Accreditation with ASQA
Why have a course accredited with ASQA?
Who can deliver an accredited couse?
Who can apply for course accreditation with ASQA?
ASQA's approach to course accreditation
Why have a course accredited with ASQA?
Course accreditation is formal confirmation that the course:
- is nationally recognised
- meets an established industry, enterprise, educational, legislative or community need
- provides appropriate competency outcomes and a satisfactory basis for assessment
- meets national quality assurance requirements
- where it leads to a qualification, is aligned appropriately to the Australian Qualifications Framework.
Accreditation means a course may be eligible for:
- listing on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) enabling marketing and delivery to international students
- participant/employer financial assistance through various government agencies
- relief from GST on courses.
Accreditation also means that participants in the course may be eligible:
- for Austudy, Abstudy and other entitlements
- to access an occupational licensing or regulatory outcome.
Who can deliver an accredited course?
Subject to permission from the owner of the accredited course, only a registered training organisation (RTO) can offer and deliver accredited courses that lead to nationally recognised qualifications. The course must be within the RTO’s scope of registration.
An RTO can issue a nationally recognised qualification or statement of attainment once an accredited course that is within its scope of registration has been completed.
Who can apply for course accreditation with ASQA?
ASQA can consider applications for course accreditation from any person.
Courses that ASQA accredits, or that ASQA inherits regulatory responsibility for, are termed VET accredited courses.
These courses are accredited in accordance with the:
Applications for courses that duplicate the outcomes of an existing Training Package qualification will not be granted accreditation.
For further guidance on course accreditation, refer to the Users' guide to the Standards for VET Accredited Courses.
Learn more about the Standards for VET Accredited Courses
.
Queensland-based course accreditation
Queensland is yet to refer its VET regulatory powers to the Commonwealth; however, as a delegate for the Queensland Training and Employment Recognition Council, ASQA can consider applications for the accreditation of Queensland-based courses. Applications are assessed in accordance with the:
ASQA's approach to course accreditation
ASQA's role as the national VET regulator is to accredit courses that may be offered and/or delivered by registered training organisations (RTOs). In doing so, ASQA adheres to its legislative obligations.
Responsive and thorough assessment
ASQA is committed to providing timely and responsive services to VET sector stakeholders and keeping them informed about accreditation processes, requirements and decisions.
Evidence put forward by course owners that there is a need for their course is thoroughly assessed. ASQA must be satisfied that the need exists and that course outcomes do not duplicate those of an endorsed Training Package qualification.
Clarity of role and independence
As the national VET regulator, ASQA engages with course owners, providers and developers during the assessment and accreditation process but does not provide commercial consultancy services.
Any of our officers or contractors who have been involved in the assessment of a course for accreditation will not make, or participate in, the accreditation decision.
Transparency and continuous improvement
ASQA's course accreditation processes are clearly documented and all accreditation activities are conducted in a transparent manner.
In seeking continuous improvement, ASQA monitors its own course accreditation processes and outcomes to assess their effectiveness, efficiency and consistency, identifies opportunities for improvement, and implements strategies to realise those improvements.
Assistance with fulfilling responsibilities
It is a course owner’s responsibility to demonstrate that the courses they put forward for accreditation have been designed, developed and documented in compliance with the requirements of the relevant standards for accreditation.
Course owners are expected to have a thorough understanding of the Standards for VET Accredited Courses and must provide assurance that the course complies with these standards.
Find out more about the Standards for VET accredited courses.
For more information about meeting these requirements, refer to the Users' guide to the Standards for VET Accredited Courses.