Edition 47, July 2007

Revised Australian Quality Training Framework kicks off

The revised Australian Quality Training Framework, AQTF 2007, came into effect on 1 July 2007. It applies to all current and intending registered training organisations.

AQTF 2007 comprises two sets of standards:

  • Essential Standards for Registration - registered training organisations must meet these standards in order to deliver and assess nationally recognised training, and to issue nationally recognised qualifications
  • Standards for Registering Bodies - these standards provide a common framework for the authorities in each state and territory that register and audit training organisations and that accredit courses.

These standards are available through www.training.com.au/aqtf2007

Also available on the website is the AQTF 2007 Users' Guide to the Essential Standards for Registration. This guide helps registered training organisations interpret and apply the AQTF 2007 Essential Standards for Registration to their operations, and training organisations preparing to apply for registration.

Existing registered training organisations can use the guide when conducting self-assessments against the standards and when preparing for external audits. It is also designed to help registered training organisations manage and continuously improve their training and assessment outcomes in order to meet the needs of industry and learners.

New accrediting standards come into effect

Under AQTF 2007, standards have been revised for the accreditation of courses and for state and territory accrediting bodies.

The two sets of standards governing the accreditation of courses are:

  • AQTF 2007 Standards for Accredited Courses
  • AQTF 2007 Standards for State and Territory Course Accrediting Bodies.

The two sets of standards which govern accreditation of courses by the states were first developed in 2002 and revised in 2005, with the current revisions coming into effect on 1 July 2007.

The current revision has been part of the total review of all Australian Quality Training Framework standards by the National Quality Council. As such, there is a strong national directive to achieve a higher level of national consistency.

The objective of the standards, together with nationally endorsed training package qualifications, is to ensure Australia�s vocational education and training system is responsive to industry needs and delivers quality training outcomes as well as protecting the consumers of training programs.

What's new in the revised standards?

The new standards provide:

  • greater emphasis on national consistency applicable to state and territory accrediting bodies, through common standards, operational protocols and quality indicators
  • increased recognition of the critical role to be played by accredited courses, enabling a timely response from the national vocational education and training sector to the changing needs of industry
  • increased focus on maximising links between national training package developing bodies and state and territory accrediting bodies, enhancing their complementary roles
  • greater clarity in expectations for essential course documentation for accreditation, including packaging rules, outcomes to be achieved, standards for assessment and required resources. The accredited course document provides the basis for the development of strategies for training and assessment by each registered training organisation
  • specific obligations requiring course copyright owners to monitor and evaluate their courses during the accreditation period to ensure that courses remain current and relevant, and to inform the accrediting body of changes.

For more information visit www.training.com.au/aqtf2007

This page was generated on 02 February, 2010

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