Registered training organisations (RTOs) are recognised as providers of quality assured and nationally recognised training and qualifications.

Only RTOs can:

• deliver nationally recognised courses and qualifications
• apply for Australian, state and territory government funding
• create new accredited courses in response to specific demands
• register on Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) to provide courses to overseas students studying in Australia.

Nationally recognised training

Only RTOs can use the nationally recognised training logo on all qualifications and statements of attainment they issue. The logo is a valuable marketing tool which signifies:

• the training courses are accredited under the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF)
• the qualifications issued are recognised by all other RTOs.

This means students will be confident the skills they attain are of a high quality and accepted and valued anywhere in Australia. It also allows students to enrol, transfer or complete their training at any RTO, nationwide.

A training organisation that is not registered may offer training but cannot issue nationally recognised qualifications.

Australian, state and territory government funding

RTOs can apply for financial assistance from government to deliver training. A major component of the Australian Government funding policy is User Choice. This is a national policy but each state and territory determines how it is applied and the amount of funds an RTO can receive.

The Australian government and state and territory governments also offer various funding programs targeted at particular learning groups, industries, or regions of Australia.

For more information see funding and tenders.

Create and customise courses

Only RTOs can customise courses to deliver nationally accredited training that is tailored to the needs of potential clients.

For more information see customising a course.

Overseas students

Training providers wishing to get involved in the growing education export market must be registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).

To be registered on CRICOS, a training provider must be an RTO.

For more information see international markets.