
Assessment issues that may have an impact on your RTO audit (Part 2)
This is Part 2 continuing from the previous newsletter. As discussed in Part 1 of this article, there are a number of assessment-related issues that may affect your audit outcome. You should ensure your assessment resources, therefore, meet the following criteria:
- The context and conditions of assessment. For example, an assessment tool could be developed to cater for a particular language, literacy and numeracy requirements, the learner’s workplace experience or other learner needs that require reasonable adjustment.
- The context of the assessment may also take into account assessments already completed, and the competencies demonstrated in these assessments. By looking at the context, you can consider the conditions under which evidence for assessment must be gathered.
- All activities are conducted adequately using the required:
- equipment or material requirements
- contingencies
- specifications
- physical conditions
- relationships with team members and supervisors
- relationships with clients/customers
- timeframes for completion.
- Assessment methods or tasks are suitable to the requirements of the units of competency and students are assessed on the tasks and activities according to the requirements of the training package.
- The language used is simple English
- The evidence required to make a decision of competency is clearly outlined
- The types of activities and tasks student need to perform are clearly outlined
- The level of performance required for each assessment activity is clearly outlined
- Adequate exposure to workplace conditions, including appropriate simulated environments
- Sufficient knowledge-based assessment tasks and activities such as written questions and case studies etc.
- Sufficient practical based assessment tasks and activities such as projects, role plays, workplace tasks and observations etc.
- Assessment resources are error-free and free from any grammar, copyright or plagiarism issues
It is a wise decision to get your training and assessment strategies and resources validated by independent industry experts to get honest feedback and an unbiased opinion.
9 months ago

Related News
22 May, 2022
How to become a Registered Training Organisation in Australia.
There are a number of requirements that need to be met in order to become a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) in Australia. These include: having a business name and ABN […]
7 days ago
22 May, 2022
How to become a trainer and assessor in Australia.
There is currently a high demand for qualified trainers and assessors in Australia, so if you have the relevant skills and qualifications, you should be able to find work in […]
7 days ago
22 May, 2022
Top 10 common AVETMISS issues and how to resolve them
All RTOs must collect a range of data from their students and report all their delivery activity (known as Total VET activity) to the National Centre for Vocational Education Research […]
7 days ago
22 May, 2022
Quality Management Systems for Registered Training Organisations
Registered training organisations (RTOs) operate in a highly regulated environment. To be registered, RTOs must comply with the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015. These Standards require RTOs to […]
7 days ago
22 May, 2022
Verification of trainer credentials
As an RTO business owner or manager, you understand the importance of having qualified and experienced staff. This is especially true when it comes to trainers, who play a vital […]
7 days ago
22 May, 2022
Compliance is not one person’s responsibility in a training organisation
In a training organisation, compliance is not just one person’s job. Compliance is the responsibility of everyone in the organisation, from the CEO down to the entry-level staff member. Sure, […]
7 days ago
25 April, 2022
The RTO complies with all relevant Commonwealth, state, and territorial laws and regulations
Your training organisation must comply with all relevant Commonwealth, state, and territorial laws and regulations. This includes (but is not limited to): The National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act […]
1 month ago
25 April, 2022
How ASQA assess the RTO registration renewal
ASQA is responsible for the assessment and registration of RTOs. ASQA must be satisfied that an RTO is meeting the requirements of the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs 2015) […]
1 month ago
24 March, 2022
Requirements to enrol learners in your courses
There are specific prerequisites that must be met prior to student enrolment or the beginning of training and assessment, whichever occurs first. In addition, the RTO should advise the prospective […]
2 months ago
24 March, 2022
Transition planning and requirements
The training packages are updated on a regular basis to ensure that they continue to meet industry and regulatory requirements. Training organisations are expected to perform a significant amount of […]
2 months ago
24 March, 2022
The CEO Declaration of Compliance
Have you ever stopped to wonder why, when you return to Australia, border officials ask you “Do you have anything to declare?” There are a few reasons for this. Australia […]
2 months ago
24 March, 2022
How to ensure your training organisation is compliant with government regulations
If you’re running a vocational education and training organisation in Australia, you need to ensure that your organisation is compliant with government regulations. This article will outline some of the […]
2 months ago
20 February, 2022
RTO compliance guide to buy compliant assessment resources
According to almost all ASQA reports, getting an assessment right is one of an RTO’s most difficult compliance issues, with a substantial number of RTOs, audited being found to be […]
3 months ago
31 January, 2022
Edu Learning – Your door to professional development opportunities
We would love to have you join our professional development retainer agreement services or individual professional development opportunities through Edu Learning. Our organisation works with the aim to help you […]
4 months ago
14 December, 2021
Interview with Maciek Fibrich, Quality and Compliance Auditor
Maciek Fibrich is the Director of RTO Coaching and Consultancy Pty Ltd which provides amongst other services, coaching, mentoring and consultancy services as well as professional development and operational support […]
6 months ago
14 December, 2021
Interview with Anna-Louise Allen, Quality and Compliance Auditor
Anna-Louise Allen has been a leader in education and a catalyst for change and innovation in teaching and learning throughout her career. Anna-Louise commenced as a technical school teacher in […]
6 months ago
14 December, 2021
Interview with John Molenaar, Quality and Compliance Auditor
John Molenaar is an education professional who started his career in teaching with positions as a primary and secondary teacher. In the late 1980s/early 1990s, he held roles in education […]
6 months ago
1 November, 2021
CAQA FAQ Series – Industry consultation
What is industry consultation in the RTO context? It is a process in which the training representatives of a training organisation consult with representatives from the industry to determine whether […]
7 months ago
1 November, 2021
Fact Sheet: Validation of assessment resources
Compliance requirements and guidelines: This Fact Sheet has been developed and produced to assist Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) in understanding the compliant validation practices as part of the learner resources […]
7 months ago
1 November, 2021
Should RTO consultants be regulated through a Government or professional body?
Training and education is a complex and vast subject. It is only prudent that we regulate this field to make sure that individuals who are part of it are providing […]
7 months ago
1 November, 2021
Interview with David Jepsen, Founder and Principal of RTO Accountants
With over 25 years’ experience as a practicing CA, David is the Founder and Principal of RTO Accountants. David started his career at KPMG, moving onto mid tier accounting firms […]
7 months ago
1 November, 2021
Interview with Peter Doukas – Managing Director, Denison Toyer Education Lawyers
Peter owns and operates Sydney based education law firm Denison Toyer. Working in the field of Education Law and Corporate Governance since 2007 Peter has acted for over one hundred […]
7 months ago
14 October, 2021
Interview – Andrew Shea – CEO, Builders Academy Australia
Andrew is an educational and business professional and known intrapreneur who specialises in leading high performing teams, optimising business processes and quality assurance and compliance frameworks. He is a proven […]
8 months ago
14 October, 2021
CAQA Online forums, CAQA Info for maintaining your compliance and regulatory knowledge
CAQA Online forums provide information for RTO professionals. The purpose of the forums is to support compliance and regulatory knowledge with the help of other professionals in the field. Some […]
8 months ago
14 October, 2021
Interview – Matthew Dale – Director, Audit Express and Educonomy
With more than a decade experience working across the VET Sector, Matthew brings a wealth of skills, knowledge and experience to Audit Express & Educonomy. Matthew has had extensive experience […]
8 months ago
14 October, 2021
Compliance and regulatory requirements to use video evidence
Video evidence can be used to support learning in a variety of contexts. It is becoming an essential tool for trainers/assessors and RTO administrators in order to achieve compliance with […]
8 months ago
4 October, 2021
New job opportunities!
JOIN THE RECRUITMENT REVOLUTION Operations Manager (Mullumbimby, NSW) Sales Representative (Surry Hills, NSW) Compliance Manager (Wollongong, NSW) RTO Senior Office Administrator (Morayfield, QLD) Barber Trainers (Chermside, Brisbane West, Ipswich, Toowoomba) […]
8 months ago
4 October, 2021
Mapping document of assessment resources – do you need one?
A question that has been asked over and over again is “do we need a mapping document”? We hope you will find this information relevant. A mapping document is a […]
8 months ago
4 October, 2021
Fact Sheet: Transition and teach out
Compliance requirements and guidelines: This Fact Sheet has been developed and produced to assist Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) in understanding the transition and teach out arrangements stated in Clauses 1.26 […]
8 months ago
4 October, 2021
Validation Demystified – Part I
Validation is arguably the central pillar of the VET practice and has a valued place in the education system. It is one of the few compliance requirements that influence and […]
8 months ago
4 October, 2021
What to do if you think someone is infringing on your copyright? – Margaret Ryan (lawyer and trademarks attorney)
The short answer is to speak to a lawyer. But make sure that they are the right lawyer. Copyright law (or, more generally, intellectual property law) is a specialisation. The […]
8 months ago
4 October, 2021
Strategies to complete the Financial Viability Risk Assessment tool
When you apply to become an RTO or your financial condition is a source of concern, or when you are in the process of a post-initial audit scenario, ASQA may […]
8 months ago
22 September, 2021
Skills First – the Victorian 2022 Funding Contract
A short explanation The Department of Education and Training Victoria has opened a limited expression of interest (EOI) process for non-contracted training providers (new training providers) to deliver Skills First […]
8 months ago
19 September, 2021
Quality training and assessment resources from CAQA Resources
While operating as a registered training organisation, you will be required to make a range of decisions, with obtaining high-quality training and assessment resources being among the most significant. To […]
8 months ago
22 September, 2021
Various phases of the assessment and validation processes (Part 4)
This is Part 4 of the article, where we are discussing the different phases of the validation processes an RTO should be following to ensure they meet regulatory requirements and […]
8 months ago
3 September, 2021
Check if you have an authorised copy of the training and assessment resources
Training organisations should double-check that they have an authorised copy of the training and assessment resources from the publisher of the resource before using them for training purposes. In a […]
9 months ago
3 September, 2021
Staying on top of compliance
Introduction RTOs are required to comply with an increasing number of constantly changing regulations and reporting and there is a heavy price to pay if found non-compliant. With ASQA’s emphasis […]
9 months ago
22 August, 2021
RPL Kits-Let’s discuss compliance with clauses 1.8 and 1.12
The legislative requirements The legislation is very clear regarding compliance in RPL kits and why you need to have RPL Kits for every unit of competency you are training and […]
9 months ago
8 August, 2021
RTO Survey: Mandatory Work Requirements for Certificate III in Individual Support
The Human Services Skills Organisation is conducting a survey about Mandatory Work Placement for students completing the Certificate III in Individual Support. RTOs delivering this qualification are encouraged to share […]
10 months ago
8 August, 2021
COVID-19 and changes in the changes in the Financial Viability and Risk Assessment (FVRA)
It poses significant challenges for RTOs to continue to provide high-quality training and ensure that students complete their courses during periods of lockdown and restrictions. The commercial prospects of many […]
10 months ago
15 September, 2021
Part 1- The trainer and assessor files
Compliance of your trainer records is a must for any Registered Training Organisation. If you do not know what you are looking for, you will always have difficulty finding it. […]
9 months ago
8 September, 2021
Part 1- The importance of internal audits
This is our first article in the series regarding “Internal audits”. Our main intention is to provide you with the required knowledge and skills, and equip you with the necessary […]
9 months ago
31 August, 2021
Various phases of the assessment and validation processes (Part 3)
This is Part 3 of the article, where we are discussing the different phases of the validation processes an RTO should be following to ensure they meet regulatory requirements and […]
9 months ago
18 August, 2021
Assessment issues that may have an impact on your RTO audit (Part 2)
This is Part 2 continuing from the previous newsletter. As discussed in Part 1 of this article, there are a number of assessment-related issues that may affect your audit outcome. You should […]
9 months ago
5 August, 2021
Assessment issues that may have an impact on your RTO audit (Part 1)
It is important to look into ASQAs 2017 report that shows: Around 72% of RTOs FAIL audit on Assessment Approximately 50% of those FAIL to be able to rectify their […]
10 months ago
13 August, 2021
Various phases of the assessment and validation processes (Part 2)
This is Part 2 of the article, where we are discussing the different phases of the validation processes an RTO should be following to ensure you meet regulatory requirements and […]
10 months ago
28 July, 2021
Various phases of the assessment and validation processes (Part 1)
In this article, we will discuss different phases of validation processes that you should be following in your RTO to ensure you meet regulatory requirements and industry expectations. Validation of […]
10 months ago
16 June, 2021
Obligations of Registered Training Organizations in Terms of Reporting
Under the Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015, all RTOs are obliged to provide accurate and complete data. All ASQA-registered training organisations RTO must meet mandatory annual data submission requirements, […]
12 months ago
21 July, 2021
Part 3- How compliance and quality assurance are two separate but intertwined concepts
In this third and final part of our “compliance and quality assurance,” articles, we are continuing to discuss compliance and quality assurance requirements, standards, expectations and the differences between them. […]
10 months ago
7 July, 2021
Part 2- How compliance and quality assurance are two separate but intertwined concepts
When we look at the current Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015, the clauses relevant to Registered Training Organisations’ regulatory compliance, the reporting and governance practice, they all clearly underpin […]
11 months ago
24 June, 2021
Part 1- How compliance and quality assurance are two separate but intertwined concepts
When you plan to run a registered training organisation (RTO), you may find it difficult to know: the complete regulatory framework and environment your legal obligations and everything else required […]
11 months ago
9 June, 2021
Part 2- Contextualising of assessment resources
Contextualisation of training packages, accredited curricula and learning resources can be achieved without compromising the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015. Contextualisation is the addition of industry-specific information to […]
12 months ago
3 June, 2021
Part 1- Contextualising of assessment resources
Contextualisation of training packages, accredited curricula and learning resources can be achieved without compromising the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015. Contextualisation is the addition of industry-specific information to […]
12 months ago
16 December, 2019
National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Amendment Bill 2019
The National Vocational Education and Training regulator Amendment Bill 2019 has been lodged in the senate. The proposed amendments are intended to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the ASQA’s […]
2 years ago
5 May, 2021
Change of Registered Training Organisation Ownership – What is required?
In this ever changing world, we are seeing many RTO’s change ownership for a variety of reasons. So what is involved? How do you know you are ready and prepared? […]
1 year ago
30 April, 2021
Building a strong workplace culture in your RTO
In every workplace, the culture of the company is imperative to the organisation’s success. The company culture has an impact on nearly every aspect of the business. So why is […]
1 year ago
31 March, 2021
New RTO Resources Now Available!
Here at CAQA we have been busy little bees! There are many new resources now available for sale and plenty more to come. And don’t forget we currently have 40% […]
1 year ago
17 December, 2019
I want to voice my opinion – Your letters and emails to us
In this newsletter, we are selecting this email that we received from one of our subscribers genuinely questioning the current regulatory environment on the Registered Training Organisations: Thank you for […]
2 years ago
1 December, 2020
Writing your Training and Assessment Strategy – Part 1 of Part 5
A Training and Assessment Strategy (TAS) is the approach of, and method adopted by, an RTO with respect to training and assessment designed to enable learners to meet the requirements […]
1 year ago
1 December, 2020
How to complete a compliant Trainer Matrix – Part 1 of Part 5
We believe that representatives of the training organisations and trainers usually do not understand the importance of the correct and current trainer matrix available for audit. If you do not […]
1 year ago
6 May, 2019
Internal audits and why they are so important (Part 4 of 5)
In the first three parts of this series we discussed the following: What are internal audits? What are the benefits of conducting internal audits? What is an audit scope? What […]
3 years ago
28 May, 2019
Your trainer and assessor files (Part 4 of 5)
In the last newsletter, we discussed the following: ASQA Guidelines on “industry currency.” How to stay up to date in terms of “industry currency.” Factors that influence “industry currency.” What […]
3 years ago
9 October, 2018
Different phases of assessment and learner validation processes (Part 2)
This is Part 2 of the article, where we are discussing the different phases of the validation processes an RTO should be following to ensure you meet regulatory requirements and […]
4 years ago
10 September, 2018
Different phases of assessment and learner validation processes (Part 1)
In this article, we will discuss different phases of validation processes that you should be following in your RTO to ensure you meet regulatory requirements and industry expectations. Validation of […]
4 years ago
10 September, 2018
Assessment issues that may impact your RTO audit (Part 1)
It is important to look into ASQAs 2017 report that shows: Around 72% of RTOs FAIL audit on Assessment Approximately 50% of those FAIL to be able to rectify their […]
4 years ago
11 September, 2018
VET Industry News 11-Sep-2018
New course accreditation application lodgement fee On 6 July 2018, ASQA introduced an application lodgement fee of $500 for all initial and renewal applications submitted for course accreditation by ASQA. […]
4 years ago
12 July, 2018
The Difference Between Compliance And Quality Assurance in the RTO space
When you plan to run a registered training organisation (RTO), you may find it difficult to know: the complete regulatory framework and environment your legal obligations and everything else required […]
4 years ago
7 August, 2018
The Difference Between Compliance and Quality Assurance in the RTO space (Part 2)
When we look at the current Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015, the clauses relevant to Registered Training Organisations’ regulatory compliance, the reporting and governance practice, they all clearly underpin […]
4 years ago
12 May, 2020
Interview with The RTO Doctor’s Founding Director – Raelene Bartlett
Raelene is the author of two best-selling books, CRICOS CPR: Top 5 Tips to Rescue Your RTO and Legal Decision-Making under the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011 […]
2 years ago
11 May, 2020
Annual declaration on compliance
Are you confident that your RTO meets current compliance requirements with RTO standards? Or do you need help? All Australian Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) are required to submit an annual […]
2 years ago
18 November, 2019
Where are we going and why are we here?
If you have followed the recent discussion on social media ASQA’s practices, RTO closures, TAFE non-compliance, rorting of government funding (by now this is historical data being republished) it is […]
3 years ago
18 November, 2019
I want to voice my opinion – your letters and emails to us
In this newsletter, we have selected this email received from one of our subscribers genuinely questioning the current regulatory environment of Registered Training Organisations: “It has been my experience as […]
3 years ago
18 November, 2019
Who is there to support training organisations and what RTO representatives should know. (Part 1)
In this article, we will discuss the issues registered training organisations are experiencing in their day-to-day operations. You have the following help available: RTO consultants Extend your own understanding and […]
3 years ago
18 November, 2019
ASQA has changed the rules for purchase and sale of RTO’s
Australian Skills Quality Authority has made it crystal clear that “Registered training organisations (RTOs) and Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) providers are not permitted to […]
3 years ago
18 March, 2019
Internal audits and why they are important (Part 2 of 5)
In the first part of this series we discussed the following: What are internal audits? What are the benefits of conducting internal audits? What is an audit scope? What is […]
3 years ago
21 March, 2019
Different phases of assessment and learner validation processes (Part 4 of 4)
This is Part 4 of the article, where we are discussing the different phases of the validation processes an RTO should be following to ensure they meet regulatory requirements and […]
3 years ago
21 March, 2019
Do I need to upgrade to TAE40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment before 1 April 2019?
A number of questions trainers and assessors are at the moment asking if they need to upgrade to the latest TAE40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment on or before […]
3 years ago
10 April, 2019
Internal audits and why they are so important (Part 3 of 5)
In part 1 & 2 of this series we discussed the following: What are internal audits? What are the benefits of conducting internal audits? What is an audit scope? What […]
3 years ago