Accreditation

Author: Youth 2 Youth.

What is it?

Accredited courses are those that have been approved by the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA) and are offered by organisations referred to as Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). RTOs include most VET colleges and learning centers, though often not all the courses they offer are accredited.

How do I know if a course is accredited?

Accredited courses, when advertised in a brochure or catalogue (or online), will usually carry the logo of the State body (for example, in NSW, the Vocational Education and Training Accreditation Board - VETAB) as well as the Nationally Recognised Training logo. You can see examples of these logos here:

What does accreditation mean to me?

An accredited course is meant to be of a sufficient standard of quality, however depending on who delivers the training (which RTO), your experiences may differ. The qualifications you receive, depending on the level, can often travel a pathway from Certificate to Advanced Diploma. This means that you can update or advance your skills if you choose. This 'pathway' is also used as a means to enter university from school-level training (work your way from School Certificate to University Degree). Most employers recognize VET accredited training.

Institution Based Education & Training

Also referred to as evening colleges, Worker's Educational Association and community/adult education centers.

Examples of VET accredited courses for entrepreneurs:

Diploma of Banking and Finance; Advertising and Public Relations Certificate III; etc.

Links

www.anta.gov.au Australian National Training Authority

www.aqf.edu.au Australian Qualifications Framework

More information

ANTA can post you free and informative reports and information on VET and accreditation. The AQF Handbook and AQTF Standards are also good publications. If you are a business that would like to become an RTO, contact AQF.

'Copyright 2003 Youth 2 Youth'

Disclaimer: This article is for your information, but it may not apply to or be suitable for your situation, so seek professional advice. Youth 2 Youth cannot be held liable for anything resulting from how you use the information provided in this article.