The Australian vocational education and training (VET) system is recognised as among the most sophisticated in the world because it is:

• Industry led - employers and industry representatives define what outcome is required from training.
• National – the system is jointly managed by state, territory and Australian governments. 
• Client focused – it is flexible and relevant and responsive to client needs.

The fundamental elements of the system are:

• the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)
• the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF)
• registered training organisations (RTOs)
• state and territory registering authorities

The Australian Qualifications Framework

The AQF defines all nationally recognised qualifications. It provides a single framework for all qualifications from Senior Secondary Certification to PhD. Within the VET sector the following qualifications can be issued:

• Certificate I
• Certificate II
• Certificate III
• Certificate IV
• Diploma
• Advanced Diploma
• Vocational Graduate Certificate
• Vocational Graduate Diploma

Under the AQF, the achievement of a group of competencies leads to the attainment of a VET qualification.

Visit the AQF website for more information regarding AQF qualifications.

The Australian Quality Training Framework

The Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) is the national set of standards which assures nationally consistent, high-quality training and assessment services for the clients of Australia’s vocational education and training system. It consists of two nationally agreed conditions and standards for RTOs and organisations seeking to become an RTO:

• AQTF Essential Conditions and Standards for Initial Registration
• AQTF Essential Conditions and Standards for Continuing Registration

The adherence by training providers and registering authorities to these two standards will ensure a nationally consistent, high quality training and assessment services for clients of the VET system.

Registered training organisations

Training organisations must meet the AQTF Essential Conditions and Standards for Initial Registration to become registered. Only registered training organisations (RTOs) can issue AQF qualifications and deliver accredited training and assessment.

State and territory registering authorities

Registering authorities in each state and territory are responsible for registering and monitoring training organisations and ensuring they comply with AQTF standards. They also accredit vocational education and training (VET) courses and approve training organisations’ delivery of VET to overseas students.

National Audit and Registration Agency (NARA)

The National Audit and Registration Agency (NARA) will provide audit and registration services for RTOs that operate in more than one Australian State or Territory. These are known as multi-jurisdictional RTOs. NARA will conduct audit and registration functions under delegations from all Australian States and Territories. Visit the NARA website for more information.

National Recognition

National recognition is the cornerstone of the Australian Quality Training Framework. All states and territories must recognise RTOs registered by other states and territories and all RTOs must recognise AQF qualifications and statements of attainment issued by other RTOs. This national recognition of RTOs and qualifications enhances mobility in the labour market.

Key organisations are:

• the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) - formerly DEST
• State and Territory Training Authorities (STAs)
• Industry Skills Councils (ISCs)
• Registered training organisations (RTOs).