RTO registration
For organisations applying for initial RTO registration, and for existing providers adding CRICOS.
Initial registration with ASQA, from feasibility to your RTO ID.
The problem
ASQA assesses whether a new provider is ready to comply from registration and can sustain compliant delivery. Applicants need a coherent business model, contextualised resources, capable staff and evidence that their systems are ready to operate.
- 01
Discover
- Idea and intention: clarify your vision, scope and delivery model in a free consultation
- Planning and research: business planning, feasibility and market analysis
- 02
Diagnose
- Preparation and formulation: documents, ownership details and a compliance strategy aligned to the applicable registration requirements
- Financial Viability Risk Assessment pack with your accountant
- 03
Deliver
- Application submission on asqanet with complete evidence
- Risk assessment: pre-audit evaluation by the regulator, with our consultants answering every request
- Registration assessment: prepare your team to explain and demonstrate its systems, resources and readiness directly to ASQA
- 04
Embed
- RTO registration: your RTO ID and scope on the national register
- Ongoing compliance and quality assurance support once you are delivering
Deliverables
- Business plan, strategic plan and risk management plan
- Financial Viability Kit (FVRA)
- Training and assessment strategies for each qualification
- Session plans, PowerPoints, assessment and assessor packs
- Mapping, validation plan and register
- Industry consultation record and yearly planner
- Student and staff handbooks, policies and procedures, forms
- Flowcharts, compliance registers and audit-day presentation
- Pre-training handbook, LLN tests, review forms and RPL kits
- Certificate, statement of attainment and course confirmation templates
- Student orientation and staff induction plans
- AQF certificate register, position descriptions and staff file templates
Project stages
- Stage 1
Discover and plan
- Stage 2
Systems, resources and evidence
- Stage 3
Application lodged
- Stage 4
Risk assessment and registration audit
We agree the project schedule with you before work begins. Regulatory deadlines and assessment times are set by the relevant regulator.
The seven steps to registration (7)
- Idea and intention
- Planning and research
- Preparation and formulation
- Submitting the application
- Risk assessment
- Registration audit
- RTO registration
What we set up with you (12)
- Your systems for managing quality across the RTO
- Compliant policies and procedures
- Marketing and student information strategies
- Training facilities and equipment
- Compliant training and assessment materials for every unit and qualification
- Learning management and student management systems
- Record keeping and AVETMISS reporting
- Qualified trainers and assessors with complete evidence files
- Continuous improvement and professional development processes
- Industry engagement strategies
- Training and assessment strategies for each qualification
- Corporate governance, policies and management structure
Pricing
Fixed fee against an agreed scope.
Fixed fee against an agreed scope for two initial courses; external ASQA fees, student and learning management systems, website, accountant costs and insurances are quoted separately.
Casual consultation $185 per hour plus GST. Retainers from $1,750 per month plus GST. All prices in Australian dollars. GST is stated on every line.
Regulatory frameworks
CAQA is an independent consultancy. ASQA does not endorse or list consultants.
Case studies
Relevant case studies
Initial RTO Registration Application Package for New VET Providers
CAQA has supported hundreds of new providers through its Initial RTO Registration Package, helping organisations enter the VET sector with compliant systems, documentation, resources and operational guidance.
Read the case studyRTOReinstatedregistration recoveredRTO Registration Reinstatement Support
An RTO facing serious registration problems engaged CAQA to help rebuild its compliance position under close regulatory attention. The provider needed to restore confidence in its governance, systems, resources and evidence base.
Read the case study“The facilitators are very knowledgeable and customised the training based on the needs of our organisation. Practical case study examples were shared throughout, which helped to contextualise our learnings. The training was delivered online with regular breaks, which helped to maintain focus and sustain concentration levels. I highly recommend the CEO Awareness training to any person who is responsible for a Registered Training Organisation.”
Questions
Frequently asked questions
How long does initial RTO registration take?
Our preparation typically runs eight to twelve weeks. ASQA then completes its own risk assessment and audit; the regulator publishes its current processing times and we plan against them.
What is not included in a registration package?
External ASQA fees, a student management system and learning management system, website and email templates, accountant costs, insurances, learner resources beyond the agreed courses, WHS documentation, recruitment and marketing. Each is available at additional cost.
Do I need a consultant to register an RTO?
No. You do not need a consultancy to set up or operate an RTO. Just as a good accountant or lawyer lets you focus on running your business, a good RTO consultant frees you to concentrate on managing the RTO.
Changing your compliance consultant?
Send us your current scope and the last audit report. We map what is done, what is open and what is at risk, and quote only the gap. Your evidence stays yours; our fee buys an outcome, not hours.
Ask for a switch review
Discuss your needs with a senior consultant.
Free, confidential, and answered within one business day.