How To Find a Reputable RTO and How To Avoid Scams
Undertaking study can be a big commitment, so it’s important to choose an organisation that is legitimate and will offer you support throughout your student journey.
In Australia, there are strict regulations surrounding the operation of Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), ensuring the training being delivered is accurate and maintains national standard, decreasing the risk of RTO scams.
In this article, we discuss what an RTO is, how to find a reputable RTO and the signs to look out for when avoiding scams.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
What is an RTO?
How to Find a Reputable RTO
How to Avoid Scams
Conclusion
Reference List
What is an RTO?
A Registered Training Organisation (RTO), is an organisation that delivers accredited training, which is regulated under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). This is Nationally Recognised Training (NRT), acknowledged across Australia, and leads to the issuance of a NRT qualification certificate.
To become an RTO, an organisation must undertake an application process through the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA). During this process, the organisation will be asked to submit various supporting documents, which demonstrate their capacity to deliver accredited training to an acceptable level, and may also sit various interviews with an ASQA assessor.
If your application is deemed successful you will be provided with an RTO Code, unique to your organisation, in which you can begin delivering the accredited training you applied for.
If your application is deemed unsuccessful, you do not become an RTO and cannot deliver any form of accredited training.
How to Find a Reputable RTO
When searching for the right RTO, it can be difficult to know whether they are reputable or not.
To verify an RTO’s credibility, you can click here to search for an organisations business information. If the organisation appears on the website, they are an RTO.
How to Avoid Scams
Many organisations claim they are an RTO, but may not be.
When identifying a fake RTO, here are some of the things you should look out for:
1. RTO Code/Provider Number
Every RTO is given a 5-digit code, unique to their organisation.
This code means the company is registered and is allowed to offer accredited training.
You can typically find this code displayed on an RTO’s website, social media and other public platforms.
If a company does not have an RTO Code, but claims to teach accredited training, this is most likely a scam and should be avoided.
2. Course Code and Title
Wherever accredited training is shown, a company must display the correct course code and full title of the qualification, as is reflected on training.gov.au.
For example, the training title, ‘Cert 3 in Individual Support’, is incorrect as it does not include the course code and full title of the qualification. Instead, it should read as, ‘CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support’.
A company should not display any form of incorrect training title and if so, may be fraudulent.
3. NRT Logo
To help identify accredited training delivered by an RTO, the NRT logo must be displayed.
Please click here to view the NRT logo guide.
This triangle logo distinguishes where training is nationally recognised and facilitated by an RTO.
4. Organisation Location
Generally, an RTO should have a physical address.
Whilst some RTO’s can operate virtually, it is important to check this.
You can check an RTO’s registered address by visiting training.gov.au.
5. False Advertising
One of the biggest ways RTO scams occur is through false advertising.
Under the Users’ Guide to the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015, there are strict marketing regulations a company must follow when advertising accredited training.
Some are as follows:
An RTO must only advertise accredited training currently on their scope.
An RTO does not guarantee successful completion or employment outcomes for students.
Marketing material must include RTO registration code, NRT logo, course code and full title.
These are regulations put in place to ensure there is consistency amongst all accredited training, so that it can be recognised nationally.
To view the Users’ Guide to the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015, click here.
6. Accredited Training vs CPD Training
A legitimate RTO can operate offering both accredited and CPD training, but it is important to be aware of the differences.
Under ASQA standards, if an RTO offers both accredited and CPD training, these should be clearly separated and cannot be advertised together.
When choosing the right RTO, ensure that the NRT logo, course code and titles are not displayed on any CPD training and marketing materials.
7. Check Google Reviews
When researching any product or service, it is always a good idea to read reviews.
Reading an RTO’s Google Reviews’ is a great way to gain insight as to the experiences and outcomes previous students had and whether their quality of service aligns with your study needs.
If you are still unsure, there is no harm in contacting the RTO to ask any questions or concerns you may have.
If you believe you have come across an illegitimate RTO and you would like to make a report, you can do so by clicking here.
Getting Started…
With so many RTOs to choose from, it can be easy to misinterpret a legitimate RTO from a fake.
Using the points discussed above can help you better identify the difference between the two and ensure you a smooth student journey.
To get in contact with RTO, Your Learning Portal, please click here.
Reference List
https://www.aqf.edu.au/
https://www.asqa.gov.au/
https://training.gov.au/
https://training.gov.au/search?searchText=&searchType=RTO
https://www.asqa.gov.au/sites/default/files/NRT_logo_specifications_NEW.pdf?acsf_files_redirect
https://www.asqa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-03/Users%27%20Guide%20to%20the%20Standards%20for%20RTOs%202015%20%28v2.3%29.pdf
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