Ensuring your RTO’s registration is successfully renewed before expiration is essential for your business continuity and longevity. Without it you will not have the licence to operate as a Registered Training Organisation and be able to deliver accredited training programs. Here are the steps you should take to ensure you manage the application process effectively and successfully renew your RTOs registration.

Create re-registration project plan:

The benefits of using a project management approach in preparing your RTO for renewal of registration includes mitigation of risks and clear objectives that will ensure you secure your licence to operate. Depending on the size of your RTO and the time passed since your last regulatory audit you may need to include a review of your RTOs systems and processes to determine your current compliance status and regulatory risks. This should be done well in advance of your submission of the renewal application. Your re-registration project plan should include an examination of the RTO’s policy and procedure library and a focus on strategic areas where RTO’s commonly have systemic non-compliances such as trainer and assessor files; assessment tools; marketing material; and training and assessment strategies.

Identify key resources:

RTO senior management should stress the importance of registration renewal with staff and their roles and responsibilities in securing your licence to operate. Part of your re-registration project plan should include identifying staff critical to ensuring project objectives are achieved. Don’t set them up for failure by expecting them to manage project activities off the sides of their desks. By developing a project resource plan you are determining what staffing you will need to obtain the results you require. Your project may identify that you will need the assistance of a RTO consultant to help drive your re-registration project and provide expert advice as needed.

Submit renewal application:

RTOs must apply to renew registration and pay the application lodgement fee at least 90 days prior to the expiry date of RTO registration listed on TGA. If you fail to apply by this deadline ASQA may not renew the RTO’s registration. ASQA advises that prior to RTOs submitting their applications they should be certain that:

The RTO is meeting all obligations to learners and clients
The RTO has arrangements in place that ensures effective governance and administration
The RTO’s training and assessment meets the needs of industry and learners
The RTO is compliant with the required standards and can demonstrate this in an audit

Preparing for a registration renewal audit:

In anticipation of ASQA conducting an audit as part of the RTO registration renewal process you can assess your RTO’s preparedness by utilising the ASQA self-assessment tool. Whether you get audited or not will depend on factors such as your RTOs risk profile and compliance history. If you have training products on scope of registration that ASQA have identified as high risk in their regulatory strategy it is likely that they will want to undertake an audit with your RTO prior to approving your application for renewal. Your RTO should be ready for a site audit once your application has been submitted should ASQA decide they want to review your compliance with the VET Quality Framework.