Snapshot of Compliance Trends

Snapshot of Compliance Trends at 30 June 2023

This snapshot provides a summary of compliance trends of TAC regulated providers over three financial years (FYs). The target audience for this report is registered training organisations (RTOs) regulated by TAC with the aim to support continuous improvement. 

Audits are one of the tools TAC uses to monitor RTO performance against the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015 and offer a point-in-time insight into the quality of training and assessment services being provided. During the reporting period, audits include multiple audit types and individual providers may be audited multiple times, perhaps due to delivery of training products identified as at higher risk. If the outcome of the main audit is that the training organisation is non-compliant, it is provided with an evidence review period of 20 working days to address outstanding issues.

Compliance at main audit

Compliance outcomes of RTOs at main audit have improved over time at 77% in FY 2022/2023 compared to 63% in FY 2021/2022 and 54% in FY 2020/2021. For an RTO to continue to operate, non-compliances must be resolved. For more information on the audit process, please refer here.

The increase in compliance outcomes may, in part be attributed to strong RTO engagement with the TAC Education Program and guidance materials since 2020/2021 (an increase of 102% participation over three years).

Compliance at Clause Level

The compliance at Clause level data in this snapshot is derived from the number of times the Clause was audited during the 2021-2023 reporting period. The following three Clauses with the lowest compliance in Standard 1 at main audit include:

Clause 1.3 RTOs have sufficient trainers, support services, resources and facilities when delivering training - 89% achieved compliance at main audit in FY 2022/2023 compared to 88% compliant in FY 2021/2022 and 83% compliant in FY 2020/2021.

Clause 1.13 RTOs have trainers and assessors with vocational competencies, industry skills and knowledge in VET - 89% achieved compliance at main audit in FY 2022/2023 compared to 92% compliant in FY 2021/2022 and 84% compliant in FY 2020/2021.

Clause 1.8 RTOs have an assessment system that complies with training product requirements - 82% achieved compliance at main audit in FY 2022/2023 compared to 69% compliant in FY 2021/2022 and 74% compliant in FY 2020/2021. While compliance in 2022/2023 increased by 13% compared to 2021/2022, assessment systems remain the most common area of non-compliance by RTOs and continues to be a core focus for the Council in its regulatory activity.

Compliance by Audit Type - Renewal of Registration

In FY 2023/2024, approximately a quarter (28%) of TAC regulated RTOs will need to apply for a Renewal of Registration due to expiring registrations.

61% Renewal of Registration were compliant at main audit in FY 2022/2023.

To assist RTOs preparing for Renewal of Registration applications, the lowest compliance for Renewal of Registration audits in FY 2022/2023 were related to:

• RTOs being unable to demonstrate that they have access to sufficient facilities and equipment (Clause 1.3d).
• Assessment instruments not addressing all of the unit of competency and assessment requirements (Clause 1.8a).
• Assessment instruments not providing assessors with the ability to collect and record sufficient evidence to make a reliable and valid judgement (Clause 1.8b).

The risk of non-compliance for Renewal of Registration audits may be higher if an RTO has not had any regulatory contact with TAC for three years or more. For RTOs that need to apply for Renewal of Registration, TAC strongly recommends engaging with the TAC Education program, particularly the Renewal of Registration webinar, to assist with readiness for and meeting the Renewal of Registration requirements.

TAC Education Program

The increase in compliance outcomes may in part be attributed to strong RTO engagement with the TAC Education Program and guidance materials.

102% increase in participation between FY 2020/21 and FY 2022/23. 2,027 participants attending workshops either in person or online in FY 2022/2023 compared to 1,141 in FY 2021/2022 and 1,001 in FY 2020/2021.

The information presented in this snapshot should be read in conjunction with information about the TAC audit process and regulatory approach.

Please refer to the following links:

• Training Accreditation Council Regulatory Approach
• Training Accreditation Council Risk Framework
• Training Accreditation Council Regulatory Strategy 2023-2025
• TAC Audit Process

Clauses identified in this snapshot are focus areas of TAC’s Regulatory Strategy and Education Program, including guidance materials. For easy reference, the Clauses are summarised below:

• Clause 1.3 RTOs have sufficient trainers, support services, resources and facilities when delivering training. 
• Clause 1.8 RTOs have an assessment system that complies with training product requirements. 
• Clause 1.13 RTOs have trainers and assessors with vocational competencies, industry skills and knowledge in VET. 

For access to the full set of the Standards for RTOs, please refer to: Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015.

Print Version Available:

Snapshot of Activities - at 30 June 2023 (PDF)