Course accreditation is a two-stage process: you submit a Course Concept application, once approved, develop and submit the full course for assessment. Once the Course Concept is approved you have 6 months to prepare and submit the course documents with evidence of industry consultation.
The rules you are assessed against
ASQA assesses applications against the Standards for VET Accredited Courses 2021 and the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). ASQA's Users' guide to the Standards (version 4, January 2026) explains each standard, and the course must be written in the national course document template.
Stage 1: The VET course concept
The course concept gives high-level information so ASQA can check eligibility before you do detailed development work. It must be approved as eligible before you go further (ASQA: Step 1). A strong concept includes:
- evidence of a real industry need and research showing why the course should be accredited
- details of the target group and projected enrolment numbers
- evidence of industry support and commitment to participation in consultation activities
- the existing national and/or accredited units that were considered and included in the course and those considered and not included
- confirmation from the relevant Job and Skills Council (JSC) that the intended course does not duplicate a nationally recognised existing course
If the concept is approved, a copy of ASQA's 2022 concept form states you have six months to develop the course and lodge the initial accreditation application (ASQA concept form, November 2022).
Stage 2: Develop the course and apply
Once the course concept is approved, you develop the full course in the national course document template, using the Users' guide and the Guide to Completing the National Course Document Template. You then submit the application form, the course document and supporting evidence, and pay the assessment fee. ASQA reviews the application for completeness and then assesses it against the Standards and the AQF.
What you are developing is the units of competence, the course structure and the rules around delivery. What you are not developing at this point is the training and assessment strategy, training material and assessment tools. That happens once the course is approved.
Fees
ASQA's guide listed a $1,100 concept lodgment fee and a $7,750 accreditation assessment fee (ASQA: current fees and charges guide). Confirm current amounts before you apply.
After accreditation
Accredited courses are listed on the National Training Register (TGA), though ASQA does not publish the enterprise units online. Course owners can apply to amend or cancel a course, and must renew it before it expires:
- Submit an intention to renew form.
- Re-develop the course in the national template, including the review-for-renewal section.
- Lodge the renewal application and pay the renewal assessment fee (ASQA: renewal).
Common pitfalls
- Proposing a course that overlaps with an existing training package product.
- Thin stakeholder consultation with no documented industry support.
- Starting full development before the concept is approved.
- Missing the deadline to lodge after concept approval.
Critical considerations
- An accredited course expires after 5 years. Applications for renewal need to be submitted 6 months prior to expiry.
- If an accredited course is not on the scope of an RTO, ASQA may decide to cancel the course.
- In the event that the Australian Government deem there is a need for a qualification that meets the same need as your accredited course and they develop and release a national course, the accredited course is cancelled. RTOs in this case are expected to add the national course to scope.
Planning to apply for RTO registration? RTO Consulting can help you prepare an application that is complete and compliant the first time.
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