Why Verification Matters

Studying with an unregistered or non-compliant training provider can have serious consequences. Qualifications from unregistered providers are not nationally recognised, meaning they won't be accepted by employers, industry bodies, or for further study pathways. Money spent on such training is essentially wasted, and time invested cannot be recovered.

Even registered providers sometimes operate outside their approved scope, delivering qualifications they're not authorised to offer. Enrolling in such courses results in the same problems as studying with unregistered providers. Verification should confirm not just that a provider is registered, but that they can legitimately deliver your chosen qualification.

The verification process is straightforward and free. Taking a few minutes to check registration before enrolling protects your investment and ensures your qualification will be valued in the workforce. This simple step is one of the most important actions you can take when choosing training.

Using the National Register

Training.gov.au is the official National Register of Vocational Education and Training. This website contains authoritative information about every registered training organisation and the qualifications they're approved to deliver. It should be your primary source for verification as it's maintained by the Australian Government and updated in real-time.

To verify an RTO, visit training.gov.au and use the search function. You can search by RTO name, RTO code, or location. Each registered provider has a unique RTO code, usually a five-digit number, which provides the most reliable way to find a specific organisation. If a provider cannot give you their RTO code, this itself is a warning sign.

The register shows the RTO's registration status prominently. Look for "Registered" status, which indicates current valid registration. Other statuses like "Cancelled," "Expired," or "Withdrawn" indicate the provider is no longer authorised to deliver training. Never enrol with a provider whose status is anything other than "Registered."

Checking Scope of Registration

Registration alone isn't sufficient. You must also verify that your chosen qualification appears on the provider's scope of registration. RTOs can only legally deliver qualifications explicitly listed in their scope. The register shows each RTO's complete scope, listing every qualification and unit they're authorised to deliver.

Search the scope for your qualification code (like BSB50420 for Diploma of Leadership and Management). The qualification must appear with "Delivers" or "Training and Assessment" status. If your qualification doesn't appear in the scope, the RTO cannot legitimately deliver it regardless of what their marketing materials claim.

Some RTOs have qualifications listed with "Assessment Only" status, meaning they can assess competency but not deliver training. This is appropriate for Recognition of Prior Learning but not for students requiring actual training. Ensure the scope status matches what you need from the provider.

Using the CPSISC RTO Directory

The CPSISC RTO Directory provides another verification option. Our directory is compiled from official training.gov.au data and includes registration status, scope information, and location details for Australian RTOs. Search by name, RTO code, or location to find provider information quickly.

Our directory aims to present information clearly and accessibly, helping you understand what you find. While we source data from the official register, we recommend verifying critical details on training.gov.au before making final enrolment decisions. The official register is the authoritative source and is updated more frequently.

Use our directory to explore options and shortlist providers, then verify finalists on the official register. This two-step approach combines the convenience of our search tools with the authority of the government register.

Registration Expiry Dates

All RTO registrations have expiry dates, after which they must be renewed to continue operating. The register shows registration expiry dates for each provider. While most RTOs successfully renew their registration, checking expiry dates provides useful context about provider stability.

An approaching expiry date isn't necessarily problematic. RTOs typically apply for renewal well before expiry, and many have registration renewed for periods of up to seven years. However, if you're considering a lengthy course with a provider whose registration expires soon, it may be worth asking about their renewal plans.

Registration expiry during your enrolment could cause disruption. While provisions exist to support students affected by provider closure or registration loss, prevention is better than cure. Factor registration tenure into your decision alongside other considerations.

Regulatory Conditions and Sanctions

Some RTOs operate under conditions imposed by regulators following compliance concerns. These conditions might restrict their activities, require improvements, or mandate additional oversight. The register shows any current conditions affecting a provider, though understanding their significance may require further research.

Conditions don't necessarily mean a provider should be avoided. Minor conditions might reflect past issues that have been addressed. However, significant conditions, particularly those restricting enrolment or delivery in your qualification area, warrant careful consideration. ASQA's website provides additional information about regulatory actions.

Recent sanctions history, including any recent cancellations or suspensions, may indicate ongoing quality concerns. While providers can return to compliance, a pattern of regulatory problems suggests systemic issues. Consider regulatory history alongside other factors when making decisions.

Warning Signs of Problems

Several warning signs might indicate problems with a provider, even if they appear registered. Providers who cannot readily provide their RTO code, become evasive about registration questions, or pressure you to enrol quickly deserve extra scrutiny. Legitimate providers welcome verification enquiries.

Marketing claims that seem too good to be true often are. Qualifications completed in implausibly short timeframes, very low fees compared to competitors, or guaranteed job outcomes should raise questions. While some variation is normal, extreme outliers warrant investigation.

Check that the provider's physical address and contact details match register information. Some illegitimate operators copy legitimate providers' details or create convincing but fraudulent websites. Verifying contact details and physically visiting premises if possible helps confirm authenticity.

State-Registered Providers

Victoria and Western Australia maintain separate registration systems for providers operating solely within those states. Victorian providers register with the VRQA (Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority), while Western Australian providers register with the TAC (Training Accreditation Council).

These state-registered providers don't appear on the national training.gov.au register but are equally legitimate. If a Victorian or Western Australian provider isn't on the national register, check the relevant state register before concluding they're unregistered. Their qualifications are nationally recognised despite different registration arrangements.

Providers wanting to operate nationally typically choose ASQA registration for its broader coverage. If a state-registered provider claims their qualifications are recognised nationally, this is accurate, but verify their state registration directly.

International Students

International students require additional protections due to their visa requirements and investment in studying in Australia. Providers enrolling international students must be registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) in addition to holding RTO registration.

CRICOS registration can be verified at cricos.education.gov.au. Check that the provider has valid CRICOS registration and that your specific course has a CRICOS course code. Enrolling in non-CRICOS registered courses as an international student can affect visa status.

The Tuition Protection Service provides additional protection for international students, helping them complete their studies or receive refunds if their provider closes. Verify TPS coverage as part of your pre-enrolment checks for additional peace of mind.

Taking Action

Make verification a standard step before any training enrolment. The few minutes required could save significant money, time, and disappointment. Approach verification systematically, confirming registration status, scope inclusion, and checking for any conditions or concerns.

If verification reveals problems, report concerns to ASQA (or relevant state regulator) and avoid the provider regardless of their marketing claims. If you've already enrolled with a problematic provider, seek advice about your options, which may include refunds or transfer assistance.

Start your verification now using the CPSISC RTO Directory or training.gov.au. Protecting your training investment begins with this simple but essential step.