At VET Resources, we recently supported both a re-registration and an initial audit under the new Standards for RTOs 2025 (SRTOs 2025) — and the experience was eye-opening.
The expectations have shifted.
It’s no longer just about having the “right documents” — it’s about how your RTO is actively managing quality, monitoring its systems, and making continuous improvements based on real evidence.
In this blog, we’ll break down:
Ensure your RTO remains ASQA-compliant with updated, audit-ready learning materials for 2025.
- What ASQA is looking for now
- The most common audit risks
- How AI-generated work is creating new compliance challenges
- The new focus on self-assurance and continuous improvement
- A free Audit Readiness Checklist to help you prepare
- Frequently Asked Questions we’re hearing from other RTOs
- Key questions you should be asking within your team
The New SRTOs 2025 Audit Focus: What’s Actually Being Checked?
During both audits we supported, ASQA focused on how the RTO operates — not just what’s written down. Here’s what they looked at in depth:
Assessment Tools
- Review of student work (including sufficiency, authenticity, and quality)
- Whether assessments are mapped, valid, and align to unit requirements
- RPL kits – structure, evidence guidance, assessor instructions
- Benchmarking between assessors
- Use of observation checklists and defined observable behaviours
Trainer Files & Capability
- Qualifications aligned to units of delivery
- Evidence of vocational competence and industry currency
- Ongoing professional development plans
- Trainer mapping matrix
Professional Development (PD)
- For trainers and admin/compliance staff
- Relevance of PD to job role
- Planned vs. ad hoc PD
- Documentation and tracking
Governance and Leadership
- CEO capability and compliance knowledge
- Decision-making responsibilities and oversight
- Risk management processes
- Understanding of scope and training operations
Resources
- Accessibility and usability of learning and assessment tools
- Relevance to learners and current industry standards
- Support materials for trainers
Work Placement (Where Applicable)
- Agreements with host employers
- Placement tracking and supervision
- Assessment during placement
- Safety and suitability of placement environment
Continuous Improvement & Self-Assurance
This was a major focus in both audits. ASQA didn’t just ask what was wrong — they asked:
"If these gaps existed, why weren’t they picked up through your own self-assurance process?"
They wanted to see:
- How the RTO collects data on its performance
- What analysis is done on that data
- How and when improvements are identified
- Who is responsible for implementing them
- What changes have actually been made — and evidenced
AI & Assessment Integrity: A New Compliance Pressure
Another major concern is the rise of AI-generated student responses — and how RTOs are managing academic integrity.
Common issues ASQA flagged:
- Student answers copied directly from the marking guide
- AI-written responses that sound “too perfect” but lack genuine understanding
- Assessors passing work without questioning similarity
- No documented process for detecting or managing AI/plagiarism
If your RTO doesn’t have a policy or system in place to detect AI use, that alone could be a non-compliance under the new standards.
Most Common Gaps Found During Audit
Here’s what caused trouble for other RTOs we observed:
Pre-validation done as a “tick-and-flick”
Trainers with no current industry evidence
Lack of benchmarking across assessors
No clear plan for PD or currency maintenance
RPL tools lacking clear evidence guidance
No documented continuous improvement efforts
CEOs unaware of compliance responsibilities
No policy or tools to detect AI or manage academic integrity
Free Download: Audit Readiness Checklist (SRTOs 2025 Edition)
We’ve compiled everything we’ve learned into a practical checklist you can use to prepare your RTO — covering all new SRTOs 2025 audit focus.
What’s Inside:
Assessment tool compliance checks
Trainer file and mapping requirements
Professional development evidence
Work placement documentation
AI/plagiarism risk management
Governance and CEO responsibilities
Self-assurance and continuous improvement prompts
Click here to download your free Audit Readiness Checklist (PDF) FAQs
Not necessarily harder — but deeper. ASQA is more focused on how your RTO operates in real time, not just what’s on paper.
Auditors now expect RTOs to track, document, and act on areas for improvement. It’s no longer enough to be compliant — you must show how you’re reviewing and improving your systems.
Yes — if not managed. ASQA now expects RTOs to have academic integrity processes in place, and to check for AI/plagiarised work during assessment validation and review.
Absolutely. CEOs are expected to understand the scope of delivery, training operations, compliance systems, and decision-making processes. This is now standard practice during audit.
Start by validating them against the unit requirements and checking for:
- Clear assessment conditions
- Observable behaviours
- Mapping
- Benchmarking
- Sufficient and valid evidence
You can use our free checklist to guide this process.
Questions to Ask Within Your RTO Team
Before your next audit, ask yourself:
- Have we conducted real validation or just completed templates?
- Can every trainer show current industry currency and PD?
- Are we checking for AI-generated work or plagiarism?
- Has the CEO been briefed on audit expectations?
- Do we have documented evidence of recent improvements?
- Is our work placement properly supervised and assessed?
If the answer to any of these is “not sure” — now is the time to act.
Final Thoughts
The SRTOs 2025 audit process isn’t just about “ticking boxes” — it’s about how your RTO works behind the scenes, how you maintain quality, and how you respond when something isn’t working.
The key difference now?
You’re expected to know, act, and improve — before the auditor shows up.
We’ve supported multiple RTOs through the new audit process and created this content to help you stay ahead. If you’d like our help or just want the free checklist, we’re here.
Click here to download your free Audit Readiness Checklist (PDF) Trusted by RTOs Australia-wide
We support RTOs with:
Compliant, audit-ready assessment tools
Trainer resources
RPL kits
Support for continuous improvement & self-assurance
Disclaimer:
The information presented on the VET Resources blog is for general guidance only. While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee the completeness or timeliness of the information. VET Resources is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. Always consult a professional for advice tailored to your circumstances.
