RPL for Diploma of Marketing and Communication
Already leading marketing functions, managing teams and driving communications strategy across your organisation? Turn your senior marketing experience into the nationally recognised BSB50620 Diploma of Marketing and Communication without going back to study full time.
What Is RPL for the Diploma of Marketing and Communication?
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an Australian Government-endorsed assessment pathway that allows experienced professionals to have their existing skills, knowledge and workplace experience formally assessed against the units of a nationally recognised qualification without completing full classroom-based study.
If you have been identifying marketing opportunities, managing the marketing mix, developing marketing communication plans and leading teams responsible for marketing and communications functions, you may already meet the competency requirements for the BSB50620 Diploma of Marketing and Communication. This qualification reflects the role of individuals who use a sound theoretical knowledge base in marketing and communication and who demonstrate a range of skills to ensure functions are effectively conducted - typically with responsibility for the work of other staff and leading teams.
The BSB50620 is an AQF Level 5 qualification under the BSB Business Services Training Package. First released 19 October 2020. It supersedes but is not equivalent to BSB52415 Diploma of Marketing and Communication. It is the nationally recognised Diploma-level marketing qualification for marketing managers, brand managers and senior communications professionals across Australia.
About the BSB50620 Diploma of Marketing and Communication
Qualification Level
AQF Level 5 - Diploma. The nationally recognised Diploma-level marketing qualification for marketing managers and senior communications professionals in Australia. Release 1, first released 19 October 2020. Supersedes BSB52415.
Units of Competency
12 units total - 5 core units and 7 elective units. Electives drawn from Group A Marketing and Group B Transferable Skills. At least 3 units from Group A and 2 units from Group B must be selected.
Industry Settings
Marketing agencies, corporate marketing departments, government communications, digital media, public relations, advertising and any organisation where marketing and communications functions are managed across all industries in Australia.
Career Pathway
Pathway to senior marketing director and CMO roles and the prerequisite qualification for BSB60520 Advanced Diploma of Marketing and Communication. Foundation for executive marketing, brand strategy and communications leadership roles across corporate and government sectors.
Core Units Assessed in RPL
All 5 core units are assessed for every BSB50620 RPL candidate:
- ✔ BSBMKG541 - Identify and evaluate marketing opportunities
- ✔ BSBMKG542 - Establish and monitor the marketing mix
- ✔ BSBMKG552 - Design and develop marketing communication plans
- ✔ BSBMKG555 - Write persuasive copy
- ✔ BSBPMG430 - Undertake project work
Common Elective Units
Group A - Marketing:
- ✔ BSBMKG543 - Plan and interpret market research
- ✔ BSBMKG546 - Develop social media engagement plans
- ✔ BSBMKG547 - Develop strategies to monetise digital engagement
- ✔ BSBMKG553 - Develop public relations campaigns
- ✔ SIRXMKT007 - Develop a digital marketing plan
Group B - Transferable Skills:
- ✔ BSBCMM511 - Communicate with influence
- ✔ BSBFIN501 - Manage budgets and financial plans
- ✔ BSBOPS504 - Manage business risk
- ✔ BSBDAT501 - Analyse data
- ✔ BSBOPS505 - Manage organisational customer service
Official Qualification Reference
BSB50620 is published on the National Training Register as the current Diploma of Marketing and Communication. Release 1, first released 19 October 2020. Supersedes but is not equivalent to BSB52415.
View BSB50620 on training.gov.auEntry Requirements — Important
BSB50620 requires completion of the following 6 units (or equivalent) as a prerequisite:
- BSBCMM411 Make presentations
- BSBCRT412 Articulate, present and debate ideas
- BSBMKG433 Undertake marketing activities
- BSBMKG435 Analyse consumer behaviour
- BSBMKG439 Develop and apply knowledge of communications industry
- BSBWRT411 Write complex documents
These are the 6 core units of BSB40820. Plus 2 years equivalent full-time relevant work experience. Right Pathway will assess whether your background meets these requirements during your free eligibility check.
Pathway to the Advanced Diploma
The 5 core units of BSB50620 - BSBMKG541, BSBMKG542, BSBMKG552, BSBMKG555 and BSBPMG430 - are the mandatory entry requirement for the BSB60520 Advanced Diploma of Marketing and Communication. Achieving BSB50620 through RPL is the most efficient pathway to the Advanced Diploma for senior marketing professionals.
Career Outcomes and Salary with BSB50620
The Diploma of Marketing and Communication supports progression to senior marketing management and communications leadership roles throughout Australia.
Marketing Manager
$90,000 - $130,000
Per year. Managing marketing functions, teams and budgets across business, government or not-for-profit organisations. BSB50620 is the recognised Diploma-level qualification for marketing managers and communications managers seeking formal recognition of their senior professional skills.
Brand Manager
$95,000 - $135,000
Per year. Developing and managing brand strategy, marketing mix and communications plans for products or services. BSB50620 is the recognised Diploma-level qualification for brand managers and senior marketing specialists across corporate and agency environments in Australia.
Communications Manager
$95,000 - $140,000
Per year. Leading communications strategy, public relations campaigns and content functions for organisations across government, corporate and not-for-profit sectors. BSB50620 is the recognised Diploma-level qualification for communications managers and PR managers across Australia.
Salary ranges are indicative for Australia 2026. Actual remuneration varies by industry, employer, sector and level of experience.
Who Can Apply for RPL - BSB50620?
RPL for the Diploma of Marketing and Communication is suitable for experienced marketing and communications professionals who lead teams, manage marketing functions and have at least 2 years of full-time equivalent relevant work experience.
- ✅ Marketing managers with 2 or more years of experience managing marketing functions, teams and budgets
- ✅ Brand managers with experience developing and managing brand strategy, marketing mix and communications plans
- ✅ Communications managers with experience leading communications strategy and public relations campaigns
- ✅ Digital marketing managers with experience developing digital marketing plans, social media strategies and monetisation strategies
- ✅ Senior marketing specialists with experience conducting market research, planning direct marketing and managing advertising production
- ✅ Agency account managers with experience managing client marketing accounts and delivering integrated communications campaigns
- ✅ Overseas marketing managers with international senior marketing experience seeking Australian Diploma-level qualification recognition
Entry Requirements for BSB50620
BSB50620 has two mandatory entry requirements:
1. Prerequisite units: You must have completed the 6 core units of BSB40820 Certificate IV in Marketing and Communication or equivalent competencies. If you do not yet hold BSB40820, Right Pathway can support you through both qualifications.
2. Work experience: You must have 2 years equivalent full-time relevant work experience in marketing or communications. Right Pathway will assess whether your background meets both requirements during your free eligibility check. Check your eligibility here.
Don't yet hold BSB40820?
If you do not yet hold the BSB40820 Certificate IV in Marketing and Communication or equivalent, Right Pathway can support you through both qualifications via RPL. Achieving BSB40820 first through RPL is the most efficient pathway to BSB50620 for experienced marketing professionals. Learn about BSB40820 RPL here.
What Evidence Do You Need?
RPL is evidence-based. You need to demonstrate you already have the skills. Here is what typically counts as valid evidence for BSB50620:
- ✔ Employment records - position descriptions, contracts or letters confirming your senior marketing or communications role and duration
- ✔ Marketing communication plans - plans, strategies or briefs you have designed and developed for your organisation or clients
- ✔ Market research reports - research plans, consumer behaviour analyses or market opportunity assessments you have conducted or commissioned
- ✔ Campaign examples - integrated marketing campaigns, PR campaigns or digital campaigns you have planned and managed
- ✔ Persuasive copy samples - marketing copy, campaign messaging, brand content or communications materials you have written
- ✔ Project documentation - project plans, timelines, briefs or post-campaign reports demonstrating your project management skills
- ✔ Budget records - marketing budget plans, financial reports or cost management records you have managed
- ✔ Referee letters - from directors, CMOs or senior clients confirming your marketing leadership responsibilities and outcomes
- ✔ Prior qualifications - BSB40820 or equivalent, any completed marketing courses, digital certifications or prior qualifications
What evidence do most marketing managers already have?
Most working marketing managers and senior communications professionals already have strong evidence from their day-to-day professional activities. You do not need to create anything new - just gather and organise what you already have.
- Your position description confirming your senior marketing role
- A marketing communication plan or strategy you have developed
- Campaign examples with performance outcomes
- Marketing copy or brand content you have written
- A budget or financial report you have managed
- A reference letter from your director or CMO
Right Pathway helps you identify, organise and present your evidence in the format RTO assessors require for BSB50620.
Overseas Senior Marketing Experience
If you have held senior marketing or communications roles overseas, your international experience can contribute to your RPL evidence portfolio for BSB50620. Right Pathway has supported marketing managers from the UK, Ireland, India, South Africa, New Zealand, Singapore and across Asia in achieving Australian Diploma-level marketing qualifications through RPL. Check your eligibility here.
How the RPL Process Works
Three clear steps - from enquiry to qualification.
Free Eligibility Check
Complete our free online eligibility assessment. We review your senior marketing and communications history, confirm you meet the entry requirements for BSB50620 and tell you honestly if RPL is the right pathway for you - including whether you need to first achieve BSB40820.
Build Your Evidence Portfolio
Right Pathway guides you through gathering and organising your professional evidence. We provide templates, checklists and one-on-one support to ensure your portfolio meets the RTO assessor requirements for all 12 units of BSB50620 including marketing opportunities, marketing mix, communication plans, persuasive copy and project work.
Assessment and Certification
Your evidence is assessed by a qualified assessor from our partnered RTO. Once competency is confirmed across all 12 units, you receive your official BSB50620 Diploma of Marketing and Communication - the nationally recognised Diploma-level marketing qualification accepted by employers across all industries throughout Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about RPL for BSB50620.
Ready to Get Your Marketing Diploma?
Your senior marketing and communications experience is valuable. Let Right Pathway help you turn it into the nationally recognised BSB50620 Diploma of Marketing and Communication you need for career progression and professional recognition.