After ASQA increased scrutiny for new RTO registrations last year, RTOs will generally be registered for a two-year period, then will be required to apply for renewal. Here are some of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about RTO Re-registration, now updated to include ACOFE CONSULTANTS – RTO & CRICOS
1. When is my RTO due for renewal of registration?
First, you have to check when your current registration is due to expire. You can find this information on training.gov.au.
You must submit a complete renewal application at least 90 days before your expiry date. If ASQA does not receive your complete application by this date, your registration may not be renewed.
2. How much does RTO re-registration cost?
The complete RTO renewal application includes payment of fees:
- Application lodgement fee: $500 per application
- ASQA will invoice you for this fee when you finalise your renewal application in ASQAnet. Processing does not begin until this fee is fully paid.
Additional fees apply for CRICOS registration renewal:
- Renewal lodgement fee: $500 per application
- Renewal assessment fee: $7,000 (for up to 4 qualifications and 2 delivery sites)
- Additional fee: $155 per extra qualification
- Additional fee: $280 per extra delivery site
For full details, check ASQA’s fee information.
3. Will I be audited before my RTO registration is renewed?
An audit is not always mandatory, but often conducted depending on your RTO’s compliance history, including:
- Audit history
- Complaint history
- Compliance with data provision requirements
- Payment of ASQA fees and charges
- Submission of the annual declaration on compliance
High-risk courses may also trigger an audit, such as:
- TAE training products
- CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support
- CHC50113 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
- TAE40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
- CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in construction
- BSB50215 Diploma of Business
For your RTO’s Compliance History category, email enquiries@asqa.gov.au from a registered organisation email.
4. What should I prepare for the re-registration audit?
For a likely audit, ASQA may request:
- Marketing materials relevant to the training products
- Agreements with other parties for marketing, recruitment, delivery, or assessment
- Pre-enrolment information, enrolment forms, and supporting evidence
- Training and assessment strategies, learning resources, and tools
- Trainer and assessor qualifications, vocational competence, and industry currency
- If it’s a desk audit: student files and completed assessments
During a site visit, auditors will verify evidence and review student files. Remember: audits are evidence-based—no valid evidence = non-compliance.
5. Will I be given the chance to rectify non-compliance?
After the audit, you receive an audit report and a notice of intent to make a decision. You may have 20 working days to respond to any non-compliances. After submission, an updated audit report and notice of decision will be issued.
If the decision is reviewable, you may apply to ASQA for a review. If not, review can only be done by an external authority, such as the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
So, is your RTO up for renewal soon? Do you have other questions about RTO re-registration? ACOFE CONSULTANTS – RTO & CRICOS can assist you in preparing for audits, compliance, and the renewal process.
