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.
