Australia has seen a huge increase in online training providers over the last few years. With this, more and more people are also making the switch to online training providers as they offer great flexibility, accessibility, and are often a much more cost-effective option. But (and there’s always a ‘but’), like everything online, it can be harder to spot fake or scam certificate providers.

With countless providers popping up it’s important to know the difference between a dodgy or fake provider, and a genuine RTO that wants to help people get into the hospitality industry and complete their RSA, RSG or Food Safety courses.

So, how do you spot the difference? 

Here’s a list of things you can look for to ensure that the provider you’re looking at is a legitimate provider (like Clear to Work):

• Check for an RTO ID/provider number on the provider’s website. You can search the national register at training.gov.au – Home page using a provider’s RTO number, ABN or business name to ensure their registration is current.   
• Know the unit code of the course you need to complete. This code should be in the course information. Always make sure the correct unit code is listed with the full name of the course/unit you need to complete. For example, the unit title and code for RSA is Provide Responsible Service of Alcohol SITHFAB021.
• Look for the Nationally Recognised Training (NRT) logo on their website. It looks like this: NRT_logo_specifications_NEW.pdf (asqa.gov.au) – remember, the upside-down triangle is your friend! Bear in mind that having this logo is not mandatory for legitimate providers to display so there are some legitimate providers out there who will not have this logo on their website.  
• Look for any relevant state regulator logos on their website. These are often from state government departments that show they are an approved training provider for that state/course. Having said this, not all courses require these logos, so it’s a really good idea to check with your local authority that regulates your industry to see if this is a requirement. 
• Avoid any training provider that advertises any sort of 100% pass guarantee. Legitimate providers are not allowed to do this under the Standards for RTOs 2015 (the legislation that governs Registered Training Organisations (RTOs)).
• RTOs are required to verify your ID and to ensure that the person completing the course matches the person on the learning account. If the training provider does not request any sort of ID, this can also be a red flag.
• If you’re still not sure, contact the provider and ask them if the course is a nationally accredited unit of competency, falls under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), and provides a Statement of Attainment upon successful completion. If they say no, it is not an accredited course.

Choose wisely to ensure you don’t spend precious time and money on fake certificates.