Do I still need a TAS template in 2025?

No. ASQA has confirmed that there is no official TAS template under the 2025 Standards. RTOs have flexibility in how they document training and assessment strategies. What matters is that your training is engaging, well-structured, and paced to support student progress.

How long do I need to keep assessment records?

RTOs must retain assessment records for at least 2 years after completion. Additionally, AQF certification documentation (e.g., testamurs, statements of attainment) must be kept for 30 years. This is a major compliance focus in 2025.

What happens if I don’t notify ASQA of a material change within 10 days?

Material changes, such as changes to ownership, key personnel, scope of registration, or third-party agreements, must be reported to ASQA within 10 business days. Failure to notify within the timeframe can lead to compliance action or penalties.

How often should I engage with the industry?

Industry engagement should be ongoing, not just once a year. ASQA expects RTOs to show evidence of regular, genuine engagement with industry, employers, and community representatives to keep training current and relevant.

Can internal industry engagement be enough?

If your RTO is also a key player in industry (e.g., an enterprise RTO or industry association), internal engagement can count — but it should not be the only form of engagement. You’ll still need external input from industry and employer representatives.

What are the new Credential Policy requirements for trainers and assessors?

From 1 July 2025, trainers and assessors must: hold the latest TAE qualification (or equivalent), or be working towards it under supervision with evidence of progress, and maintain industry currency and vocational competency. Supervision arrangements must be documented, and staff under direction cannot make assessment judgments.

Can trainers under supervision make assessment decisions?

No. Trainers and assessors under supervision can deliver training and contribute to assessment, but they cannot make final assessment judgments. Only qualified assessors who meet the Credential Policy requirements may do so.

How does pre-validation differ from validation?

Pre-validation (Standard 1.3) happens before delivery and ensures all assessment tools are reviewed to confirm alignment with the training product and industry requirements. Validation (Standard 1.5) happens after delivery and reviews completed assessments to confirm judgments were valid, reliable, fair, and consistent. Validation frequency is now risk-based.

What will ASQA check first in a 2025 audit?

Expect ASQA to closely examine: Credential Policy compliance (trainer/assessor evidence), TAS documentation and pre-validation evidence, risk management framework (risk registers, COI registers, financial monitoring), student support systems (LLND, diversity, wellbeing), and marketing and website compliance.

Do I still need to record student attendance?

No. The 2025 Standards do not require attendance records for compliance. However, you must demonstrate student progress through structured training, logical sequencing of units, and clear assessment pathways. (Note: ESOS providers and government-funded RTOs may still need to track attendance.)

What counts as misleading marketing under the 2025 Standards?

Misleading marketing includes: promising guaranteed jobs or outcomes without evidence, using out-of-date course codes or training products, failing to clearly distinguish accredited vs non-accredited training, and allowing third-party marketers to use unapproved materials.

What’s the difference between Outcome Standards and Compliance Standards?

Outcome Standards focus on the results your RTO must achieve (e.g., quality training, student support, leadership). They are outcome-based and flexible. Compliance Standards set specific administrative and record-keeping requirements (e.g., marketing rules, record retention, material change notifications). These are more prescriptive and enforceable.

2025 RTO Standards

Complete Guide to Compliance

The most important regulatory update since 2015.
Outcomes. Leadership. Compliance culture.
Here’s what every RTO needs to know.

Download Free Compliance Checklist

Book Readiness Call

info@vetresources.com.au

The Standards for RTOs 2025

Effective 1 July 2025, these mark the biggest shift since 2015.

Where the 2015 Standards focused heavily on ticking boxes and administrative compliance, the new
Standards are designed to:

2025 Standards

Outcomes-Driven

The new Standards are designed to create a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

Drive better learner outcomes

Make leaders accountable for compliance culture

Embed continuous improvement into day-to-day operations

This guide will help your RTO:

Break down the changes in plain English

Highlight risks and what ASQA will look for

Provide action checklists to implement now

Prepare for audits and ongoing compliance

What's Changed : 2015 vs 2025

The 2025 Standards move RTOs away from tick-box compliance and towards a culture of outcomes and accountability. Records are stricter (2 years for assessments, 30 years for certification), leaders are directly responsible for compliance, industry engagement must be ongoing, and material changes must be reported within 10 days.

The shift is about proving quality, not just paperwork.

Area	2015 Standards	2025 Standards

Training & Assessment

Prescriptive TAS formats; focus on “amount of training”.

Greater flexibility – no official TAS template required. Training must be engaging, well-structured, and paced to support student progress.

Assessment Records

Retention requirements varied.

Must retain assessment records for 2 years; AQF certification documentation must be retained for 30 years.

Validation

Every 5 years (set cycle).

Pre-validation required before delivery. Frequency now risk-based (more often if high risk, feedback, or changes occur).

Industry Engagement

One-off or token engagement accepted.

Must be ongoing and genuine, involving employers, industry, and community reps.

Governance & Leadership

Focus on finances and admin.

Leaders must demonstrate suitability, diligence, and integrity. Leadership expected to drive compliance culture.

Risk Management

Often reactive (responding to audits).

Must be systematic & proactive: risk registers, financial monitoring, COI management, child safety where relevant.

Notification of Material Change

Notify ASQA within 90 days.

Notify ASQA within 10 business days for key changes (ownership, key personnel, third-party arrangements).

Marketing & Transparency

Less explicit.

Stricter rules: no misleading claims; all course info must include codes, status, delivery details.

The Four Quality Areas

Quality Area 1

Training & Assessment

1.1
Learning That Sticks
Training must be engaging, well-structured, paced, with practice & feedback.

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1.2
Stay Relevant
Industry engagement must be ongoing, not token. Evidence required (minutes, forms, letters).

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1.3
Check Before You Test
All assessment tools must be pre-validated before use.

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1.4
Fair, Flexible, Valid and Reliable Assessment
Getting the Judgement Right.

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1.5
RTO Validation 2025
Validation now risk-based; independent validators required for TAE.

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1.6
Recognition of Prior Learning
Making RPL Work.

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1.7
Credit Transfer
Getting It Right.

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1.8
Facilities, Resources & Equipment
Getting It Right.

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Quality Area 3

VET Workforce

CP
Credential Policy
Trainers/assessors must hold or work towards updated TAE or equivalent.

COMING SOON
E
Evidence
Vocational competency, industry currency, PD logs required.

COMING SOON
S
Supervision
Staff under direction cannot make assessment judgements.

COMING SOON
R
Risk
Expired industry skills, missing credential evidence = audit failures.

COMING SOON

Quality Area 2

Student Support

2.1
Clear & Accurate Information (SRTOs 2025)
All marketing and enrolment info must be current.

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2.2
Standard Suitability Advice (SRTOs 2025)
LLND testing mandatory pre-enrolment.

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2.3
Ongoing Support (SRTOs 2025)
Monitor student progress, intervene early.

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2.5–2.6
Wellbeing & Diversity
Culturally safe, inclusive practices + wellbeing support.

READ NOW
2.7
Feedback That Counts
Complaints must feed into continuous improvement.

READ NOW

Quality Area 4

Leadership & Governance

4.1
Culture Starts at the Top
Leaders must drive compliance culture.

COMING SOON
4.2
Governance Arrangements
Clear roles, staff induction, third-party monitoring.

COMING SOON
4.3
See Problems Before They Happen
Risk management must be systematic, with registers, financial oversight, and COI management.

COMING SOON
4.4
Always Getting Better
Continuous improvement embedded; must document actions and outcomes.

COMING SOON