AQTF registration
The Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) is the nationally agreed quality framework for the Australian vocational education and training (VET) system. All schools that offer vocational education must comply with the AQTF 2007 Essential Standards for Registration.
What is registration?
Registration is a nationally recognised stamp of approval that indicates an organisation can competently deliver and/or assess the training qualifications it is registered to provide, and is authorised to issue national qualifications. In Queensland, the QSA is reponsible for registering schools who wish to deliver vocational education qualifications at AQF Levels I and II (and AQF Level III in Information Technology).
A school is initially registered as a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) for a period of 5 years. This registration can be renewed for further periods of 5 years, as long as the school continues to comply with the AQTF 2007 registration standards.
Scope of registration
Schools who register as RTOs are provided with a document defining their scope of registration. This lists the Vocational Training Areas (VTAs) and qualification levels that the school is authorised to deliver.
Initial registration or renewal of registration
To apply to become an RTO, schools must complete the RTO 1 form. A guide has been developed to help.
- RTO 1 - Initial registration or renewal of registration (DOC, 347 kB)
- Guide A - Initial registration or renewal of registration (DOC, 157 kB)
Before submitting an application for initial registration, schools must ensure they comply with the requirements of the AQTF 2007 Essential Standards for Registration (including the conditions of registration), the Vocational Education, Training and Employment Act 2000 and all guidelines for RTOs issued by the QSA and the Department of Education, Training and the Arts.
Submit the registration form to the QSA by the registration due date (generally early August, see the Senior certification calendar). Application fees are currently waived for Queensland schools. Before submitting the application, ensure you are able to provide any necessary evidence for the site or desk audit.
The QSA will then conduct an audit (desk and site visit). If the results confirm the school is AQTF compliant, the registration will be processed. Once this is complete, registration documents will be issued (Certificate of Registration, Scope of Registration and VET - Scope of Registration, Registration Details). Once these are received, schools can begin offering the qualification or components listed on the documentation.
Within 12 months of registration, a post-initial (site) audit will be conducted to ensure that the school is maintaining its AQTF compliance.
Schools may appeal registration decisions.
Extending the scope of registration
To apply, complete all sections of the form:
Before submitting the application, the school should ensure it will be able to provide any necessary document should a desk or site audit occur (e.g. evidence of staff qualifications, assessment).
Forward the RTO 2 Form to the QSA by the registration due date (see the Senior certification calendar). Application fees are currently waived for Queensland schools.
The QSA will conduct a compliance audit. Once your audit results indicate that you are AQTF compliant, the registration will be processed and your school will be forwarded a replacement scope of registration (if the extension to scope was an additional vocational training area or an increase of AQF Level) and VET - Scope of Registration, Registration Details. Once you receive your registration documents, you can offer courses with vocational education components listed on the documentation.
Schools may appeal registration decisions.
Updating RTO details
Schools must notify the QSA of any change in their details by submitting the form:
Voluntary cancellation of registration
To cancel their status as an RTO, schools must submit the form:
More information
Email vet@qsa.qld.edu.au or telephone (07) 3864 0381.
Last updated: 30 January 2008
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