When a client's training needs cannot be met by customising a course within the guidelines of an existing Training Package or accredited course, nationally recognised training may still be offered by developing a new accredited course.

Any course developed by a registered training organisation (RTO) must be accredited by a state or territory training authority (STA) if the RTO intends to issue nationally recognised qualifications or statements of attainment to students who successfully complete the course.

STAs will consider applications for the accreditation of courses where:

• a Training Package or competency standards in the area proposed has not yet been developed
• competency standards from two or more Training Packages are incorporated to achieve a qualification not otherwise available
• current Training Package qualifications are not relevant to industry or community needs.

Course development and accreditation process

An RTO’s first step in getting a course accredited is to contact its STA to discuss the specific requirements for curriculum development, and the accreditation application. The next three steps in the course development and accreditation process are:

• Research and consultation
• Course development
• Submission and accreditation.

Research and consultation

The need for the course must be established through research and consultation. During this step an RTO must ensure the proposed course does not duplicate an existing Training Package or accredited course.

The RTO must consult with its state or territory course accrediting authority and possible stakeholders such as industry enterprise and community groups. Consultation is required at all phases of course development to ensure it is related to realistic industry, workplace or community needs.

Course development

A course can be developed by:

• using units of competency from Training Packages
• developing units of competency eg specific enterprise units of competency
• developing modules comprised of learning outcomes if the course proponent can justify to the accrediting body that units of competency are not appropriate.

A course can also be developed by using a combination of the above processes.

Submission and accreditation

After a course has been developed, it must be submitted to the relevant state or territory course accrediting authority body for accreditation.

While considering a submission to accredit a course, the state or territory course accrediting authority may require additional information. The course developer should be prepared to provide any additional information requested.

If the course is accredited, the RTO will receive an accreditation document, which will detail:

• the title and national code for the accredited course
• the start and end date of the accreditation.

Accreditation fees

Accreditation fees vary according to the course and qualifications proposed. Fees can range from $500 for a short course to $4000 for a degree or diploma.

Further information

• view the frequently asked questions regarding accredited courses or
• download the AQTF 2007 Standards for Accredited Courses (Final Version) (PDF, 168 kb)