How to Set Up an RTO with ASQA: The Registration Process Explained
RTO Compliance & Registration
How to Set Up an RTO with ASQA: The Registration Process Explained
Becoming a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) is one of the most rewarding and most demanding moves a business can make. Registration is granted by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), the national regulator for vocational education and training. Here is how the process works, and what you need to prepare before you apply.
1. Prepare before you apply
Most applications fail at the preparation stage, not the audit. Before you touch the application form, you need a clear business plan, the training products (qualifications, units and accredited courses) you intend to deliver in your first two years, and a complete set of policies, procedures and systems. Crucially, you must develop validated Training and Assessment Strategies (TAS) and assessment tools that comply with the Standards for RTOs 2025, which took effect on 1 July 2025. You will also need qualified trainers and assessors, suitable facilities, and evidence that you can deliver each product on your proposed scope.
2. Lodge your application through asqanet
Applications are submitted online through ASQA's portal, asqanet. Every application must include a completed initial RTO registration form, a signed CEO statutory declaration, Fit and Proper Person declarations for everyone who controls or influences the organisation, a Financial Viability Risk Assessment (FVRA), and comprehensive supporting evidence. On submission, ASQA issues a lodgement fee invoice and will not begin reviewing your application until it is paid.
3. Completeness check and assessment fee
ASQA first checks that your application is complete and that your organisation is eligible. Once confirmed, you receive an assessment fee invoice. Assessment does not begin until this is paid in full, so budget for both fees plus the cost of building your evidence.
4. Assessment and audit
This is the heart of the process. ASQA reviews your Fit and Proper Person declarations and financial viability, and conducts a comprehensive risk assessment of your evidence against the VET Quality Framework. Expect questions, requests for further evidence, and scrutiny of how your TAS, resources and assessment tools work together in practice.
5. The decision
ASQA aims to finalise initial applications within six months. A successful applicant is granted an initial registration period of two years. Initial registration is for 2 years, before the expiry date the RTO need to apply again for registration. At this point ASQA will conduct a post initial audit and registration should be granted for 7 years. It is important to note that during the first 2 years of registration you can not add training products to scope, so make sure you choose carefully for initial registration.
Get it right the first time
33.5% of initial RTO applications are approved on the first application. If you want to be part of this percentage you need to be well prepared and ensure the application is organisation and complete. If you need support or want to be sure you get it right the first time, contact us at RTO Consulting.
Fees and requirements change. Always confirm current amounts and forms on the ASQA website (asqa.gov.au) before you apply.