The Complete Guide to Standards 1.3 & 1.5 — With FREE Templates Included!
What You’ll Learn in This Blog
Blog Takeaways:
- What pre-validation & validation actually mean under the new 2025 Standards
- Why getting them wrong can cost your RTO more than just a slap on the wrist
- How to conduct compliant validation step-by-step
- Real audit examples — and how to avoid making the same mistakes
- Instant access to FREE pre-validation and validation templates
What’s Inside:
- Pre-Validation 101 (Standard 1.3)
- Validation Essentials (Standard 1.5)
- Biggest audit fails (and how to prevent them)
- Real consequences for non-compliance
- Compliance made easy with ready-to-use tools
What is Pre-Validation (Standard 1.3)?
Pre-validation means checking your assessment tools BEFORE you use them — think of it as a safety check for compliance.
Why It Matters:
- You wouldn’t serve food without checking the ingredients — so don’t deliver assessments without checking if they’re valid.
- It ensures your tools actually test what they’re supposed to (and won’t fall apart in an audit).
What You Need to Do:
- Review your unit’s requirements (performance criteria, conditions, foundation skills).
- Make sure assessments match those requirements.
- Check that your tools meet Principles of Assessment (POA) and Rules of Evidence (ROE).
- Involve someone other than the tool creator for an unbiased review.
- Document your review using a Pre-Validation Form (download below!).
What is Validation (Standard 1.5)?
Validation is your quality control process — a deep dive into your assessment system after students have completed their assessments.
Why It’s Crucial:
- It checks if your assessors’ judgements are consistent, fair, and based on real evidence.
- It protects the quality of your outcomes — and your RTO’s reputation.
What You Need to Do:
- Validate every training product at least once every 5 years (more if risk is higher).
- Use a risk-based approach to choose what and how much to validate.
- Use a proper sample size calculator — not just 1 or 2 assessments.
- Review completed student work, not just blank templates.
- Make sure validators are independent and qualified.
- Record all findings, improvements, and changes using a Validation Form (download below!).
4 Common Mistakes RTOs Keep Making (And Why It’s Costing Them)
❌ Mistake #1: Tiny or Random Sample Sizes
“We validated two assessments and called it a day.”
Wrong. ASQA expects a risk-informed, calculated sample size. Anything less = non-compliance.
❌ Mistake #2: Tick-and-Flick Validation
“The validator just signed the form but didn’t really review anything.”
That’s a huge red flag for auditors. Validation must include a genuine review of student evidence.
❌ Mistake #3: Bad Assessment Tools
Tools don’t fully align with the unit or fail POA/ROE tests.
Results in invalid assessments — and sometimes, revoked qualifications.
❌ Mistake #4: Weak or Missing Student Evidence
Assessments pass, but the evidence isn’t authentic, sufficient, or current.
This leads to failed audits and serious compliance consequences.
How to Get it Right (and Stay Compliant)
✅ Train your team on Standards 1.3 and 1.5
✅ Use structured validation tools (we’ve got free ones below!)
✅ Validate tools before use AND judgements after use
✅ Use a proper sample size — backed by a risk-based approach
✅ Document everything so you’re audit-ready 24/7
✅ Treat validation as a culture, not a chore
✅ 100% compliant with Standards 1.3 and 1.5
✅ Ready to use and editable in Word
✅ Built to help you breeze through audit
Have Questions?
We’ve compiled a detailed FAQ covering:
- How do RTOs determine an appropriate sample size for validation?
RTOs must adopt a risk-based approach to determine validation sample size—not a fixed number. Use ASQA’s sample size calculator to input the number of assessments, desired confidence level (typically 95%), and risk factors, then use the recommended sample size to ensure the validation results are representative and compliant. - Who is eligible to conduct validation within an RTO?
Validators must be independent of the assessment process—they can’t be the assessor or tool author. They must hold relevant industry competencies, current vocational skills, and one of the credentials specified in the Credential Policy to ensure objectivity and authority. - What’s the difference between moderation and validation?
Moderation happens before final decisions and focuses on aligning assessors—ensuring consistent judgements for today’s assessments. Validation occurs after assessment completion; it reviews the assessment tools, judgements, and evidence to inform system improvements for the future. - How often should RTOs validate each training product?
Every training product must be validated at least once every five years, with at least 50% of products validated within the first three years. Products with higher risk—due to changes, feedback, or poor outcomes—should be validated more frequently. - What factors should a risk-based sample size consider?
Consider aspects such as changes to training products or tools, feedback from learners or industry, newly qualified assessors, or units requiring complex or high-risk skills. Higher-risk contexts necessitate larger sample sizes to ensure confidence in validation outcomes.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Validation Be an Afterthought
Validation isn’t just a form — it’s your defence against audit failure, your safeguard for quality, and your passport to long-term success.
Do it right, do it regularly, and do it with purpose.
Grab your free templates and start building a rock-solid validation system today.
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.
