Changes in the Revised Standards for RTOs: What You Need to Know

Today, we're diving into the legislated Revised Standards for RTOs 2025 and what they mean for the VET sector. These Standards cover the Outcome Standards, Compliance Requirements, and Credential Policy.

As per ASQA, the goal of the new Standards is to boost quality and integrity. By adopting a more flexible approach to training and assessment, RTOs can create systems tailored to their students' needs and ensure outcomes that match current industry demands.

What's New in the Revised Standards?

First up, the revised Standards kick in on July 1, 2025. Until then, the 2015 Standards are still in play.

So, what's different? The updated Standards aim to better capture the VET sector's diversity and suit various RTO settings. The idea is to clearly define what high-quality delivery means for learners and employers.

Structure of the Revised Standards

To keep things clear and quality-focused, the revised Standards are divided into three parts:

• Outcome Standards: These outline what RTOs should achieve.

• Compliance Requirements: including Fit and Proper Person Requirements and NRT Logo Conditions of Use Policy.

• Credential Policy: This covers the qualifications needed for those delivering training and assessments.

This new approach came about after feedback from the sector, saying the previous mix of quality and compliance requirements was too rigid and confusing.

The Outcome Standards

The standards have been trimmed from eight to four and renamed Quality Areas: Training and Assessment, Learner Support, VET Workforce, and Governance. Each Quality Area has an Outcome Statement, which clearly spells out the intended overall outcome.

Quality Areas	Quality Area Outcome Statements
1. Training and Assessment	Quality training and assessment engage VET students and enable them to attain nationally recognized, industry-relevant competencies.
2. VET Student Support	VET students are treated fairly and are properly informed, protected, and supported.
3. VET Workforce	VET students are trained, assessed, and supported by people who are qualified, skilled, and committed to professional development.
4. Governance	Effective governance and a commitment to continuous improvement supports the quality and integrity of VET delivery.

Quality Areas are divided into Standards, each with performance indicators that specify the actions an RTO must demonstrate to meet them. It is compliance with the standards through demonstrable evidence that will be assessed at audit.

The Compliance Requirements

The Compliance Requirements aim to ensure that Registered Training Organizations (RTOs) uphold essential administrative and operational standards. Key topics include:

• Maintaining Registration: Ensuring RTOs continue to meet administrative standards required for maintaining their registration.

• Fit and Proper Person Requirements: Guaranteeing that individuals involved in RTO operations meet certain character and competency standards.

• Administrative Obligations: Emphasizing the importance of proper documentation and evidence collection to demonstrate compliance.

The focus is on safeguarding the quality of RTO offerings and ensuring clear and concise records to demonstrate compliance.

The Credential Policy

The new Credential Policy outlines the necessary competencies for trainers and assessors, ensuring that only qualified individuals are involved in delivering training and conducting assessments. This policy aligns with the Outcome Standards to maintain high-quality education.

One notable change is the removal of the requirement for trainers to have current industry experience, addressing the shortage of qualified trainers. This adjustment aims to make it easier for RTOs to hire qualified personnel while emphasizing the need for robust supervision and validation processes to uphold assessment integrity.

To Sum Up

Overall, I prefer the revised standards for their clearer outcomes and sequential steps. However, although these standards are simpler, they do require a comprehensive change in RTO processes and an in-depth analysis of how to achieve the required outcomes. This inlcudes a complete rewrite of your Policy Manual and an update of templates to ensure alignment. And believe me, this is not a small process.

How RTO Revised Can Help You?

• Our Policy and Procedure Manual, Compliance Packs, and all documents and templates are aligned with the revised standards.

• Become a member for 10% off all items (including those on sale), compliance deadline reminders, and 30 minutes of free consultation via phone or email. Go to the bottom of our Home Page to join.

or

• Please feel free to Contact Us with any questions.