Not all courses are the same

Many people do not know the difference between a nationally accredited course and one that is non-accredited.  Reading the name of a course which sounds similar in content to another doesn’t necessarily mean they are the same.  A VET accredited course means that the course:

• Is nationally and internationally recognised, and can be recognised towards the attainment of qualifications
  
• provides competency based outcomes, that is, outcomes based on assessable skills and knowledge (not just physical attendance at a course)
• is delivered by RTOs who are required to meet stringent Standards and Legislation in the delivery and assessment of courses and qualifications. 

Only Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) can deliver and assess an accredited course, though not all RTOs can deliver and assess any accredited course.  RTOs have to apply to their governing body to have relevant training courses and qualifications on their scope. 

It is illegal to market or even imply that non-accredited training is accredited training.  One way to differentiate whether a course is accredited is the use of the Nationally Recognised Training logo (see right).  

You can always check whether an RTO is legally able to deliver and assess nationally accredited courses through training.gov.au where a full listing of courses and RTOs can be searched.

You may wish to consider a nationally accredited course if you require:

• training to meet an established industry or legislative need
• issuance of statements of attainment and qualification documentation (not just certificates of attendance or participation)
  
• training which meets national standards in education and training, which are recognised on a national and international level.

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