What are the approved policies and guidelines of the Training Accreditation Council?  

All RTOs must comply with the following policies and guidelines as part of their Registration Agreement with the Council:

Policy and Procedure for the Application of Sanctions
The Training Accreditation Council (the Council) acknowledges that Western Australian Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) have made a significant commitment to establishing and maintaining their obligations under the Vocational Education and Training Act 1996 (VET Act).  However, from time to time RTOs are identified as presenting a significant risk to the VET Sector due to their failure to comply with the AQTF Essential Conditions and Standards for Continuing Registration or meet other criteria required for registration with the Council under the VET Act.

This policy outlines the grounds on which sanctions can be applied, the types of sanctions that the Council may apply to RTOs under the Act and the procedure for application of the sanctions.

Financial Viability Assessment Guidelines for the Registration of Training Providers 2012
As per Condition 5 of the Essential Conditions and Standards for Initial and Continuing Registration, an RTO must be able to demonstrate to its registering body (in WA the Training Accreditation Council), on request, that it is financially viable at all times during the period of registration.

The Financial Viability Assessment Guidelines for the Registration of Training Providers 2012 has been developed to provide RTOs with information about the type of information that the Training Accreditation Council (TAC) may request from training providers in order to make a determination on their financial viability.

Financial Viability Assessments are generally required when an organisation seeks initial registration or an RTO applies for renewal of registration with TAC and at other times as TAC deems necessary.

The Application for Initial/Renewal of Registration forms indicate the current evidence requirements for financial viability.

 Policy Managing Critical Non-Compliances
This policy outlines the Training Accreditation Council’s commitment to the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) audit principles of being fair, open and transparent by providing Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) with an opportunity to dispute audit findings within a nominated period.

 Managing Critical Non-Compliance - Risk Rating

 Policy on Dispute Audit Findings
The purpose of this policy is to outline the Training Accreditation Council’s commitment to the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) audit principles of being fair, open and transparent by providing Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) with an opportunity to dispute audit findings.

RTOs have five (5) working days from receipt of any audit report, including evidence reviews, to dispute any findings - Dispute Audit Findings Form. The lodgement of a dispute by an RTO does not affect the rectification period given to an RTO to address any non-compliances. The rectification period applies until there is a formal outcome to the dispute. 

Guideline on Certification - AQF Implementation Arrangements
The NQC has developed detailed information on the application of the AQF within the VET Sector, which outlines the policy requirements of the NQC to support the AQF Qualifications Issuance Policy. This Special Bulletin is intended to provide continuity for Registration Bodies and Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) during the transition period.

Guideline on Protection of Fees Paid in Advance - From 1 January 2012
From 1 January 2012 the current TAC Guideline on the Protection of Fees Paid in Advance will be withdrawn. This means that the RTOs collecting student fees in advance will have to comply with the requirements of Condition 5 as outlined in the AQTF Essential Conditions and Standards for Initial and Continuing Registration.

Principles for Alternative Fee Protection Measures for Protecting Student Fees in Advance
Condition 5 of the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) Essential Conditions and Standards for Registration sets out the financial management requirements that an RTO or an applicant must meet for registration. The intention is that this guidance will form part of the AQTF National Guidelines for a Registering Body, at which time this document will be withdrawn.

Policy on Change of Legal Entity of a Registered Training Organisation
When a registered training organisation is, for example, sold or taken over in a range of circumstances, this results in a change in the legal entity that is responsible for the conduct and management of the organisation and it is necessary for the new organisation to apply for registration. To view the guidelines, click on the above link.

Policy on Changes within Registered Training Organisations
The Training Accreditation Council needs to be informed of any changes to a structure or operation of a training organisation with the Council.

Complaints Handling Policy
You will find information here about the process on

• How to make a complaint against an RTO.
• How to appeal against TAC decisions; and
• How to make a complaint against TAC processes and Services or against individual officers.

Nationally Recognised Training Logo Guidelines
The NRT logo is similar to Australian National Training Authority’s (ANTA’s),with both having a triangular shape and the same colours. However the descriptor (the words) under the triangle are different. Both logos are registered trade marks. To view the guidelines, click on the above link.

Records Management Guidelines
The AQTF requires registered training organisations to have effective administrative and records management procedures in place for the retention, archiving, retrieval and transfer of student and assessment records. For more information and to view the guidelines click on the above link.

TAC Logo Guidelines
To protect the value of the logo for all registered training organisations, it is important to use the logo in a way that preserves its integrity and meaning as a symbol of nationally recognised training.  The brochure provides guidelines of how you can represent the logo, as well as bromides for your use in reproducing the logo.  To view the guidelines, click on the above link.

Standards for Sharing Information
Information collected by the Training Accreditation Council is used for the primary purpose of the Council undertaking its functions as outlined in the Vocational Education and Training Act 1996. The information collected may be provided to relevant government agencies for secondary purposes that are directly related to, or provide benefit to the Council's primary function of quality assuring vocational education and training in Western Australia. Standards for sharing information apply between the Council and other relevant government agencies. To view the Standards click on the above link.

Training Package Transition Arrangements (Teach Out Policy)
The Department Training and Workforce Development Training Package Transition Arrangements - Teach Out Policy - has been updated to ensure consistency across states and territories in the implementation of new or revised Training Packages, Industry Skills Council Upgrades and NQC Endorsement Required changes. For more information click on the above link.

For further information on the Training Accreditation Council's Policies and Guidelines, contact the office directly on (08) 9441 1910.