Last month the ABC blew the lid on systemic failures in Australia’s Vocational Educational and Training (VET) sector, claiming that ‘behind the slick websites and promises of a world-class education a shadowy industry has thrived – one where colleges and migration and education agents have spent decades exploiting the system.’ Not only does this mean that vulnerable domestic and international students have been targeted ‘with false promises and the lure of a job,’ in many cases, they’ve been scammed out of hundreds of thousands of dollars for qualifications that aren’t worth the paper they are printed on.

This has prompted the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations to revise the 2015 Standards for Registered Training Organisations, which will come into effect from July 1, 2025. These revisions aim to improve training quality, increase transparency and strengthen student protections, and ensure that Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) focus on students’ success rather than simply ticking boxes on a compliance checklist.

But what can you do in the meantime to ensure that your RTO is legit? Whilst there are more than just a few bad apples in the mix, the good news is that there are a few tell-tale signs that can help students weed out the wheat from the chaff when it comes to choosing a reputable RTO. To protect yourself from dodgy providers, here’s how to get conclusive answers about your chosen RTO.

Check if the RTO is registered

Look for the RTO’s unique number on their website and type it into the search bar on the training.gov.au website. If their registration number is not clearly listed on their website, this may be a red flag that they aren’t legit. If they aren’t listed on the government training website, they are not a registered training provider, and their qualifications are likely worthless.

Check the course codes

Cross-reference the course code and the course structure and unit description given by the RTO with the training.gov.au website to ensure they match up. If an RTO is offering a course without a valid code, it may not be nationally recognised and could be a waste of your time and money.

Check the RTOs audit reports and history

The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) conducts regular audits to ensure RTOs meet the required training standards. A history of non-compliance by an RTO may be a red flag.

Contact the RTO directly and ask questions

A reputable RTO will be more than happy to answer your questions about a course, the qualification and potential career outcomes. Steer clear of RTOs that avoid your questions, give vague answers, or pressure you to enrol without giving you clear details.

By choosing a reputable RTO, you’ll ensure not only that your qualifications are nationally recognised by employers and industry bodies but that you are equipped with the skills and knowledge to take your career to the next level.