Introduction
Are you looking to expand your RTO’s scope of training? It can be a complex and time-consuming process. I’ve been through it myself and I know how challenging it can be.
So, how does the scope expansion process work? What evidence is required from the training package? And what are the steps for applying for a change of scope?
In this article, I’ll share my experiences and insights on these topics. I’ll also cover assessment tools and strategies, the equivalence of training products, updates to the national training register, compliance with standards for RTOs, and the CRICOS application process.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the scope expansion process, or if you’re just looking for some tips and advice, keep reading. I’ve been there, and I’m here to help.
Scope expansion process
Expanding the scope of registration for a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) involves several key steps. First, the RTO needs to identify the qualifications or units of competency they wish to add to their scope. Once this is determined, they must ensure that they have the necessary resources, facilities, and trainers with the required qualifications to deliver the training.
Next, the RTO needs to conduct a thorough review of the relevant training package requirements to ensure they understand the specific evidence and compliance requirements. This may involve consulting with industry stakeholders and experts to ensure that the proposed addition to the scope aligns with industry needs and standards.
Finally, the RTO must submit an application to the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) for the addition to their scope of registration. This application will be assessed by ASQA to ensure that the RTO meets all the necessary requirements for the proposed scope expansion.
Training package evidence requirements
When applying for a scope expansion, RTOs must provide evidence to demonstrate their compliance with the training package requirements. This evidence may include detailed mapping documents that show how the proposed qualifications or units of competency align with the relevant training package. The RTO must also provide evidence of industry consultation and validation to show that the proposed training meets industry needs and standards.
Additionally, the RTO must demonstrate that they have the necessary resources, facilities, and qualified trainers to deliver the proposed training. This may include providing evidence of trainer qualifications, industry experience, and professional development activities to ensure that they are up to date with the latest industry practices.
Overall, the evidence provided must clearly demonstrate that the RTO has thoroughly reviewed and understood the training package requirements and has the capacity to deliver high-quality training in the proposed qualifications or units of competency.
Change of scope application steps
The application process for a change of scope with ASQA involves several key steps. First, the RTO must complete and submit the necessary application forms, providing all required information and supporting documentation. This may include evidence of compliance with training package requirements, industry consultation, and validation, as well as evidence of resources, facilities, and qualified trainers.
Once the application is submitted, ASQA will review the documentation and may request additional information or clarification if necessary. They will then conduct an assessment of the application to ensure that the RTO meets all the necessary requirements for the proposed scope expansion.
If the application is approved, the RTO will receive notification from ASQA and their scope of registration will be updated to include the proposed qualifications or units of competency. If the application is not approved, the RTO will receive feedback from ASQA outlining the reasons for the decision and any necessary steps to address any identified issues.
Assessment tools and strategies
When considering a scope expansion, ASQA will assess an RTO’s assessment tools and strategies to ensure that they meet the necessary standards for quality and compliance. This assessment may involve a review of the RTO’s assessment policies and procedures, as well as sample assessment tools and evidence of assessment validation.
ASQA will look for evidence that the RTO’s assessment tools are valid, reliable, and fair, and that they align with the requirements of the relevant training package. They will also assess the RTO’s strategies for assessing learner performance and providing feedback, ensuring that they are effective and appropriate for the proposed qualifications or units of competency.
Overall, ASQA’s assessment of an RTO’s assessment tools and strategies aims to ensure that the RTO has the necessary processes in place to deliver high-quality assessment that meets industry standards and the needs of learners.
Equivalence of training products
When applying for a scope expansion, RTOs may need to demonstrate the equivalence of training products if the proposed qualifications or units of competency are not directly listed in the relevant training package. This process involves providing evidence to show that the proposed training is equivalent in content and outcomes to the listed training products.
To demonstrate equivalence, RTOs may need to provide detailed mapping documents that show how the proposed training aligns with the content and outcomes of the listed training products. They may also need to provide evidence of industry consultation and validation to show that the proposed training meets industry needs and standards, even if it is not directly listed in the training package.
Overall, the process for demonstrating equivalence of training products aims to ensure that RTOs can offer high-quality training that meets industry needs, even if the specific qualifications or units of competency are not directly listed in the training package.
National training register updates
When a scope expansion is approved, RTOs are required to update the national training register to reflect the addition of the new qualifications or units of competency. This involves ensuring that all relevant information is accurately and promptly updated in the national register to inform current and prospective learners, industry stakeholders, and the public.
The national training register update may include adding new qualifications or units of competency to the RTO’s scope of registration, updating details of the RTO’s delivery locations, and providing accurate and up-to-date information about the training offered. This ensures that the national training register remains a reliable and comprehensive source of information about vocational education and training in Australia.
Overall, updating the national training register is an important step to ensure transparency and accessibility of information about an RTO’s scope of registration and the training they offer.
Compliance with standards for RTOs
ASQA ensures that RTOs comply with the standards when adding to their scope of registration through a thorough assessment process. This process involves reviewing the RTO’s compliance with the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015, which set out the requirements for RTOs to deliver quality training and assessment services.
ASQA will assess the RTO’s compliance with the standards in areas such as governance and administration, delivery and assessment of training, and learner support and progression. They will also assess the RTO’s compliance with the specific requirements for the proposed qualifications or units of competency, including training package requirements and industry consultation.
Overall, ASQA’s assessment of an RTO’s compliance with the standards aims to ensure that the RTO has the necessary systems and processes in place to deliver high-quality training that meets industry needs and the needs of learners.
CRICOS application process
Adding CRICOS-registered courses to an RTO’s scope involves additional steps to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). In addition to the standard application process for a change of scope with ASQA, RTOs adding CRICOS-registered courses must also ensure compliance with the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000 and the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018.
This may involve additional evidence and documentation to demonstrate compliance with ESOS and the National Code, including evidence of financial viability, marketing and recruitment practices, and support services for overseas students. RTOs must also ensure that their CRICOS-registered courses are listed on CRICOS and that they comply with the specific requirements for delivering education and training to overseas students.
Overall, adding CRICOS-registered courses to an RTO’s scope requires additional steps to ensure compliance with the regulatory requirements for delivering education and training to overseas students.
Conclusion
Expanding your RTO’s scope with ASQA can lead to increased course offerings and potential revenue growth.
At our company, our compliance management solution can streamline the change of scope application process and ensure alignment with ASQA requirements, saving you time and effort.
Contact us today to learn more about how our solution can support your RTO’s scope expansion with ASQA.
Suggested Read: Surviving an ASQA Audit: Tips and Tricks for RTOs