The Australian Quality Training Framework 2007 (AQTF 2007) is the national set of standards which assures nationally consistent, high-quality training and assessment services for the clients of Australia’s vocational education and training system.

The AQTF evolved from the original Australian Recognition Framework that underwent revision during 2000 and 2001. On 8 June 2001, Ministers renamed the framework to reflect the increased emphasis on quality in the national VET system. An updated version was implemented on 1 July 2005 and was put in place until 30 June 2007. A new version of the framework, AQTF 2007, has come into effect, commencing 1 July 2007.

The three components of AQTF 2007 are:

1. The Essential Standards for Registration

Training organisations must meet these standards in order to deliver and assess nationally recognised training and issue nationally recognised qualifications. They include three standards, a requirement for registered training organisations to gather information on their performance against three quality indicators, and nine conditions of registration.

An organisation wishing to become an RTO must demonstrate its ability to comply with the Essential Standards for Registering.

2. Standards for State and Territory Registering Bodies

State and Territory registering bodies are responsible for registering training organisations and for quality assuring the training and assessment services they provide, in accordance with the AQTF 2007 and relevant legislation within each jurisdiction. The standards and supporting guidelines provide a national operating framework.

3. the voluntary Excellence Criteria

The Excellence Criteria focus on encouraging and recognising overall high performance in training providers. They build upon many of the aspects of the Essential Standards for Registration, including high quality learning and assessment, client focus, and engagement of industry and communities.

Nationally consistent

The adherence by training providers and registering authorities to the standards will ensure a nationally consistent, high quality training and assessment services for clients of the VET system.