Australian Quality Training Framework
The Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) provides the basis for a nationally consistent, high-quality VET system. AQTF 2007 was implemented on 1 July 2007 and improves national consistency.
AQTF 2007 includes standards for registration, auditing and quality assurance of the VET system and standards for accreditation processes. These include:
- standards for Registered Training Organisations
- standards for state and territory registering bodies
- standards for state and territory accrediting bodies
- standards for accredited courses.
These AQTF 2007 standards were developed collaboratively with the Australian Government and the state and territory governments, industry and training organisations.
For more information, see AQTF 2007 Publications.
Principle of national recognition
The principle of national recognition is the cornerstone of the AQTF, and ensures the operation of a nationally consistent VET system. National recognition has 2 elements:
- national recognition of RTOs – each state and territory recognises the decisions of all other states and territories in registering training organisations under the AQTF. This enables an RTO to operate in any state or territory without a further registration process
- national recognition of qualifications and statements of attainment – RTOs recognise and accept AQF qualifications and statements of attainment issued by other RTOs. This enables individuals to have national portability of the qualifications and statements of attainment they achieve.
Training Packages
Training Packages are nationally recognised VET programs developed by industry. They are endorsed at a national level. Training Packages contain 3 core quality-assurance components:
- national industry competency standards
- assessment guidelines
- national qualifications under the Australian Qualifications Framework.
Accredited courses
If there is no Training Package offered in a certain area, the Australian system allows for state and territory training authorities to accredit additional VET courses and programs. Under the AQTF, nationally recognised vocational education and training is only available through RTOs offering a Training Package or an accredited course.
To be eligible for accreditation a course must be based on industry needs, must not duplicate outcomes of Training Packages and the final qualification must adhere to AQF descriptors. Also, national competency standards must be maintained, assessment policies must be in place and ongoing monitoring and evaluation processes are required.
For more information and state and territory training authority, see State and territory government bodies.