Becoming a registered training organisation (RTO) involves three major steps:

• preparation
• application and approval
• ongoing compliance.

The length of time it takes to complete the registration process varies but generally it takes about three months to prepare, lodge, audit and approve the application.

Preparing to register

Attend an information session

Most state and territory registering authorities - who are responsible for registering and monitoring RTOs - hold information sessions and workshops for training organisations. These sessions provide advice on becoming an RTO and explain the necessary compliance to the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) – a set of nationally agreed standards, which ensure quality of vocational education and training (VET) services across Australia.

Ensure full compliance with the AQTF

A training organisation must be fully compliant with the AQTF before it applies for registration. Visit AQTF 2007 to view documents to help RTOs and prospective RTOs demonstrate this compliance.

Define the scope of registration

A prospective RTO must define its scope of registration, that is, the courses, qualifications and other services it intends to deliver.

Meet legislative and licensing requirements

All legislative and licensing requirements relevant to the proposed scope of registration must be met. This information is available in Training Packages or through the appropriate industry skills council .

Application and approval

Validation audit

Following submission of an application to register, the registering authority will appoint an auditor to undertake a validation audit of the prospective RTO. The auditor will assess whether the systems and processes in place are compliant with the AQTF.

Formal approval

After registration, details of the RTO and the courses and qualifications it may deliver are published on a national register called the National Training Information Service (NTIS). The listing also provides access to current and emerging training market information.

On-going compliance

Registration under the AQTF is for up to five years - unless amended, suspended or cancelled. After this period, an RTO must apply for renewal of registration.

Once registered, an RTO must continue to comply with the AQTF standards for RTOs at all times.  Only qualifications or courses identified within its scope of registration can be delivered by the RTO.  Any changes to this scope - for example the introduction of additional courses, or a change from assessment-only services to delivery and assessment – require the approval of a variation to scope application.