Biz Articles
Becoming a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
Author: Youth 2 Youth.
Want your business to become a Registered Training Organisation? This article outlines the basics for you. To get a complete picture of what you'll need to do, contact ANTA (the Australian National Training Authority) as there are very specific requirements.
Be warned! Once you get interested there is a fair bit of reading you need to do. A good starting point are the publications 'AQF Handbook' and 'RTO Standards' from ANTA.
The RTO Standards require that a training organisation must register if it desires to issue AQF qualifications in the VET sector. There are a number of standards your organisation must meet, including 'mutual recognition'. This means that as an RTO, you will recognise the qualifications of your students/clients who have studied with another RTO. This is precisely the point of having a national system!
RTOs are subject to regular evaluation and audit. Basically, you will be checked up on to make sure your business is doing things the right way. You should also note that being an RTO does not make any course or training package that you have written or created one that is accredited - it simply allows you to deliver already nationally accredited courses. In this way, every RTO has access to the same bank of courses and teaches them the same! To have your own course accredited, talk with the VET Board in your state, though you should note that once it is accredited, you alone cannot exclusively provide it.
In order to become registered, apply to the registering body in the State/Territory where your business has its Head Office, or where most of the training and assessment will occur. Registration is national so only one is required (it lasts 5 years, and there are fees).
If you think you are now interested in becoming an RTO, then contact ANTA.