From 1 July 2025, the updated Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) came into effect, introducing a streamlined framework designed to support quality, integrity, and outcomes across Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) sector. Here’s a breakdown of what’s changed.
There are 3 components to the 2025 Standards: Outcome Standards, Compliance Requirements and Credential Policy. Let’s look at each in turn….
Outcome Standards
The heart of the 2025 Standards lies in ensuring nationally consistent training that delivers real-world value for students, employers, and industries. The Outcome Standards are divided in to 4 Quality Areas.
Quality Area 1: Training and Assessment
Training must align with the intended product, delivering engaging, industry-informed learning and fair, validated assessments. Key expectations include:
- Alignment with training product requirements
- Engaging delivery that supports progress
- Reflection of current industry practices
- Fair, flexible, valid and reliable assessments
- Validation of assessment decisions
- Opportunities for credit transfer and recognition of prior learning
- Suitable facilities and resources
Quality Area 2: VET Student Support
Students are placed at the centre of the learning experience, with access to clear information, tailored support, and inclusive environments. Indicators include:
- Transparent details on training, costs and changes
- Suitability reviews for training pathways
- Access to support services
- Inclusive and culturally safe learning environments
- Mechanisms for feedback, complaints, and appeals
Quality Area 3: VET Workforce
Trainers and assessors must hold relevant qualifications and sustain their professional competence through ongoing development. Performance indicators include:
- Adequate staffing levels
- Training and assessment are delivered by people with the appropriate credentials, skill and knowledge
- Ongoing professional development commitments
Quality Area 4: Governance
Strong organisational governance underpins compliance and continuous improvement, including:
- Leadership that meets Fit and Proper Person Requirements
- Staff awareness of legal and regulatory obligations
- Systematic management of risks, including safety and wellbeing
- Evaluation and improvement mechanisms
- Responsive feedback processes
Compliance Requirements
The new Standards strengthen administrative clarity and reinforce accountability to maintain integrity across the VET sector.
Information and Transparency
- Advertising and marketing material include accurate information
- Training providers do not guarantee to a student that they will successfully complete or gain a certain employment outcome
Integrity of Nationally Recognised Training Products
- Timely certificate issuance (within 30 calendar days)
- Assessment records retained for 2 years; certificate records for 30 years
- Accurate Statements of Attainment
- Enrolment restricted for superseded training products after one year
Accountability
- Annual compliance declarations
- Notification of governance or ownership changes
- Formal agreements for third-party arrangements
- Management of pre-paid fees over $1500
- Public liability insurance
- Adherence to laws and fit and proper requirements
Credential Policy
This enforceable policy sits alongside the Standards, requiring trainers, assessors, and validators to hold:
- Industry-specific qualifications
- Training and assessment qualifications
Whether you’re involved in developing learning resources, delivering training and assessment or guiding organisational compliance, the standards are intended to provide direction in the way we work to achieve outcomes for students.