A common topic that comes up in conversation is how to identify whether a training organisation and the training they offer is nationally accredited. It’s a fair and really good question to ask!
Full disclosure, there are a lot of training organisations out there that offer training that is not accredited, and it can be tricky to tell if it is or not.
We want to make sure that, regardless of who you choose to do your training through, you are able to identify whether the training offered is nationally recognised.
Learners will often come to us in their search for a training provider as they realised the certificate they just obtained elsewhere was not recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Unfortunately, many people fall into the trap of thinking that the training they are doing is nationally accredited, and it is anything but! It’s a frustrating situation for people to be in because they feel they have wasted their time and money on a course that did not give them what they needed.
Here are the key things to look for to ensure the provider and the course they are offering is nationally recognised and part of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF):
Check for an RTO 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.
Make sure you know the unit code of the course you need to complete and then check the course information to make sure that unit code is there. For example, Provide Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA)’s unit code is SITHFAB021. Always make sure the appropriate unit code is stated with the full name of the course/unit you need to complete.
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. 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.
If you’re still not sure, reach out to 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.
