What is an RTO Registered Training Organisation in Australia?

What does RTO stand for?

RTO means Registered Training Organisation.

Let's explore this further.

What is an RTO?

A RTO is a training provider registered by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) or a state regulator to deliver Vocational Education and Training (VET) services. A RTO commonly provides their courses and qualifications via RPL partners such a QualifyMe. VET offers people hands-on experience, real-world skills, and technical knowledge. In simpler words, it is a faster, more cost-effective route compared to other education options to entering the workforce or changing careers.

A RTO provides quality training and qualifications that are nationally recognised at the following levels:

• Certificates I, II, III and IV
• Diploma
• Advanced Diploma
• Graduate Certificate
• Graduate Diploma

There are currently around 5000 RTOs in Australia. You can find all Australian RTOs listed on training.gov.au with their current registration status and their scope of registration.

Types of Registered Training Organisations

Registered Training Organisations can be publicly or privately owned, ranging from small sole traders to large companies. They include state and territory government operated Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions, industry bodies, private providers, community organisations, schools, commercial and enterprise training providers.

How do you become an RTO in Australia?

If you’re a training provider who wants to become a Registered Training Organisation, you must meet the Australian Quality Training Framework standards. Organisations must apply to ASQA and pass their assessment process, which involves a thorough understanding of the VET system, demonstration of financial viability, readiness to deliver training and assessment with the management of recruitment, enrolment, and support of students, and make ‘fit and proper’ personal declarations.

When registering, the RTO must state its scope of registration detailing:

• The training or assessment it intends to deliver
• The fields or industries in which it may deliver training or assessment
• The maximum level of qualifications it may issue

The training provider must also meet a range of required legislative obligations and may applicable fees and charges.

Once approved, RTOs must renew their registration with the relevant state or territory authority at least every five years. RTOs can also be audited at any time. This is to ensure continual quality control.

Why study at an RTO?

Whether it’s the first step on your pathway to the workforce, you’re looking to make a career change later in life, or you want your experience recognised with relevant qualifications ­­­­­­– Registered Training Organisations can help you gain the skills, knowledge, and experience required to succeed in your chosen field.

Some of the benefits of studying at an RTO include:

1. High quality

RTOs uphold a strict standard of training and education set by ASQA, meaning your training is thoroughly vetted and qualifications are nationally recognised.

2. Hands-on

VET from RTOs specialise in a hands-on learning experience, equipping you with practical skills for when you enter the workforce.

3. Specialised

RTOs are often specialised with strong links to their relevant industries. This means your training is tailored to real-world jobs with practical placements to help you advance your career prospects and enter the workforce with confidence.

4. Faster and more cost-effective

Studying with RTOs is often a faster and most cost-effective way to complete a qualification and enter the workforce sooner. This is also a benefit when gaining Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). This is an assessment process that considers an individual’s relevant prior learning – through life experience, work, or activities such as volunteering, in Australia or overseas – to determine if they meet the requirements for a unit of study at an RTO.

5. Suitability

Often people studying through RTOs come from a wide range of backgrounds, with varying ages, life experience, and education.

We hope this guide to Registered Training Organisations can help you on the way to the next stage of your career!

Please feel free to contact Qualify Me for more information about RPL Process & Skills Assessment.