Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is how you get a certificate for skills you already have. If you learned your trade on the job — not in a classroom — RPL is your way to get formally qualified. No going back to school. No stopping work. Just prove what you know. This guide explains how it works, who can apply, what it costs, and what you get out of it.

RPL Kenya — Recognition of Prior Learning 2026

Get Certified Without Going Back to Class

Kenya's national system for certifying skills gained outside formal education. If you have years of experience in a trade but no certificate, RPL gives you a way to get formally qualified — without returning to full-time study.

How RPL works

Who is RPL For?

Experienced Workers

Welders, plumbers, electricians, mechanics, carpenters, and other skilled workers who have been working for years without formal certificates.

Jua Kali Artisans

Informal sector workers who learned their trade through apprenticeship. RPL gives them formal, nationally recognized certification.

Career Advancers

Workers looking to qualify for promotions, government tenders, or further education. RPL certificates open doors to diploma and degree programmes.

RPL Qualification Levels

Level 1-3KNQA

Artisan Certificate

For basic trade skills — masonry, plumbing, welding, carpentry. Suitable for workers with 3+ years of hands-on experience.

Est. assessment fee: KES 5,000-8,000

Level 4KNQA

Craft Certificate

For skilled workers with supervisory experience. Demonstrates advanced competency in a specific trade.

Est. assessment fee: KES 8,000-12,000

Level 5KNQA

Diploma

For experienced professionals in technical and business fields. Equivalent to a 2-3 year diploma programme.

Est. assessment fee: KES 12,000-18,000

Level 6KNQA

Higher Diploma

For senior technical specialists and managers. The highest level available through RPL assessment.

Est. assessment fee: KES 15,000-20,000

RPL Assessment Process — Step by Step

1

Register at an RPL Assessment Centre

Find a TVETA-accredited RPL assessment center near you. Register with your National ID and provide details of your work experience. Assessment centers are located at National Polytechnics and Technical Training Institutes across Kenya.

2

Submit Your Portfolio of Evidence

Document your work experience with photos of projects you have completed, letters from employers or clients, samples of your work, and any informal training certificates. The stronger your portfolio, the smoother the assessment.

3

Practical Skills Assessment

Demonstrate your skills through hands-on practical tasks. Assessors will observe you performing key trade tasks to verify your competency. This is the most important part — you must show you can do the work.

4

Oral Interview

Discuss your knowledge and experience with qualified assessors. They will ask questions about your trade to confirm your understanding. The interview assesses theoretical knowledge that supports your practical skills.

5

Receive Your Certification

Upon successful assessment, you receive a KNQA-recognized certificate. This certificate has the same legal status as one earned through full-time study. You can use it for employment, contracts, or further education.

Benefits of RPL Certification

Formal Recognition

Your existing skills are officially recognized by the government. No more working without proof of your abilities.

Better Job Opportunities

Certified workers earn more and access better jobs. Government and large companies require formal certificates.

Government Tenders

Access government contracts and tenders that require certified workers. Many county and national projects demand proof of qualification.

Pathway to Higher Education

Your RPL certificate can be used to enroll in diploma or degree programmes. Build on your experience to reach higher qualifications.

No Income Disruption

You do not need to stop working. Assessment fits around your schedule. Continue earning while getting certified.

Increased Confidence

Formal certification validates your expertise. Walk into any interview or contract negotiation with nationally recognized proof of your skills.

Ready to Get Certified?

Find a TVET institution near you that offers RPL assessment. Browse over 2,300 accredited institutions across all 47 counties.

Find Institutions Near YouTVET Fees Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

What is RPL in Kenya?
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a national process that assesses and certifies skills you have gained through work experience, informal training, or life experience. RPL allows experienced workers — especially jua kali artisans and informal sector workers — to get formal TVET certification without attending classes. It is recognized by the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) and TVET Authority (TVETA).
Who qualifies for RPL in Kenya?
Anyone with at least 3 years of practical work experience in a trade can apply. This includes experienced workers without formal certificates, jua kali artisans, people who learned skills on the job or through apprenticeship, and returning workers seeking formal recognition. The minimum age is typically 25 years. You must be able to demonstrate your skills through practical assessment and provide evidence of your work history.
How much does RPL assessment cost?
RPL assessment fees vary by institution and qualification level. Typical ranges: Artisan Level 1-3 (KES 5,000-8,000), Craft Certificate Level 4 (KES 8,000-12,000), Diploma Level 5-6 (KES 12,000-20,000). Fees cover portfolio assessment, practical testing, and certification. Some government initiatives and county programs may subsidize costs for priority trades.
What certification do I get from RPL?
You receive a formal KNQA-recognized certificate at the appropriate level: Artisan Certificate (Level 1-3), Craft Certificate (Level 4), Diploma (Level 5), or Higher Diploma (Level 6). These certificates have the same legal validity as those earned through full-time study. They can be used for employment, government tenders, and as a pathway to higher qualifications.

You Might Also Like

Find TVET colleges near you — search by town