The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) has recently made important updates for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and other stakeholders in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector. These announcements cover a range of topics, from compliance requirements to course accreditation, online learning, and communication with ASQA. In this blog post, we will provide an overview of each update.
Annual Declaration on Compliance (ADC) – 17 April 2023
ASQA has announced that the Annual Declaration on Compliance (ADC) will commence on 17 April 2023 and close on 17 May 2023. It is mandatory for all RTOs to complete this declaration, and ASQA encourages all RTOs to ensure that their records are up to date on asqanet prior to the declaration process.
If your registration is managed by Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA), there is a separate submission process. Find out more about the ADC on ASQA’s website.
Amendments to Course Accreditation Forms
To enhance accessibility to information on the newly established Job and Skill Councils (JSCs), ASQA has updated its course accreditation application forms to include contact details and industry coverage of these councils. Relevant information on JSC coverage can be accessed from the Industry Engagement Reforms page of the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, Australian Government (dewr.gov.au).
Additionally, information on training products can be accessed from the National Register, while the course accreditation forms are available on ASQA’s website. For further inquiries, individuals may email accreditation@asqa.gov.au.
Do You Need to Update Your RTOs Details?
To ensure that students and other interested parties have access to up-to-date information on an RTO’s courses and registration, it is required that the RTO keeps its details accurate on the National Register, MySkills, and Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students.
Additionally, the RTO must notify the relevant authorities of any changes that occur to meet the conditions of its registration. More information on the necessary information and the process for notifying the authorities of changes can be found on ASQA’s website.
Requesting a Transition Extension
RTOs are given a specific timeframe to switch to new training products once the old ones become superseded. During this transition period, RTOs have the opportunity to create and confirm new resources, apply to offer the new training product (if necessary), finish providing training for students in the outdated product, and move any ongoing students.
ASQA may grant RTOs an extension to the transition period in certain cases. The web form used to request a transition extension only allows for one qualification, so RTOs seeking an extension for multiple qualifications within the same training package should email their request and supporting evidence to transitionrequest@asqa.gov.au.
It is recommended that RTOs apply for a transition extension at least 90 days before the current transition period expires. For further details, please contact transitionrequest@asqa.gov.au.
Final Report on Strategic Review of Online Learning in the VET Sector
The final report for the Strategic Review of Online Learning in the VET sector was released last month. It was found that while quality VET education can be effectively delivered online, several factors, including the training product requirements, student cohort, trainer and assessor skills, and the tools and technologies used for delivery, must be taken into consideration.
The challenges, opportunities, and risks associated with online learning can vary significantly depending on these factors, and no single issue or feature determines quality. For questions or comments about the strategic review of online learning in the VET sector, contact the Regulatory Policy and Engagement team at regulatorypolicy@asqa.gov.au.
Staying up-to-date with the latest updates from ASQA is crucial for RTOs and stakeholders in the VET sector. By staying informed, RTOs can ensure they remain compliant and provide high-quality VET education.
