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Becoming an RTO (Registered Training Organisation) in New South Wales involves several steps and requires compliance with various regulations and standards set by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA). The process includes obtaining the necessary qualifications, developing course materials, establishing policies and procedures, and submitting an application to ASQA. The application is assessed based on various criteria, including the quality of training and assessment, student support, and compliance with regulatory requirements.

If you’re interested in becoming an RTO in NSW, it’s essential to understand the requirements and follow the necessary steps.

Steps to start an RTO in New South Wales

If you’re interested in starting an RTO (Registered Training Organisation) in New South Wales, there are several steps you need to follow. These steps are outlined by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) and are aimed at ensuring the quality of training and assessment provided meets the standards expected by students and employers.

Step 1: Meet the Requirements

Before submitting your application to become an RTO, you need to make sure that you meet the requirements set by ASQA. This includes having: the necessary qualifications, resources, and facilities to provide high-quality training and assessment. You will see more about this below.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

Once you have met the requirements, you can submit your application to ASQA. In New South Wales, if you plan to offer any course, either in-class or online, within ACT, NSW, NT, QLD, SA, and TAS, or courses to overseas students in Australia on a student visa, you must apply for registration with ASQA.

Step 3: Undergo Assessment

ASQA will undertake a rigorous assessment process of your application to ensure your compliance with the RTO standards. This will include a review of your policies and procedures, resources, and facilities, as well as a site audit.

Step 4: Receive Notification of the Decision

Once the assessment is completed, you will be notified of ASQA’s decision. If successful, you will be registered as an RTO, and if not, you will be notified of why.

Step 5: Register as Education Services for Overseas Students (if applicable)

If you intend to deliver VET to overseas students in Australia on a student visa, you must also register as an Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) provider. This involves registering on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). It is important to note that this step is only necessary if you plan to offer courses to overseas students in Australia on a student visa.

Requirements for starting an RTO in New South Wales

To become an RTO (Registered Training Organisation) in NSW, you must meet certain requirements set by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) to ensure the quality of training and assessment provided meets the standards expected by students and employers.

1. Provide evidence of your financial viability

You need to demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to operate as an RTO. This includes providing financial statements, profit and loss statements, and cash flow projections.

2. Meet the fit and proper person requirements

You and any other key personnel involved in the operation of the RTO must be declared as fit and proper persons. This means you have not been convicted of any relevant criminal offences, have not had any regulatory action taken against you, and are not bankrupt or insolvent.

3. Develop a quality management system

You must develop a quality management system that meets the requirements of the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015. This includes policies and procedures for the delivery and assessment of training, as well as continuous improvement processes.

4. Provide evidence of training and assessment resources

You must provide evidence that you have sufficient training and assessment resources to deliver high-quality training and assessment services. This includes qualified trainers and assessors, appropriate facilities, equipment, and learning resources.

5. Meet the requirements of the relevant training package or accredited course

You must ensure that your training and assessment services are designed and delivered in accordance with the requirements of the relevant training package or accredited course.

6. Comply with relevant legislation and regulatory requirements

You must comply with all relevant legislation and regulatory requirements, including workplace health and safety, anti-discrimination, and privacy laws.

Approval or rejection for your application

Application approval:

If your RTO application is approved by ASQA, you will receive a registration certificate and a letter outlining your obligations. Your RTO may have all of its training products approved, or there may be specific conditions attached to the approval.

It’s important to note that new RTOs are typically approved for an initial period of two years to allow ASQA to assess and manage any potential entry-to-market risks.

At the end of your initial registration period, you will need to demonstrate consistent performance and implementation against the standards to renew your registration. Ongoing compliance with the VET Quality Framework is also your responsibility as a registered RTO. This means that you will need to manage and monitor your RTO’s activities and ensure that your operations are compliant with all applicable regulations.

It’s important to familiarise yourself with your obligations as an RTO to maintain compliance and avoid any potential issues. If you’re unsure, you can consult an RTO compliance expert.

Rejection:

If your application for RTO registration is not approved, ASQA will provide you with the reasons for their decision in writing. Your application may be rejected due to reasons such as incomplete information, failure to provide required evidence on time or in the correct format, non-compliance with the VET Quality Framework, not meeting the financial viability risk assessment requirements, or key staff not meeting the fit and proper person requirements.

If you disagree with the decision, ASQA will send you a letter explaining why your registration was not approved. It’s important to note that you can appeal the decision if you believe that there were errors in the assessment process or if you have additional information that wasn’t previously provided.

How long will it take to start an RTO in New South Wales?

The approval timeline for becoming an RTO is typically within 6 months if your application is complete when submitted. However, the process can vary depending on the complexity of the application and the volume of applications being processed by ASQA. It is recommended to check ASQA’s website for updated information and guidelines on the process.

Other considerations for starting a New South Wales RTO

When considering how to start an RTO in New South Wales, it’s important to keep in mind that the process may seem daunting at first. However, with the right support and guidance, it is possible to navigate the unique requirements of the vocational education and training industry.

One important consideration is compliance with the VET Quality Framework, which sets out the national standards for RTOs. This includes requirements for training and assessment strategies, qualified trainers and assessors, and student support services.

Additionally, funding is a crucial aspect to consider, both from state and federal sources. You will need to become familiar with the various funding streams and eligibility criteria and ensure that you can meet the reporting and accountability requirements.

It’s also important to stay up-to-date with changes to training packages, as they may affect your RTO. It’s important to remain informed about the latest developments in your industry and adapt your training offerings accordingly.

For help kick-starting your RTO

Starting an RTO in New South Wales can be a challenging but rewarding endeavour.

Providing quality training and assessment services can positively impact the lives and careers of students and contribute to the development of a skilled workforce. If you need assistance in navigating the complexities of starting an RTO, there are resources and support available.

Seeking advice from experienced RTO consultants or industry associations, and taking advantage of training and professional development opportunities can enhance your skills and knowledge. You can contact us online or learn more about our RTO start-up services, which can help give your RTO a head start and boost in the right direction.

In Queensland? Check out How To Start An RTO In QLD.

Thinking about starting an RTO but don’t know where to start? Knowing the logistics behind how to start an RTO and the necessary steps to take, is a great place to start.

Starting an RTO in Queensland can be a challenging but rewarding endeavour. Providing quality training and assessment services can positively impact the lives and careers of students and contribute to the development of a skilled workforce.

If you need assistance in navigating the complexities of starting an RTO, there are resources and support available. Seeking advice from experienced RTO consultants or industry associations, and taking advantage of training and professional development opportunities can enhance your skills and knowledge.

Additionally, you can contact us online or learn more about our RTO start-up services, which can help give your RTO a head start and boost in the right direction.

Steps to starting an RTO in Queensland

To start an RTO in Queensland, you need to follow the following process outlined by ASQA:

1. Accurately prepare your application

Before submitting an application to become an RTO, you need to make sure you meet the requirements set by ASQA to ensure the quality of training and assessment you provide meets the high standards expected by students and employers.

2. Submit your application

You need to submit your application to ASQA. If you are based in Victoria or Western Australia and will offer any course, either in-class or online, within ACT, NSW, NT, QLD, SA, and TAS, or courses to overseas students in Australia on a student visa, then you must apply for registration with ASQA.

3. Undergo assessment

Undergo an assessment: ASQA will undertake a rigorous assessment process of your application to ensure your compliance with the RTO standards.

4. Receive notification of the decision

Once the assessment is completed, you will be notified of ASQA’s decision. If successful, you will be registered as an RTO.

5. Register as Education Services for Overseas Students (if applicable)

It is important to note that if you intend to deliver VET to overseas students in Australia on a student visa, you must also register as an Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) provider. This involves registering on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).

Requirements for starting an RTO in Queensland

To become an RTO in Queensland, you will need to ensure that you meet the requirements set by ASQA. Once you have met these guidelines, you can submit your application to become an RTO in Queensland to ASQA for assessment.

Some of the guidelines you will need to follow include:

1. Providing evidence of your financial viability

You will need to demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to operate as an RTO. This includes providing financial statements, profit and loss statements, and cash flow projections.

2. Meeting the fit and proper person requirements

You will need to declare that you, and any other key personnel involved in the operation of the RTO, are fit and proper persons. This means you have not been convicted of any relevant criminal offences, have not had any regulatory action taken against you, and are not bankrupt or insolvent.

3. Developing a quality management system

You will need to develop a quality management system that meets the requirements of the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015. This includes policies and procedures for the delivery and assessment of training, as well as continuous improvement processes.

4. Providing evidence of training and assessment resources

You will need to provide evidence that you have sufficient training and assessment resources to deliver high-quality training and assessment services. This includes qualified trainers and assessors, appropriate facilities, equipment, and learning resources.

5. Meeting the requirements of the relevant training package or accredited course

You will need to ensure that your training and assessment services are designed and delivered in accordance with the requirements of the relevant training package or accredited course.

6. Complying with relevant legislation and regulatory requirements

You will need to comply with all relevant legislation and regulatory requirements, including workplace health and safety, anti-discrimination, and privacy laws.

Decision stage: approval or disapproval of your RTO

If your RTO is approved

If your application is approved, your RTO may have all training products approved, or with specific conditions. If your application is approved you will receive a registration certificate, a letter that explains your organisation’s obligations, and details of any special registration conditions.

Typically, new RTOs are approved for an initial period of two years. This helps ASQA to assess and manage the entry-to-market risk that new RTOs may present. At the end of your initial registration period, you will need to show consistent performance and implementation against the standards to renew your registration.

Once registered, it’s important to note that you are responsible for ongoing compliance with the VET Quality Framework. You will need to manage and monitor your RTO’s activities and maintain compliance across all your operations. You can learn more about RTO responsibilities to ensure that you are familiar with your obligations.

If your request is rejected

If your application is not approved, you will be provided with the reasons for the decision. Your application may be rejected:

it’s incomplete,
you didn’t provide the required information or evidence on time or in the correct format
you didn’t demonstrate compliance with the VET Quality Framework
you haven’t satisfied the financial viability risk assessment requirements
your key staff haven’t satisfied the fit and proper person requirements.

If you disagree with the decision, you can be sent will a letter to explain why your registration was not approved.

How long does it take to start an RTO in Queensland?

The approval timeline for becoming an RTO is usually within 6 months if your application is complete when submitted. It is recommended to check ASQA’s website for updated information and guidelines on the process.

Other things to consider when asking how to start an RTO in Queensland

As you consider starting an RTO, it’s important to remember that the process may seem overwhelming at first, but with the right guidance and support, you can successfully navigate the unique requirements of the vocational education and training industry.

One key consideration is compliance with the VET Quality Framework, which sets out the national standards for RTOs. This includes requirements for training and assessment strategies, qualified trainers and assessors, and student support services.

Another important aspect is funding, both from state and federal sources. You will need to familiarise yourself with the different funding streams and eligibility criteria and ensure that you can meet the reporting and accountability requirements.

Changes to training packages may also affect your RTO, so it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in your industry and adapt your training offerings accordingly.

For help starting an RTO in Queensland

While there are challenges in starting and running an RTO, there are also rewards. By providing high-quality training and assessment services, you can make a positive impact on the lives and careers of your students, and contribute to the development of a skilled and productive workforce.

If you need help navigating the complexities of starting an RTO, there are resources and support available. Consider seeking advice from experienced RTO consultants or industry associations, and take advantage of training and professional development opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge.

Contact us online or learn more about our RTO start-up services that can help you, not only to start your RTO, but to give it a head start and boost in the right direction.

In NSW? Check out How to Become an RTO in NSW.

Importance of RTOs delivering training Australia

In Australia, Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) play an important role in the vocational education and training system. They’re responsible for delivering training programs and assessing students’ competencies in industries like:

Health and science
Education
Business and IT
Environment and animal services
Creative industries
Infrastructure and transport
Trades
Service industries

But, do you need to be an RTO to deliver training in Australia? To deliver nationally recognised training and issue nationally recognised qualifications in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector in Australia, an organisation must be approved as a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

RTOs are the only organisations authorised to:

Registered training organisations, or RTOs, approved by ASQA are the only businesses that can deliver training in Australia and:

Conduct and assess nationally recognised training
Award nationally recognised qualifications and statements of attainment
Submit applications for government funding to provide VET services

RTO Compliance requirements to deliver training in Australia

As mentioned, if someone is seeking to deliver nationally recognised training in Australia, they must become a registered training organisation (RTO).

As well as this, All RTOs must comply with the relevant legislation and regulatory requirements in the Commonwealth, state, or territory where they operate. This includes informing staff and clients about their responsibilities and rights under the applicable laws and regulations.

One of these legislations is the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015, which outlines the requirements for RTOs in Australia, including those related to compliance and regulation. Clauses 8.5 and 8.6 of the Standards provide more information on the responsibilities of RTOs in this area.

How to check if you can deliver training

You can easily check to see if your RTO start-up or existing RTO is up-to-standard with an RTO compliance service.

Why do you need to be an RTO to deliver training in Australia?

1. Ensuring quality training and assessment

One of the primary reasons for the regulatory framework for RTOs in Australia is to ensure that quality training and assessment are delivered to students. This is achieved through various measures, including:

Meeting industry standards: RTOs are required to provide training and assessment that meets industry standards and is relevant to current workplace needs. This means that the training provided must be up-to-date and relevant to the industry it relates to.
Using appropriate assessment methods: RTOs are also required to use appropriate assessment methods that are fair, valid, reliable, and flexible. This means that the assessment methods used must be appropriate for the type of training being delivered and must be able to accurately measure a student’s knowledge and skills.
Monitoring and reviewing training and assessment: RTOs are required to continuously monitor and review their training and assessment practices to ensure that they remain up-to-date and relevant. This includes regularly reviewing the materials used, the methods of delivery, and the assessment practices to ensure they are still appropriate.

By ensuring quality training and assessment are delivered, the regulatory framework helps to ensure that students receive training that is relevant to their needs and is of a high standard. This, in turn, helps to ensure that they are better equipped to enter the workforce and perform their job roles effectively.

2. To protect student interests

Regulations also play a crucial role in protecting the rights and interests of students who are enrolled in RTOs. One of the key ways they do this is by requiring RTOs to provide accurate and up-to-date information about their courses, fees, and refund policies.

This helps to ensure that students have a clear understanding of what they can expect from their training and that they are not subject to any hidden fees or charges.

In addition, regulations provide avenues for complaints and appeals, allowing students to raise any concerns they may have about the quality of their training or the conduct of the RTO. This helps to ensure that RTOs are held accountable for their actions and that students have a way to seek redress if they are not satisfied with their experience.

Finally, regulations require RTOs to maintain adequate records of student progress and achievements. This ensures that students receive the recognition and certification they are entitled to and that their achievements are recorded in a way that is transparent and easily verifiable.

3. Fairness

Regulations ensure that all RTOs operate under the same set of rules and standards, which promotes fair competition and a level playing field. This means that RTOs are held to the same high standards, regardless of their size or location, and are subject to regular audits to ensure ongoing compliance.

Regulations are one of the key features that help RTO start-ups compete with others that are household names.

In addition, regulations prevent providers from taking advantage of vulnerable students or using unethical practices to gain an unfair advantage. For example, RTOs are required to provide accurate and up-to-date information about their courses, fees, and refund policies, which helps students make informed decisions about their education and protects them from misleading or deceptive marketing practices.

By promoting fair competition and preventing unethical behaviour, regulations help ensure that students are able to choose from a range of high-quality, reputable training providers that meet their needs and provide them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.

4. Public trust and confidence

Regulations also play a crucial role in maintaining public trust and confidence in the quality and integrity of the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector.

By establishing clear standards and requirements, regulations help ensure that RTOs operate in a transparent and ethical manner, and are accountable for their actions.

The VET sector is an essential part of the Australian education system, providing students with practical skills and knowledge that are directly relevant to the workplace. It is important that the public has confidence in the quality and value of VET qualifications, and that employers can trust that graduates have the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workforce.

For example, if you were a hiring manager searching for an electrician, having relevant training and accreditation should be of the same standard regardless of where the student undertook their training.

Regulations for RTOs help maintain public trust and confidence in several ways.

They establish clear requirements for RTOs, including requirements for course content, teaching standards, and assessment methods. This ensures that RTOs are providing high-quality training that meets industry standards and is relevant to current workplace needs.
Regulations provide a framework for monitoring and enforcing compliance with these requirements. This helps to ensure that RTOs are operating in a transparent and ethical manner, and that they are accountable for their actions. If an RTO is found to be non-compliant, the regulatory authorities have the power to take action, including revoking the RTO’s registration.
Regulations provide transparency and accountability to the public. By requiring RTOs to publish information about their courses, fees, and student outcomes, regulations help students and employers make informed decisions about the courses they choose. This promotes competition and innovation within the VET sector, and helps ensure that RTOs are delivering courses that meet the needs of students and employers.

By establishing clear standards and requirements, enforcing compliance, and promoting transparency and accountability, regulations help ensure that the VET sector is providing high-quality training that meets the needs of students and employers.

Starting an RTO or ensuring yours is compliant to deliver training in Australia

Regulations are essential for RTOs to ensure the quality of their training and assessment, protect the rights and interests of students, promote a level playing field, and maintain public trust and confidence. The regulatory framework for RTOs in Australia is comprehensive and rigorous, which helps ensure that the VET sector continues to deliver high-quality outcomes for students and industry.

However, navigating the complex regulatory requirements of RTOs can be challenging, especially for those new to the industry. That’s where RTO Coach comes in. As a business that offers RTO audits, compliance, and RTO start-up help, they can assist RTOs in meeting their regulatory obligations and achieving their business goals.

With their expertise and guidance, RTOs can confidently deliver training and assessment that meets industry standards and produces positive outcomes for students and the industry.

Contact RTO Coach today to learn more about services and to help your RTO succeed.

When it comes to non-compliances, based on the Australian Skills Quality Authority’s (ASQA) own figures, the majority of non-compliance issues are related to the practice of assessing and assessment tools. Over 70% of organisations audited have identified issues in this area.

There is an extraordinary number of RTOs that do not ‘pass’ audit on the first attempt, due to the assessment tools they present and personally I feel that this is a shocking representation of our industry.

Many people will blame the auditors or ASQA, or find a way to pass the buck, but I have a very different view. Over the past 15 months, I have participated in over 95 ‘ASQA audits’ for clients and partners, with the majority passed at the time of audit, or at least by the time the audit report is written.

Further to this, over the past 13 years, I have worked with hundreds of RTOs and I believe that when it comes to assessment tools, the key issues general relate to two distinct areas.

(NOTE: I am not saying that this is representative of everyone I have worked with—there are many exceptions, but of the RTOs that have had issues, these tend to be the two trends I see).

The first issue is laziness and quick fixes.

RTO owners purchase assessment tools, believing the assessment tool developers when they say, ‘Our tools have passed ASQA Audits’. Unfortunately, this is most often not the case. We find serious compliance issues with the majority of tools that are on the market today, and most need to be amended and fixed in order to pass audit.

RTO owners pursue this strategy, as many want to start earning money today! And what’s wrong with that? In theory, nothing—but in practice, these tools are often very deficient, and relying on them without tailoring, input and re-development, is extremely risky. Using these tools straight off-the-shelf is the equivalent of serving mouldy food in a café just to open today, or driving a defective car and risking your family’s life just so you can get moving.

We often forget that assessment tools are an integral part of the VET sector and are critical in ensuring a quality education system. As such, defective tools impact on people’s lives! Poor tools mean graduates join the workforce with insufficient skills and, depending on the units or qualification, the possible consequences can easily lead to serious injury and death.

The second issue is ignorance and ‘non education’.

What do I mean by this? To be a trainer and assessor, you need to hold the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. This means you understand assessment tools…right? Not based on my observations, which are echoed by many people in industry. We need to fix how we teach trainers and assessors before we can fix the system, but that’s a massive issue for another blog.

I always say, working with assessment tools, is NOT like riding a bike. It’s not a skill most people hold, especially when they haven’t worked ‘ON’ the tools for a while.

These two key issues of purchasing defective assessment tools and poor understanding and education on assessment tools, are not mutually exclusive. We often see RTOs with both these issues.

When it comes to writing and supplementing assessment tools, the process is not necessarily difficult, however it can be time consuming, and does require an in-depth understanding of what’s required. Now having said that, I make no apology for the time or money it takes to develop tools that are fit-for-purpose. As I said, you’re playing with people’s lives!

I believe every RTO has a moral responsibility to ensure all the tools they have meet industry needs as well as the unit and training package requirements. This is above and beyond the legal obligations specified in the Standard and Act. No RTO should ever believe that the tools they purchase are ‘fit for use’, without first reviewing each unit. Never rely on the mapping guide without checking it.

Further to this, the RTO should ensure all staff fully understand the requirements of assessment tools and assessing. When I write or review assessment tools, I always echo the phrase, ‘verb and context’. This means that it’s critical to understand the verb(s) contained within the performance criteria and other parts of the unit, and the context of the verb. You need to read the whole criteria/phrase and refer to the application and context of the element, and the unit as a whole. This is critical when developing valid tools.

This is just a snapshot of the issues facing industry assessment tools, and RTOs’ attitudes towards them. It’s the responsibility of the RTO to deliver quality assessment tools, not to the provider of those tools. The provider won’t get slapped on the wrist for giving you poor assessment tools, but the RTO will. It’s also the RTO’s responsibility to ensure they have the right attitude towards assessment tools, the right education to ensure their people have the expertise to write and validate assessment tools, and that they are regularly checked and updated to meet industry needs.

Doing the above will ensure that the risk to RTOs is diminished, and improved outcomes are possible for the industry and sector, with the overall result being better performing graduates.