What is registration?
Registration is a nationally recognised ‘stamp of approval’. It indicates the training organisation can deliver, assess and issue qualifications or statements of attainment to a nationally agreed standard for the specific vocational education and training qualifications it is registered to provide.
What is a registered training organisation (RTO)?
An RTO is an organisation, registered in accordance with the AQTF Standards for Registered Training Organisations, to provide specific vocational education and training and/or assessment services. RTOs may include TAFE institutes, private providers, community providers, schools, higher education institutions, industry organisations and enterprises.
Across Australia, there are over 4,100 RTOs operating.
What are the benefits of registration to a training organisation?
Registration enables a training organisation to:
-
deliver and/or assess nationally recognised training throughout Australia
-
issue AQF qualifications which are recognised by industry and all other RTOs in Australia
-
confidently accept the qualifications and Statements of Attainment issued by other providers because they have been subjected to the same quality processes
-
use training products developed by industry to meet industry needs
-
-
use the Nationally Recognised Training logo
-
develop partnerships with other organisations or enterprises to provide nationally recognised training and/or assessment services.
What are the benefits of registration for an organisation’s clients?
Clients benefit from:
-
national recognition of qualifications gained
-
knowing that their training is being delivered by an organisation which meets national standards
-
enhanced career prospects because the qualifications are based on identified industry needs
-
access to recognition of prior learning (RPL), also known as recognition of current competence (RCC)
-
opportunities for articulation into further training (this may include higher education).
Should your organisation become a registered training organisation (RTO) or just form a partnership with one?
A key advantage of an organisation becoming an RTO is that the organisation can issue AQF qualifications and Statements of Attainment that are recognised and accepted by industry and other RTOs throughout Australia.
However, many Australian businesses are developing training solutions for their staff that result in nationally recognised qualifications or Statements of Attainment by working in partnership arrangements with one or more RTOs, rather than becoming an RTO themselves.
Before deciding whether to become an RTO, your enterprise should carefully consider all the available options and determine the best training solution for your organisation.
The Partners in Training material located at the above address should provide a sound foundation for you to determine and develop a case for the best training solution for your organisation. It includes some case studies, a training decision planner and checklist for your information.
Who registers an RTO?
Each state and territory has a registering body responsible for the national registration of RTOs. Registration in one state or territory means that an RTO is registered to deliver training in all other states and territories.
Where should you register?
A training organisation should register in the state or territory where its head office is located or where most of its training or assessment will occur.
What is the role of the registering body?
The registering body is responsible for assuring the quality of nationally recognised training and assessment delivered by a registered training organisation. This includes managing the registration of the organisation, determining the scope of registration, monitoring compliance with the Standards for Registered Training Organisations and applying any sanctions. Where an organisation wishes to deliver training and issue nationally recognised qualifications and Statements of Attainment, that organisation must first become a registered training organisation and comply with requirements and standards within the National Training Framework.
How does an organisation become registered?
To become registered an organisation must comply with the Standards for Registered Training Organisations and must submit to audits, as required by the registering body.
The organisation must:
-
self assess all of its operations against the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (a number of self assessment tools are available)
-
complete relevant application forms and pay fees as required by the registering body
-
undergo an evaluation by a registering body, including an audit across all of its operations and types of delivery, to ensure compliance with the Standards for Registered Training Organisations.
What happens next?
The registering body will notify the organisation of the outcome of the registration application. If successful, the organisation will receive a registration certificate confirming it can operate as a registered training organisation. Details of the training organisation and the scope of registration will be entered on the National Training Information Service (NTIS) by the registering body.
Can an organisation appeal if registration is refused?
Yes. If a registration application is unsuccessful, the organisation has the right to appeal the decision of the registering body through an appeal process.
Can organisations be assured that information gained during the registration process will remain confidential?
Registering bodies comply with the Standards for State and Territory Registering/Course Accrediting Bodies when registering a training organisation. These standards require management of any conflict of interest and include confidentiality requirements for all individuals involved in the registration process.
The registering body may disclose information to other state and territory registering bodies, including information about the registration application and process, audits and any follow-up action taken.
Are there fees for registration?
Each registering body has a fee schedule and requirements for the payment of fees.
How long does registration last?
Up to five years.
For renewal of registration, the registered training organisation must apply to the registering body, allowing sufficient time for an audit to be completed prior to the expiry date of their current registration.
Does registration allow RTOs to offer training interstate?
Yes. A registered training organisation can operate in any state or territory, within their defined scope of registration, without having to go through an additional registration process. However, each registered training organisation must notify its registering body within 21 days of commencing interstate operations so the interstate registering body can be informed and the National Training Information Service (NTIS) updated. The registered training organisation must comply with the particular legislative and occupational licensing requirements of the state or territory in which they deliver training and/or assessment.
Who can deliver nationally recognised training to overseas students in Australia?
A registered training organisation may offer vocational education and training to overseas students in Australia, but must first be approved for listing on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). These requirements are additional to the AQTF. The registered training organisation should apply for CRICOS approval from the state or territory in which they are seeking to deliver the training for overseas students. For further assistance, go to the CRICOS website.
What if an organisation’s circumstances change?
If a training organisation undergoes major changes such as a change of chief executive, change of address, experiences financial difficulties or substantially alters its staffing profile, it is obliged to advise the registering body in writing of the changes.
What if an organisation no longer wishes to be an RTO?
The registered training organisation must advise the registering body in writing of its intention to cease operating as an RTO and discuss with the registering body arrangements for current students to complete their training and/or assessment. The RTO will also need to transfer records as required by the registering body.
What if you have a concern about your RTO or the training it is delivering?
If you have a concern about your registered training organisation or the training it is delivering, the first step should be to discuss this with the RTO. They may be able to resolve the issue or explain how they have planned the training and why. If you’re still not satisfied, you should follow the RTO’s grievance procedures and seek some form of formal response and action. As a final resort, you should contact the training authority in your state or territory. Details of state and territory training authorities can be found in contacts and links.
