As occupational therapists, we know that functional cognition – how a person thinks during everyday activity – is central to occupational performance. Yet many assessment tools tell us what a client can or cannot do, without explaining why. This is where the Perceive-Recall-Plan-Perform (PRPP) System of Task Analysis is different.

Developed by Australian OTs Dr Judy Ranka and Dr Chris Chapparo, PRPP offers a truly occupation-centred, evidence-informed approach to understanding cognitive strategy use during real activities. For therapists looking to strengthen their assessment and intervention capacity, PRPP training has become one of the most valuable professional development opportunities available.

What is PRPP-Assessment?

PRPP-Assessment (PRPP-A) is a functional cognition assessment that examines how people apply cognitive strategies while performing meaningful tasks. It is:

• authentic and ecologically valid – grounded in real occupations, not abstract tests
• person-centred and culturally responsive – adaptable across diverse cultural contexts
• OT-specific – built on occupational therapy, neuroscience and educational theory
• applicable across all ages, diagnoses and settings – from acute neuro to paediatrics, mental health, disability and aged care.

Therapists learn to assess task mastery (Stage One) and cognitive strategy application (Stage Two) across the four information-processing quadrants: Perceive, Recall, Plan and Perform. This structure provides clear, measurable insights that directly inform intervention and goal setting.

PRPP-I is the next step in building clinical impact

While PRPP-A identifies the cognitive strategies impacting performance, PRPP-Intervention (PRPP-I) teaches OTs how to build those strategies through tailored, occupation-embedded intervention.

PRPP-I enables therapists to:

• translate assessment findings into targeted intervention plans
• use cues, prompts, scaffolding and fading linked to the PRPP quadrants
• support clients to internalise more efficient cognitive strategies
• set measurable, occupation-centred goals
• apply the method across diagnostic groups and ages.

Together, PRPP Assessment and Intervention provide a seamless system from evaluation to treatment, one that consistently leads to meaningful change in daily life performance.

Learning directly from the PRPP developers

Australian OTs are particularly fortunate that Dr Judy Ranka and Dr Chris Chapparo continue to personally deliver PRPP workshops.

Participants regularly highlight:

• their deep expertise and engaging teaching style
• the clarity they bring to complex theoretical concepts
• the richness of learning from the very people who designed, researched and refined the model.

Why you should consider enrolling

Whether you are early in your career or an experienced OT seeking advanced tools, PRPP training offers:

• an OT-specific, evidence-informed approach to functional cognition
• greater clarity in assessment, reasoning and intervention
• skills you can apply immediately across diverse caseloads
• the chance to learn from two of the most respected OT educators in the field.

PRPP doesn’t just enhance practice – it elevates the way therapists understand and support occupational performance.

Feedback from previous workshop participants has been overwhelmingly positive with participants noting the immediate relevance to their everyday clinical work, greater confidence in assessing functional cognition, and improved clinical reasoning and documentation.

If you’re looking for professional development that makes a real difference, PRPP Assessment and Intervention will become a highly valued tool in your practice.

Register now for:

PRPP- Assessment, 4th -8th May 2026 in Perth - https://otaus.com.au/event/perceive_recall_plan_and_reform_prpp_assessment_perth

PRPP – Intervention, 11th-14th May 2026 in Adelaide - https://otaus.com.au/event/perceive_recall_plan_and_reform_prpp_intervention_course