5 things RTOs need to know in 2020

Posted on Feb 27, 2020

Every RTO registered with ASQA will need to be aware of their 2020 obligations. Here are the 5 things that make up a checklist to stay in control and keep track of your registration throughout this year.

1. Ensure ASQA can make contact

Check your contact details are up-to-date as soon as possible. Roles can change, email addresses can be updated, or there may have been a restructuring. Don’t miss any important updates from ASQA that will throw you out of the communication loop.

Tips to stay connected:

  • Provide the CEO’s mobile phone number (SMS reminders are often sent for urgent matters)

  • Check the news section on the ASQA website

  • Update the registered email address

  • Ensure you know your ‘asqanet’ log-in details and update as required.

     

2. Highlight and circle your registration expiry date

You will need to submit renewals on time. Every RTO will need to apply to renew its registration. Consider the time needed to pay the application lodgement fee as it should be completed at least 90 days before registration is due to expire. 

It is also strictly upheld. If you fail to submit renewal applications and make payments before the 90-day deadline, then ASQA can refuse a late application.

 

3. Understand and meet your data provision requirements

There will be three key data collections this year and you will need to submit all of them on time.

 

a) Total VET Activity AVETMISS data

You will need to report the Total VET Activity (TVA) AVETMISS data for 2019 to NCVER by 28 February 2020. This stands even if no training was provided in 2019. TVA data is used to provide a picture of delivery that currently exists in Australia and builds essential information in the sector.

 

RTOs must report:

  • All enrolment activity for all VET students

  • All activities regarding award issuance (including the USI)

  • Activity that involves government funding and activity that does not involve government funding

  • Both Australia and overseas activity

  • A ‘nil’ return to NCVER if the RTO has not conducted any student enrolment, training delivery or award issuance activity.

     

b) Annual declaration on compliance

During February 2020, RTO CEOs will be contacted by ASQA to request a completed annual declaration on compliance. This can be done via email but must be received no later than 30 March 2020. Again, this information is critical in nature as it serves to identify systemic risks to the overall quality of VET delivery across the country. It also forms a database of correct and up-to-date details listing all RTO operations. 

ASQA are checking for compliance with the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015.

 

c) Quality indicator data

Later in the year, RTOs will need to submit their 2019 quality indicator data. This can be sent via email to qidata@asqa.gov.au but must not be received later than 30 June 2020. This data is made up of a summary report outlining performance against learner engagement and employer satisfaction. Questionnaires will have been used throughout the year and you can now collate the results to be sent to ASQA.

 

4. Pay your annual registration charge on time

Come July, ASQA will invoice RTOs for their annual registration charge. Once this invoice is received, you will have 30 days to make the payment. You will be making the payment no later than 31 July 2020. 

Annual registration charges are calculated according to the number of qualifications offered by the RTO (this is stated on your scope of registration). 

Invoices will contain the following charges:

  • 0 to 4 qualifications—$1130

  • 5 to 10 qualifications—$3220

  • 11 to 60 qualifications—$6975

  • 61 or more qualifications—$10,730.

Charges are necessary to recover some of the costs of ASQA regulatory activities. These range from items such as information services, risk intelligence, maintenance of RTO records, and functions and services that support the VET sector with no associated fee or charge of their own.

 

5. Stay on top of key dates

Make a conscious effort to note and implement these dates. There are a number of resources provided by ASQA that will help you adhere to the rules, such as a printable checklist and templates for submitting data. 

This is a summary of the five key dates for RTOs in 2020. Remember that you will need to meet all other ASQA obligations and deadlines to comply with registration requirements.