5.3.1 VET and the QCAA Portal
The VET application in the QCAA Portal enables school RTOs to access:
- the school’s scope of registration information
- assessment resources
- regulatory activities
- VET administrative forms
- Application to change scope of registration — Add a new qualification
- Application to change scope of registration — Add unit/s of competency
- Application to change scope of registration — Remove qualification
- Application for initial RTO registration
- Application to renew RTO registration
- Application to withdraw RTO registration
- Notification of change to organisational details.
5.3.2 Registering as a school RTO
Queensland schools apply to the QCAA to become an RTO, using the initial registration activity in the VET application on the QCAA Portal. As delegate for ASQA, the QCAA can register schools to deliver nationally recognised training products to students enrolled in Years 10, 11 and 12.
The initial application process is explained on Vocational education and training (VET). The process of registering to become an RTO may take up to six months from the QCAA’s receipt of a school’s application to when the school receives approval to operate as an RTO. RTOs are given an initial period of registration for two years. The scope of registration during the first 24 months cannot be adjusted.
Detailed description of this diagram
5.3.3 Scope of registration
The scope of registration identifies a period of registration for each nationally recognised training product. RTOs may only train and assess units of competency under the approved nationally recognised training product/s on scope of registration. An RTO’s scope of registration can be viewed via the VET application in the QCAA Portal and https://training.gov.au.
After successful registration as an RTO, a school can offer or advertise nationally recognised training products on scope of registration. It is unlawful to advertise or promote a nationally recognised training product that is not on the RTO’s scope of registration. All advertising or promotional material must include the RTO’s national provider code.
Changing the scope of registration
School RTOs must apply to the QCAA to make any changes to the scope of registration. All forms are accessed via the VET application in the QCAA Portal. If a school RTO wants to renew registration or remove qualifications, this can be achieved by completing the appropriate registration or removal form, also accessed via the VET application in the QCAA Portal.
5.3.4 Planning which nationally recognised training product to offer
National training packages
Each training package outlines specific skills and knowledge required in the workplace and is developed by Jobs and Skills Councils (JSCs) to meet the training needs of an industry or group of industries. Training packages are available at Training.gov.au, the national register of VET: https://training.gov.au.
RTOs refer to training packages to determine which nationally recognised training products, could be relevant for intended students and needs. For each training package, RTOs refer to accompanying companion volumes, such as implementation guides, which provide information on:
- modes of delivery
- access and equity considerations, such as reasonable adjustments, and assessment processes and techniques
- workplace, health and safety implications
- resources and equipment.
The QCAA has no role in the development, endorsement or maintenance of training packages. A school RTO should contact the relevant Jobs Skills Council for specific advice on a training package.
Training.gov.au
Training.gov.au is the Australian Government database for national training packages, qualifications, accredited courses, units of competency and RTOs.
Queensland Skills Gateway
Queensland Skills Gateway is a Queensland Government website that lists VET courses and training providers in Queensland.
5.3.5 RTO risk and regulation
ASQA has established a range of mechanisms for identifying and assessing the risks posed by providers, which the QCAA applies.
The QCAA develops a provider profile for each school RTO. Each provider’s profile is dynamic, reflecting a range of data sources and information, and does not translate into a single score or rating. Rather, this system stores a detailed profile for each provider, which includes a set of risk indicators, such as compliance history. The QCAA uses provider profiles to determine its performance assessment review (PAR) scope and activity.
5.3.6 RTO appeals
School RTOs who are not satisfied with a decision made by the QCAA as delegate for ASQA should refer to Appeals and complaints.
School RTOs must follow a defined process when lodging an appeal or requesting a reassessment of a QCAA position on an identified issue.
