3800

Application process

The Committee does not wish staff to spend unnecessary time preparing supporting information when the case for equivalence would be clear without it. Therefore, it recommends that initially a brief submission be made as described below. The Committee will ask for further details if they are needed for a decision to be made.

For any of the following cases, a Chair of a Selection Committee, Head or Dean may submit the initial request on behalf of a proposed member of staff and ask for a fast tracked approval process to precede the appointment. Where the case is unambiguous, a decision will be made within 48 hours, in which case the letter of offer will not include the expectation to complete the GCHE. Alternatively, applications can be made after the appointee has taken up the position.

Appointees with accredited qualifications in higher education teaching

Where an applicant for a position has provided evidence (eg a copy of the testamur or transcript) of a teaching qualification which is on the approved list, a copy of the evidence should be attached to the Request to Appoint and copied to the Secretary of the UTQC, in which case the letter of offer will not include the requirement to complete the GCHE.

Where an applicant for a position has provided evidence (eg a copy of the testamur or transcript) of a teaching qualification which is not on the approved list, a copy of the evidence should be forwarded to the Secretary of the UTQC together with a description of the extent and nature of the qualification and a request made for a determination on equivalence. For equivalence to be granted, the qualification must be at least the same level and duration as the GCHE (that is, it would normally attract credit equivalent to half a full time academic year at the graduate level in an Australian university). A handbook or web page entry from the conferring University may suffice if it establishes the purpose, level and duration of the qualification.

In some cases, partial credit may be given. For example, some tertiary institutions offer formal courses in higher education teaching that are equivalent to one quarter of a full time equivalent year (12 points of credit in Monash nomenclature). Also some appointees may have undertaken the systematic study of higher education teaching through a structured professional development program but not leading to a formal university award.

Where full equivalence is not granted on the basis of the existing qualification or credential, partial credit of up to 12 points may be awarded. However, the staff member may provide additional evidence of teaching quality and outcomes, Applying for credit in recognition of prior learning (RPL) In some cases, the existing qualification/credential in combination with RPL may be deemed to be equivalent to the GCHE.

Where partial credit is awarded, the Committee may indicate the units from which the staff member is exempt or ask him/her to consult with the Course Coordinator of the GCHE.

Appointees with other accredited teaching qualifications (e.g. a primary, secondary or TAFE teaching degree or graduate diploma) together with recent relevant experience

Provide evidence to the Secretary of the UTQC of the award of the qualification (eg a copy of the testamur or transcript) and a brief statement (generally around a page) establishing the successful transfer of skills into higher education or relevant adult learning settings. This might be a brief vitae of recent teaching experience and responsibilities, unit or course development, evidence of quality teaching, a report from a supervisor, or other relevant qualifications. (This information may be provided as part of the application for the position and in some cases extracts from an application may be appropriate. A chair of a selection committee may also, in confidence, forward comments from referees.)

Where full equivalence is not granted on the basis of the existing qualification or credential, partial credit of up to 12 points may be awarded. However, the staff member may provide additional evidence of teaching quality and outcomes, Applying for credit in recognition of prior learning (RPL). In some cases, the existing qualification/credential in combination with RPL may be deemed to be equivalent to the GCHE.

Where partial credit is awarded, the Committee may indicate the units from which the staff member is exempt or ask him/her to consult with the Course Coordinator of the GCHE.

Appointees whose own specialism or field of expertise is teaching in higher education

In exceptional circumstances, recognised expertise may warrant granting of exemption from the requirement to complete the GCHE, for example, the staff member may be employed to develop and teach courses similar to the GCHE. A brief case (generally under a page) may be made to the Committee for exemption either prior to or after appointment. If the Committee is unable to make a determination on the basis of the brief case, it will ask the staff member to elaborate or to provide supplementary information of the kind normally required when Applying for credit in recognition of prior learning (RPL).