Standards for VET Accredited Courses 20121
I, Chris Evans, Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research, make these Standards under subsection 188(1) of the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011.
Dated 29th January 2013
CHRIS EVANS
Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research
Commonwealth of Australia
National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011
STANDARDS FOR VET ACCREDITED COURSES 2012
(i) CITATION
This legislative instrument may be cited as the Standards for VET Accredited Courses 2012.
(ii) AUTHORITY
This legislative instrument is made under section 188(1) of the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011.
(iii) COMMENCEMENT
This legislative instrument will come into effect on the day after registration on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments.
(iv) REVOCATION
The Standards for VET Accredited Courses 2011 (F2011L01330) are revoked.
Contents
Part 1 Preliminary
Division 1 Arrangements on commencement
VAC 1 Name of Standards 4
VAC 2 Commencement 4
VAC 3 Definitions 4
Part 2 Introduction and purpose
VAC 4 Introduction 7
VAC 5 Purpose of the Standards 7
Part 3 Course design standards
VAC 6 Duplication 8
VAC 7 Course design standards 8
Part 4 Obligations of persons in respect of whom the course is accredited.
VAC 8 Obligations of persons in respect of whom the course is accredited 10
Appendix 1 11
Part 1 Preliminary
Division 1 Arrangements on commencement
VAC 1 Name of Standards
These Standards are the Standards for VET Accredited Courses 2012.
VAC 2 Commencement
These Standards commence on the day after registration on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments.
VAC 3 Definitions
In these Standards, unless the contrary intention appears:
Act means the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011.
Articulation means the arrangements that facilitate the movement or progression of learners from one qualification or course to another, or from one education and training sector to another.
Assessment means the process of collecting evidence and making judgements on whether competency has been achieved, to confirm that an individual can perform to the standard expected in the workplace, as expressed by the relevant endorsed industry/enterprise competency standards of a Training Package or by the learning outcomes of a VET accredited course.
Assessment requirements means the endorsed component of a Training Package. Assessment requirements set out the industry’s approach to valid, reliable, flexible and fair assessment.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) has the meaning given by section 3 of the Act.
Competency means the consistent application of knowledge and skill to the standard of performance required in the workplace. It embodies the ability to transfer and apply skills and knowledge to new situations and environments.
Industry means bodies that have a stake in the training, assessment and client services provided by RTOs. These can include but are not limited to:
(a) industry skills councils;
(b) industry organisations;
(c) industry training advisory bodies;
(d) unions;
(e) specific enterprise/industry clients;
(f) occupational licensing bodies; and
(g) group training organisations
Learning means the process followed by a learner. There are three types:
(a) Formal learning refers to learning that takes place through a structured program of instruction and is linked to the attainment of a formal qualification or award (for example, a certificate, diploma or university degree).
(b) Non-formal learning refers to learning that takes place through a structured program of instructions, but does not lead to the attainment of a formal qualification or award (for example, in-house professional development programs conducted by a business).
(c) Informal learning refers to learning that results through experience of work-related, social, family, hobby or leisure activities (for example the acquisition of interpersonal skills developed through several years as a sales representative).
Modules means a group of learning outcomes in a VET accredited course where it can be established that it is not possible to develop an appropriate unit of competency.
National Register has the meaning given by section 3 of the Act.
National VET Regulator has the meaning given by section 3 of the Act.
Pathways are generally defined as a path or sequence of learning or experiences that can be followed to attain competency. The course accreditation submission must indicate whether specific pathways are mandated or whether they may vary to reflect the needs of the individual.
Qualification means formal certification, issued by a relevant approved body, in recognition that a person has achieved learning outcomes or competencies relevant to identified individual, professional, industry or community needs.
Recognition of Prior Learning means an assessment process that assesses an individual’s formal, non-formal and informal learning to determine the extent to which that individual has achieved the required learning outcomes, competency outcomes, or standards for entry to, and/or partial or total completion of, a VET qualification.
RTO means a registered training organisation, defined at section 3 of the Act.
Training Package is a nationally endorsed, integrated set of competency standards, assessment requirements, Australian Qualifications Framework qualifications, and credit arrangements for a specific industry, industry sector or enterprise.
Training Package Development Handbook provides National Skills Standards Council (previously National Quality Council) policy for the development of Training Packages. This policy applies to all Training Packages developed and endorsed through the National Skills Standards Council development and endorsement processes.
Units of competency means the specification of industry knowledge and skill and the application of that knowledge and skill to the standard of performance expected in the workplace.
VET accredited course has the meaning given at section 3 of the Act.
VET qualification has the meaning given at section 3 of the Act.
VET statement of attainment has the meaning given at section 3 of the Act.
Vocational competency means broad industry knowledge and experience, usually combined with a relevant industry qualification. A person who has vocational competency will be familiar with the content of the vocation and will have relevant current experience in the industry. Vocational competency must be considered on an industry-by-industry basis and with reference to the guidance provided in the assessment requirements of the relevant Training Package.
3.2 These Standards may be referred to by the abbreviation ‘VAC’. For example, this is VAC 3.2
Part 2 Introduction and purpose
VAC 4 Introduction
Accredited courses address skill requirements for industry, enterprises and the community where these are not covered in nationally endorsed Training Packages. They also have the capacity to address changes in skill needs, and the needs of emerging and converging industries and industry sectors, in a responsive manner. A collaborative approach between national bodies concerned with the development and endorsement of national Training Packages and VET Regulators provides an effective and timely response to the changing needs of industry.
Accreditation means the formal recognition of a course by the National VET Regulator under the Act.
VAC 5 Purpose of the Standards
The Standards for VET Accredited Courses apply to the course design for VET accredited courses.
Accreditation of a course is confirmation by the National VET Regulator that the course meets the Standards for VET Accredited Courses and the Australian Qualifications Framework in deciding whether to accredit the course, including whether the course:
• meets industry, enterprise or community needs;
• provides appropriate competency outcomes and a satisfactory basis for assessment;
• meets national quality assurance requirements; and
• is aligned to the appropriate level of the Australian Qualifications Framework where it leads to a VET qualification.
Accreditation means the course is nationally recognised and that an RTO can issue a nationally recognised VET qualification or VET statement of attainment following its full or partial completion. Once a course has been accredited, it is listed on the National Register.
Development of VET accredited courses should be consistent with the requirements of the Training Package Development Handbook.
A national template for course accreditation at Appendix 1 describes essential course information and provides the legal specification for the course. The VET accredited course document provides the basis for the development of strategies for training and assessment by each RTO and describes essential course information including the packaging rules, outcomes to be achieved, standards for assessment and required resources.
Part 3 Course design standards
Applications for course accreditation that are accepted by the National VET Regulator will be accredited if they are assessed as meeting the following design standards. These are the course design standards that must be met for accreditation.
The accreditation of a VET accredited course may be cancelled under section 52 of the Act if these standards cease to be met.
VAC 6 Duplication
6.1 The course must not duplicate, by title or coverage, the outcomes of an endorsed Training Package qualification.
VAC 7 Course design standards
7.1 VET accredited courses are based on an established industry, enterprise, education, legislative or community need.
7.2 VET accredited courses are based on nationally endorsed units of competency where these are available and where these are not available the course is based on:
(a) units of competency developed as part of the course; or
(b) modules.
These units of competency or modules are developed in consultation with, and validated by, industry, enterprise, community and/or professional groups and documented in accordance with nationally agreed specifications, consistent with the requirements of the Training Package Development Handbook.
Consultation with Industry Skills Council must take place to ensure that the course does not duplicate, by title or coverage, the outcomes of an endorsed Training Package qualification.
(Note: Modules may be included where the person in respect of whom the course is accredited can establish to the satisfaction of the National VET Regulator, prior to development, that it is not possible to develop appropriate competency standards.)
7.3 VET accredited courses either:
(a) lead to a VET qualification and have course outcomes that are consistent with the Australian Qualifications Framework qualification descriptor identified for the course; or
(b) lead only to a VET statement of attainment when course outcomes meet an identified industry/enterprise/ community need but do not have the breadth and depth required for a VET qualification as stated in the guidelines for qualifications in the Australian Qualifications Framework. The course title will read 'Course in...'.
7.4 VET accredited courses identify employability skills relevant to the course outcomes.
7.5 VET accredited courses confirm recognition to be given to the course by licensing, regulatory, professional or industry bodies where applicable.
7.6 VET accredited courses specify rules for the structure of the course.
7.7 VET accredited courses identify exit points from the course which provide for vocational or educational outcomes where applicable.
7.8 VET accredited courses provide information on educational pathways and articulation where applicable.
7.9 VET accredited courses specify any entry requirements to the course and justify any explicit limitations to access.
7.10 VET accredited courses specify course assessment strategies, which:
(a) are valid, reliable, flexible and fair;
(b) support the collection of evidence that is sufficient, valid, authentic and current;
(c) are consistent with the assessment requirements in the relevant Training Package(s) where nationally endorsed units of competency are used;
(d) ensure that workplace and regulatory requirements, where relevant, are met; and
(e) identify and justify any requirements for workplace and/or simulated assessment.
7.11 VET accredited courses provide guidance on appropriate delivery modes, together with advice on limitations on course delivery modes and any requirements for on-the-job training.
7.12 VET accredited courses specify specialist facilities and resources and the vocational competency requirements of trainers and assessors essential for the delivery of the course.
7.13 VET accredited courses identify course monitoring and evaluation processes which will ensure that the course content and outcomes are reviewed and remain current and relevant throughout the period of accreditation.
Part 4 Obligations of persons in respect of whom a course is accredited
(Note: VET accredited courses must be delivered by an RTO. It is an offence under the Act to deliver a VET accredited course without being an RTO. A person who is not an RTO, and does not intend to become an RTO, is required to develop an agreement with an RTO for the delivery of the course under the conditions they have determined.)
VAC 8 Obligations of persons in respect of whom a course is accredited
8.1 The following obligations apply throughout the course accreditation period:
The person in respect of whom a course is accredited will:
(a) monitor and evaluate the VET accredited course in accordance with the processes outlined in the VET accredited course document;
(b) inform the National VET Regulator of any proposed significant changes to the VET accredited course and, if required, provide any relevant material to enable the National VET Regulator to confirm that the course remains current and relevant and that it continues to comply with the Standards for VET Accredited Courses 2011 during the period of accreditation;
(c) advise RTOs licensed/franchised to deliver the course of changes made as the result of course monitoring and evaluation;
(d) not make any misleading statement regarding its VET accredited course; and
(e) if required, participate in strategic evaluations initiated by the National VET Regulator, the Ministerial council, or a delegate of the Ministerial council.
Note
1. All legislative instruments and compilations are registered on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments kept under the Legislative Instruments Act 2003. See http://www.frli.gov.au.
Appendix 1
Template for course documentation for accreditation
This national template is designed to assist in the development of courses for accreditation and re-accreditation under the Act that lead to an Australian Qualifications Framework qualification or to a VET statement of attainment. The template is divided into three sections (A, B and C) which together form the course documentation.
The course document (Sections A, B and C) is the specification for the VET accredited course. It provides the basis for the development of strategies for training and assessment by each RTO and describes essential course information.
Section A provides information about persons in respect to whom a course is accredited and course classification Section B contains details of industry need, and the rules under which the course may be accessed, delivered and assessed Section C includes the units of competency or modules that are contained in the course.
Appendix 1 to Standards for VET Accredited Courses
Section A: Applicant and course classification information
1. Person in respect of whom the course is being accredited
Provide the name of the legal entity or individual who is applying for accreditation of a course as a VET accredited course. Provide both the ongoing organisation contact details and the day to day contact details where these are different.
2. Address
Provide street, postal and email address of the legal entity or individual in respect of whom the course is being accredited.
3. Type of submission
State whether the submission is for accreditation or re-accreditation.
4. Copyright acknowledgement
Provide evidence that applicant has copyright approval for any units of competency or modules not owned by the person applying for accreditation. Include the name of the legal entity or individuals who own the copyright. Provide both the ongoing organisation contact details and the day to day contact details where these are different.
Commonwealth materials such as Training Packages are licenced under the Free Education licence. Details are available at www.aesharenet.com.au/FfE2.
5. Licencing and franchise
Indicate if this course may be used under licence or franchise and if relevant state requirements for use by other providers. Provide contact details for these arrangements.
6. Course accrediting body
Provide the name of the National VET Regulator, or where relevant, the state or territory course accrediting body responsible under legislation
7. AVETMISS information
Provide AVETMISS classification codes that describe the industry, occupational group and field of education for which the course is intended.
ASCO code
(Australian Standard Classification of Occupations – occupational type
To be replaced by ANZSCO [Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations])
Insert code and description
ASCED Code – 4 digit
(Field of education)
Insert code and description
National course code
To be provided by the National VET Regulator once the course is accredited
[Classification codes for AVETMISS data may be found on the NCVER website at www.ncver.edu.au]
8. Period of accreditation
Include details of the requested period of accreditation.
Accreditation dates will be confirmed by the National VET Regulator once the course is accredited.
Section B: Course information
1. Nomenclature
1.1 Name of the qualification
Standard 7.1 for VET Accredited Courses
State the name(s) of the qualification(s) that will be awarded on successful completion of the course.
1.2 Nominal duration of the course
State the nominal duration of the course(s) in hours.
2. Vocational or education outcomes of the course
2.1 Purpose of the course
Standard 7.1 for VET Accredited Courses
State the intended purpose of the course.
3. Development of the course
3.1 Industry/ enterprise/ community needs
Standards 7.1 and 7.2 for VET Accredited Courses
Provide evidence of industry/ enterprise/ community need and support for the course and describe the consultation and validation process.
Identify the major client and/or industry groups.
Confirm the proposed award is not covered by a qualification within a Training Package.
3.2 Review for re-accreditation
Standards 7.1 and 7.2 for VET Accredited Courses
If applying for re-accreditation, provide details of how monitoring and evaluation have been taken into account in the revised course.
Detail any transition arrangements from the existing course to the new course for learners currently enrolled in the existing course.
4. Course outcomes
4.1 Qualification level
Standards 7.1, 7.2 and 7.3 for VET Accredited Courses
Describe how the intended course outcomes are consistent with the proposed AQF qualification proposed for the course.
4.2 Employability skills
Standard 7.4 for VET Accredited Courses
Provide a summary of the employability skills to be achieved in the course. If the course only leads to a VET statement of attainment (e.g. Course in), this is optional.
4.3 Recognition given to the course (if applicable)
Standard 7.5 for VET Accredited Courses
State the recognition given to the course(s) by professional or industry bodies, if applicable, for example by granting membership.
4.4 Licensing / regulatory requirements (if applicable)
Standard 7.5 for VET Accredited Courses
State the extent to which the course satisfies licensing/ regulatory requirements, if applicable.
5. Course rules
5.1 Course structure
Standards 7.2, 7.6, 7.7 and 7.9 for VET Accredited Courses
All qualifications identified in the structure must be accredited in their own right and assigned a National Register course code.
Course structure may be presented in table format or as a combination of text and table, including guidance on sequencing, pre-requisites and nominal hours.
1. Outline the structure of the course and the rules for completion. Course structure will reflect the intended skill and knowledge outcomes of the course and may be:
core only core and electives core and specialisations core, specialisations and electives electives only
2. Any exit points from the course that provide for vocational or educational outcomes should be identified.
3. Include a statement that a VET statement of attainment will be issued for any unit of competency/ module completed if the full VET qualification is not completed.
5.2 Entry requirements
Standard 7.9 for VET Accredited Courses
Describe entry requirements essential to the course. Wherever possible, these should be expressed in terms of competencies.
Limitations to entry should be justified.
Recommended entry requirements (including language, literacy and numeracy skills) that are likely to facilitate successful completion of the course by the intending participant may also be helpful.
6. Assessment
6.1 Assessment strategy
Standards 7.10 and 7.12 for VET Accredited Courses
1. Describe the course assessment strategy in terms of how it effectively judges participants’ achievement of outcomes. The strategy should outline the approach to assessment and evidence gathering to be followed by the RTO, including any mandated and/ or recommended modes of assessment.
1. Describe how assessment of the course will be consistent with the Standards for NVR Registered Training Organisations and identify course assessment strategies which:
are consistent with the assessment guidelines in the relevant Training Package(s) where nationally endorsed units of competency are used ensure that workplace and regulatory requirements, where relevant, are met justify mandatory workplace assessment, or assessment through simulation if these are to be used and include advice on how they may be achieved identify any special arrangements that may facilitate Recognition of Prior Learning.
6.2 Assessor competencies
Standard 7.12 for VET Accredited Courses
1. Confirm compliance with the requirements for the competence of staff involved in assessment in the Standards for NVR Registered Training Organisations and provide guidance of the vocational competency requirements for assessors.
2. Justify any requirements above the requirements in the Standards for NVR Registered Training Organisation for the competencies of assessors.
7. Delivery
7.1 Delivery modes
Standards 7.11 and 7.12 for VET Accredited Courses
1. Identify and justify any delivery modes essential to the delivery of this course, particularly on-the-job training.
2. Identify and justify any limitations to the delivery modes that may be chosen for this course.
3. Identify any educational support mechanisms for maximising participants’ completion of the course.
4. Indicate how the course may be varied to reflect the needs of learner groups through the contextualisation of units or other means where appropriate.
7.2 Resources
Standard 7.12 for VET Accredited Courses
1. Provide details of specialised facilities and equipment essential for the delivery of the course.
2. Provide advice on the vocational competency requirements for trainers. Any requirements above the requirements of the Standard for NVR Registered Training Organisations must be justified.
3. Units of competency that have been imported from Training Packages must reflect the requirements for trainers specified in that Training Package.
8. Pathways and articulation
8.1 Pathways and articulation
Standard 7.8 for VET Accredited Courses
1. Provide details of potential pathways for course participants, both into the course and into other VET and higher education courses on completion, including details of any formalised articulation and/or credit transfer arrangements.
2. If this course contains nationally endorsed units of competency, indentify any connections with other Training Package qualifications that are relevant to vocational pathways for course graduates.
9. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation
9.1 Ongoing monitoring and evaluation
Standard 7.13 for VET Accredited Courses
1. Describe arrangements that the person to whom the course is accredited proposes to use for monitoring and evaluating the course to maintain its relevancy and currency.
2. Confirm that significant changes to the course resulting from course monitoring and evaluation procedures will be notified to the National VET Regulator or, where relevant, state or territory course accrediting body.
Section C: Units of competency
Section C of the course documentation consists of the units of competency making up the course (or modules, where relevant).
The following must be included:
1. A list of the units of competency imported from the Training Package/s;
(Note: the title and code of the units must be current and the same as the title and code used in the Training Package.)
And/or
2. The units of competency for the course which comply with the relevant requirements for the Training Package Development Handbook;
Or
3. Modules for the course.
(Note: modules may be included where the person to whom the course is accredited can establish to the satisfaction of the National VET Regulator, prior to development, that it is not possible to develop appropriate competency standards. A module template is available from the National VET Regulator, or where relevant, state and territory course accrediting body).
