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What is an RTO?

An RTO or Registered training organisation is a nationally recognised training provider within the vocation education and training (VET) sector. Approval from ASQA, the National regulator for vocation education and training is required in order to be able to deliver their training.

ASQA approval enables RTOs to:

  • provide training that is nationally recognised
  • provide qualifications & statements of attainment ( like certificates that show what units of competency a student has completed as part of their course)
  • be eligible for government funding in the provision of services to the VET sector

Without approval from ASQA and national recognition, a training provider is not authorised for any of the above.

With over 4 million students partaking in vocation education and training a year, RTO’s provide a necessary function in the upskilling or reskilling within this sector in Australia.

 

Vocational Education and training

Vocational Education and Training is a fast-track career path to rewarding jobs. Through vocational education, students can acquire practical skills & knowledge for the workplace, without having to spend three years on an undergraduate degree.

VET is delivered through nationally recognised training packages or accredited courses with an RTO.

Whether you’re looking to get qualified for a new career, return or enter the workforce and upgrade your qualifications with some upskilling; VET accredited courses can help.

The different VET Qualifications an RTO is approved to deliver

Certificate I

The certificate I qualification is designed to give individuals formal qualifications with basic functional knowledge (and skills) that can be used for further learning and/or community involvement. It should be noted that this level doesn’t require as much knowledge or skills compared with other levels of certificates.

 

Certificate II

Level 2 qualifications are the stepping stone towards more advanced learning. They provide a defined knowledge of one topic, like Certificate II In Information, Digital Media and Technology

which certifies recipients with digital literacy and can be used in any industry. A level two usually requires 6 months – 1 year study for completion.

 

Certificate III

The information taught in Certificate III is not as extensive or complex as in Certificate IV. But it qualifies learners to undertake skilled work and apply a broad range of knowledge. It also lays the groundwork for further learning, which can lead toward either an even higher certificate or diploma level in order to achieve more specialised skills within the chosen field.

 

Certificate IV

Certificate IV qualifies learners in skilled work to apply a wide range of specialised skills & knowledge. It is slightly more specialised than Certificate III, but it can still provide practical experience for many careers.

 

Diploma

The Diploma is a level 5 qualification that qualifies people to undertake advanced skilled work to a deeper level of understanding than any of the Certificates. They also lay the groundwork for other higher-level qualifications.

How does a training institution become an RTO in Australia?

To become an RTO in Australia, you must first pass the Australian Quality Training Framework standards and apply to ASQA. You will then be assessed for your understanding of the VET system, financial viability, ability to deliver training & assessment, and handle enrolments  & student support before being approved.

The registration of a training provider is an important step in ensuring that students are receiving a high-quality education. The RTO must detail its scope, specifically:

  • The assessment & training it would like to offer
  • what fields these qualifications will apply within
  • The fields or industries in which it may deliver training or assessment
  • The highest level qualifications it intends to offer

After approval, to make sure they are constantly maintaining high standards, RTOs must renew their registration with their state or territory authority every five years. They can also be audited by ASQA at any time to ensure quality control is still intact and up-to-date.

 

Are you looking to start an RTO? We are an Australian RTO website design & development agency with deep insight and a wealth of experience in the VET industry. We have the skills, talent, and know-how to ensure your ASQA compliance as well as help you maximise your student conversions online.

 

Want to learn more? Get in touch now to have a chat, discover how we can help you, and benefit from a free consultation with us.