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What is course accreditation?

Accreditation is the formal recognition of a course by the State accrediting body (Training Accreditation Council in WA) in line with the AQTF Standards for State and Territory Course Accrediting Bodies. Accreditation formally recognises qualifications not covered by nationally endorsed Training Packages.

What is the role of the Council in course accreditation/re-accreditation?

Only State or Territory Registering/Course Accrediting bodies have the authority to accredit or re-accredit a course. In Western Australia this is the Training Accreditation Council.

What are the benefits of accrediting a course?

Accreditation means a course is nationally recognised and that a registered training organisation (RTO) can issue a nationally recognised qualification or Statement of Attainment following its full or partial completion.  Once a course has been accredited it is listed on the National Training Information Service (NTIS)

Who may deliver an accredited course?

Accredited courses can only be delivered by a Registered Training Organisation. RTOs who wish to deliver an accredited course must first obtain permission from the course owner (copyright holder).

For how long is a course accredited?

Courses are accredited for up to 3 years depending on the purpose of the course, anticipated review and/or publication of relevant Training Package(s). Approximately 3 months prior to the expiry data, course owners receive a reminder from the Office of TAC that an application to re-accredit the course is required.

What is course re-accreditation?

Re-accreditation is the process of renewing accreditation of a course in light of any changes that may have taken place within the industry sector or in available Training Packages. For this reason, an application for re-accreditation requires the same rigor as an application for accreditation.

Who can apply to accredit or re-accredit a course?

An organisation or individual responsible for the development of a course may apply to have it accredited.

What evidence is required for course accreditation?

Frequently, the Units of Competency developed for an accredited course become the basis for a new Training Package, or inform the review of an existing Training Package. For this reason, accreditation standards are high and demand from proponents processes for research and development similar to those used in the Training Package development process.

To accredit or re-accredit a course, the Council must have sufficient evidence that:

  • no existing training package can be customised to meet your clients' training needs;
  • substantial support exists for the new course from industry, industry sector enterprise and/or a community need;
  • you have clearly identified your primary target client group;
  • you have addressed Competency Standards (this may require the development and validation of new competencies);
  • you have identified the ASCO (type in ASCO), ASCED (type in ASCED), and ANZSIC Australian and New Zealand Standard Industry Classifications codes; and
  • you have addressed any copyright or licensing responsibilities for materials you are using (where applicable).