Starting an RTO in Tasmania

Step 1: Choose Your Business Model and Determine Your Scope of Registration

Start by identifying the model that best suits your organisational and business goals —for example, a short-course provider, a corporate RTO, a more traditional provider offering face-to-face courses, or a hybrid delivery model.

Next, define the scope of registration you wish to apply for, including the qualifications, skill sets, individual units or accredited courses you plan to deliver. You can view all nationally recognised qualifications and units of competency on training.gov.au. (Note: before applying for any accredited course, you need to obtain their permission first)

Your chosen business model and scope should align with your long-term vision, the industry you are focusing on, target learner groups, and organisational capability.

Keeping an initial application smaller can have benefits, but keep in mind that under ASQA and their legislation, new RTOs cannot change their scope for the first two years after registration is granted.

Step 2: Prepare Your RTO Business Plan

A detailed business plan is required to demonstrate your organisation’s readiness and sustainability. It should include:

• The scope of registration
• Target learner groups and industry focus
• Financial forecasts and supporting documentation
• Marketing and recruitment strategies

Applicants must complete ASQA’s Financial Viability Risk Assessment (FVRA) to show they have the financial resources and systems to operate sustainably. This step ensures your RTO can deliver quality training without financial risk to learners.

Step 3: Develop Your RTO Policies, Procedures, and Systems

ASQA requires every RTO to establish quality assurance systems and policies that comply with the VET Quality Framework and the 2025 Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs).

Your documentation should cover, at a minimum:

• Marketing and recruitment systems
• Training and assessment systems
• Student support and welfare
• Workforce management, including your trainers and assessors
• Governance and management, including risk management

Example: An RTO delivering a CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care must outline trainer qualifications, assessment methods, student resources, and how practical placements will be managed.

Step 4: Submit Your Application and Evidence

All applications are submitted through the ASQAnet portal.

You’ll need to provide evidence of:

• A completed and comprehensive application form, plus any supporting evidence,
• Business and financial capacity
• Organisational structure and key personnel
• Training and assessment resources
• Facilities and delivery systems

All key personnel must also meet ASQA’s Fit and Proper Person Requirements, confirming their suitability and integrity to manage an RTO.

Applications that are incomplete or missing evidence will not progress to audit, so ensure all documentation is finalised and accurate before submission.

Timeframe: Allow 6–12 months from preparation to registration, depending on readiness and ASQA’s workload.

Fees: View the latest ASQA Fees and Charges.

Step 5: Undergo the Initial Registration Audit

Once your application is complete and progresses to the next stage, ASQA will conduct a registration audit to assess your readiness and compliance.

Auditors will review your documentation and will interview key personnel to confirm everyone’s understanding and capacity to deliver quality training and assessment. While most consultants assist during this stage, it is critical the CEO and the leadership team have a full working knowledge of all aspects of the RTO.

Conducting a mock audit or engaging an RTO consultant before submission can help identify and fix any gaps early.

Step 6: Maintain Ongoing Compliance

After registration, your RTO must continue to meet all compliance obligations under the VET Quality Framework. This includes:

• Submitting annual declarations of compliance
• Maintaining AVETMISS reporting and student records
• Conducting regular internal reviews
• Implement systems and systematic self-assurance practices
• Keeping training and assessment strategies current
• Monitoring performance against quality indicators

Failure to meet these obligations can result in heavy financial penalties, conditions, suspension, or even cancellation of registration. 

A focus on continuous improvement is the key to staying compliant and delivering high-quality training outcomes