A registered training organisation (RTO) can deliver accredited training in more than one state or territory under a policy called National recognition.

Under National recognition, each state and territory has agreed to recognise the decisions of all other states and territories in relation to the registration of training organisations. It means that an RTO only needs to register once to provide training anywhere in Australia.

This policy is a key principle of the Australian Quality Training Framework, which ensures the vocational education and training system is nationally consistent and of high quality.

Providing training in more than one state or territory or overseas

Once registered, the organisation can provide the services outside its state or territory without additional registration. However, to do so, the RTO:

• must notify the registering authority with which it initially registered within 21 days of starting operations outside of its state or territory of registration
• may only deliver courses for which it is already registered.

It must also advise its registering body within three months of ceasing operation outside of its state or territory of registration.

Compliance and obligations

When providing training outside the state or territory of registration, an RTO should be aware each state or territory:

• has its own legislative and licensing requirements with which it has to comply
• may require reports in addition to the Australian Vocational Education and Training Management Information Statistical (AVETMIS) standard.

Wherever an RTO is delivering training it must comply with the same quality standards that apply to their initial registration.

Recognition of qualifications and statements of attainment

An RTO must recognise and accept qualifications and partial qualifications conferred by another RTO in any state or territory. This means that the RTO must recognise an individual's qualification or partial qualification such as a statement of attainment for specific modules or units of competency, a certificate or diploma.

An RTO has the right to check the issuing training organisations registered status.

Levels of competence

If there are any concerns with the level of competence of the person who has been issued the qualification an RTO should:

• discuss its concerns with the RTO that issued the award
• contact the primary recognition authority of the organisation and lodge its concern.

Any concerns must not impact on the student or trainee. Their qualification must be accepted. Failure to adhere to this principle could jeopardise your organisation's registration status.