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RTO Audit: What You Need to Know and How to Prepare

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RTO Solutions
RTO Audit: What You Need to Know and How to Prepare

An RTO audit is the process of reviews and evaluates the quality and compliance of a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) delivering vocational education and training (VET). 


The Main Motive for the RTO Audit is to ensure that RTOs meet the national standards and legislation that apply to the VET sector, including the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015, the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011, and the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000.


RTO audits are essential for ensuring quality and compliance in the VET sector, as they provide feedback, guidance, and recognition to RTOs on their performance and outcomes. RTO audits also protect the interests and rights of learners, employers, industry, and the public by ensuring that RTOs deliver quality training products and relevant, valid, and reliable services.


Different types of RTO audits exist, depending on the audit's purpose, scope, and timing. 


  • Registration audit: 

This audit is conducted when an organisation applies to become an RTO or renews its registration as an RTO. The registration audit assesses whether the organisation meets the requirements for registration as an RTO under the Standards for RTOs 2015.


  • Change of scope audit: 

This is an audit conducted when an RTO applies to change its scope of registration, such as adding or removing courses, qualifications, units of competency, delivery modes, locations, etc. The change of scope audit assesses whether the RTO meets the requirements for delivering the new or amended training products or services under the Standards for RTOs 2015.


  • Random audit: 

This audit is conducted at any time without prior notice by the national regulator, the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA). The random audit assesses whether the RTO complies with the standards and legislation that apply to its operations and activities under the VET Quality Framework.


  • Complaint-based audit: 

This is an audit conducted as a result of a complaint or allegation made against an RTO by a learner, employer, industry body, or any other stakeholder. The complaint-based audit investigates whether the RTO has breached any of the standards or legislation that apply to its operations and activities under the VET Quality Framework.


  • Performance assessment: 

ASQA conducts this assessment as part of its risk-based approach to regulation. The performance assessment evaluates how well an RTO performs against a range of indicators and measures related to its quality and compliance under the VET Quality Framework.


Preparation


Preparing for an RTO audit can be daunting and stressful, especially if you need to become more familiar with the standards and legislation that apply to your RTO. However, with proper planning and preparation, auditing an RTO can minimize risks and maximize benefits. 


  • Conduct a self-assessment: 

A self-assessment is a process of reviewing your performance and compliance against the standards and legislation that apply to your RTO. Identifying your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats during your training can be accomplished through a self-assessment. You can use ASQA's self-assessment tool or other methods, such as checklists, surveys, interviews, etc., to conduct a self-assessment.


  • Review the standards and legislation: 

A review of the standards and legislation is a process of familiarising yourself with the criteria and requirements that apply to your RTO. A review of the standards and legislation can help you understand what you need to do and why you need to do it in your training delivery. You can use ASQA's website or other sources, such as guides, manuals, webinars, etc., to review the standards and legislation.


  • Gather and organise evidence: 

Evidence is any information or documentation demonstrating compliance with the standards and legislation that apply to your RTO. Evidence can include policies, procedures, records, reports, samples, testimonials, etc. You need to gather and organise evidence that covers all aspects of your training delivery, such as training design, delivery, assessment, evaluation, management, etc. You can use ASQA's evidence guide or other tools, such as templates, folders, spreadsheets, etc., to gather and organise evidence.


  • Identify and address any gaps or risks: 

A gap or risk is any issue or problem that may affect compliance with the standards and legislation that apply to your RTO. A gap or risk can include non-compliance, non-conformance, non-performance, non-satisfaction, etc. You need to identify and address any gaps or risks in your training delivery before the audit. You can use ASQA's risk indicators or other methods, such as SWOT analysis, root cause analysis, action plan, etc., to identify and address any gaps or risks.



Process


The process of an RTO audit can vary depending on the type, scope, and timing of the audit. However, the general process of an RTO audit consists of the following stages:


  • Notification: 

This is the stage where you are informed about the audit by ASQA or another authority. The notification will include the purpose, scope, date, time, location, and audit method. The notification will also include the information and evidence you must provide before and during the audit.


  • Planning: 

This is the stage where you prepare for the audit by reviewing the notification and gathering and organising the required information and evidence. You also need to communicate with the auditor and confirm the details and arrangements of the audit.


  • Conducting: 

This is the stage where the audit takes place. The audit can be conducted on-site, off-site, or online, depending on the type and scope of the audit. The audit can involve various activities such as interviews, observations, document reviews, etc. The auditor will assess your compliance with the standards and legislation that apply to your RTO using various criteria and methods.


  • Reporting: 

This is the stage where you receive the audit report from the auditor. The audit report will include the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the audit. The audit report will also indicate whether you are compliant, non-compliant, or partially compliant with each audited standard or requirement.


  • Closing: 

This is the stage where you complete the audit process by responding to the audit report and submitting any rectification evidence if required. You must also implement continuous improvement actions based on the audit feedback.



Outcomes

The outcomes of an RTO audit can vary depending on the type, scope, and results. 


  • Compliant: 

This means that you have met all or most of the audited standards and requirements. You do not need to take any further action or provide any further evidence.


  • Non-compliant: 

This means that you still need to meet some or all of the audited standards and requirements. You must take corrective action and provide rectification evidence within a specified timeframe.


  • Rectification: 

This means that you have submitted rectification evidence to demonstrate your compliance with the standards and requirements that were audited. Your rectification evidence will be reviewed and verified by ASQA or another authority.


  • Sanctions: 

This means that you still need to comply with some or all of the standards and requirements that were audited after submitting rectification evidence. You may face sanctions such as conditions, suspension, or cancellation of your registration as an RTO.



Conclusion


We are committed to helping you succeed in your RTO audit. Our RTO consultation services are tailored to your needs and goals. 


If you are interested in learning more about our services or how we can help you with your RTO journey, please visit our website or contact us today. We would love to hear from you.


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