Starting an RTO in Western Australia

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

Before deciding which courses to deliver, clarify the business model that best suits your goals. For example, you might operate as a short course provider focusing on high-demand skills, a corporate RTO delivering training to businesses, a traditional provider offering face-to-face courses or a hybrid model combining public courses, online delivery, and industry partnerships.

Once you’ve determined your model, define your scope of registration, the qualifications, units of competency, skill sets, or accredited courses you plan to deliver and assess. Before you are allowed to use any accredited course, you will need to seek the copyright holder’s permission.

Visit training.gov.au to review nationally recognised qualifications and units of competency which are available to meet your needs. Ensure each course aligns with industry demand and your organisation’s capacity to deliver and assess it effectively.

Your scope is a key strategic decision. Under ASQA, new RTOs cannot change their scope for the first two years after registration, so it’s important to choose qualifications that support your long-term direction.

Step 2: Choose the Right Regulator (ASQA or TAC)

Selecting the correct regulator depends on how and where you intend to deliver training:

• If you plan to deliver face-to-face training only within Western Australia, register with TAC.
• If you plan to deliver online, interstate, or to international students, register with ASQA.

If your RTO will deliver training to international students on student visas, you’ll also need CRICOS registration under the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) framework, managed by ASQA.

Step 3: Prepare Your RTO Business Plan

A detailed business plan is essential for both regulators. It should demonstrate your financial viability, training delivery model, and operational readiness.

Include:

• The qualifications you intend to deliver
• Target learner groups and industry focus
• Marketing and recruitment strategies
• Financial forecasts and supporting documentation

Applicants must also demonstrate financial viability:

• Under TAC, in accordance with the Financial Viability Assessment Guidelines for the Registration of Training Providers 2017 and TAC registration requirements.
• Under ASQA, by completing a Financial Viability Risk Assessment (FVRA).

These documents help regulators confirm your organisation’s capability to operate sustainably and deliver quality training.

Step 4: Develop Your RTO Policies, Procedures, and Systems

Every RTO must develop a Quality Management System (QMS) that aligns with either the VET Quality Framework (ASQA) or the TAC Standards for RTOs.

Key areas include, 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 SIT30821 Certificate III in Commercial Cookery must outline trainer qualifications, assessment methods, and how student placements will be managed.

Step 5: Submit Your Application and Evidence

Once your documentation is complete, submit your application through your chosen regulator:

• ASQA: via the ASQAnet portal
• TAC: via the TAC online

You’ll need to provide evidence of:

• A completed and comprehensive application form
• Financial and business capacity
• Governance and staffing structure
• Training and assessment systems
• Delivery resources and facilities

All key personnel must also meet the relevant ASQA or TAC Fit and Proper Person Requirements.

Timeframe: There are many factors that may impact the processing time; however, you need to allow between 6 to 12 months from preparation to registration, depending on readiness and regulator workload.

Costs: Application fees vary between ASQA and TAC depending on your intended scope.

• ASQA Fees and Charges
• TAC Fees and Charges

Step 6: Undergo the Initial Registration Audit

After submitting your application, your application will proceed to the initial registration audit stage. Auditors will review your documentation and will discuss with key staff, including the CEO, all aspects of the RTO’s operations to assess your readiness, overall compliance, and quality assurance systems.

Tip: Many new providers engage compliance consultants like RTO Coach to conduct a pre-audit review. This helps identify any compliance gaps and ensures your submission is audit-ready.

Step 7: Maintain Ongoing Compliance

Once registered, your RTO must continue meeting all obligations under the VET Quality Framework.

This includes:

• Submitting annual performance and financial reports
• Participating in monitoring audits
• Maintaining AVETMISS and student data reporting
• Keeping training and assessment strategies current
• Conducting regular internal reviews
• Implement systems and systematic self-assurance practices

Non-compliance can result in expensive fines, conditions, suspension, or cancellation of registration. 

Regular internal audits and quality reviews help keep your RTO compliant and performing well.