Step-by-Step Guide on How to Have Training Courses Accredited

Getting a training course accredited in Australia might sound complicated at first, but it’s not as overwhelming as it seems. Accreditation simply means that your course meets recognised standards and is officially approved by an authority.

But why does this matter? Accredited courses build trust, attract more learners, and often result in higher enrolment rates. 

So, if you’ve been wondering how to have training courses accredited in Australia, this guide will walk you through the entire process. Keep reading.

What Does Accreditation Mean?

Accreditation is simply a stamp of approval from an independent body that says your training course meets recognised standards. You can think of it as a quality badge. It informs learners and employers that the course isn’t only well-designed but also credible and trustworthy. 

When a training course is accredited, it means it has been reviewed against strict benchmarks for content, delivery, and outcomes. On the other hand, a non-accredited course has less value in the job market, even if it teaches valuable skills. 

Why Accreditation Matters in Australia

Accreditation is more than just a formality; it builds trust and adds professional credibility. In fact, 86% of HR professionals report that trust is one of their biggest challenges, and course accreditation helps solve this by providing official recognition of quality.

In Australia, accreditation is not optional. If you want to deliver Vocational Education and Training (VET) and issue nationally recognised qualifications, your organisation must be a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) approved by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA).

The consequences of bypassing accreditation are severe. ASQA has the power to impose penalties, cancel registrations, and issue fines of up to AUD $111,000 for non-compliance.

How to Have Training Courses Accredited: Step by Step

Remember, accreditation is conducted by ASQA, which verifies your courses against various industry standards. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to have training courses accredited in Australia: 

Step 1: Develop and Submit Your VET Course Concept

The first step in accreditation is getting your course concept approved by ASQA. This is a high-level plan that explains why your course is necessary and for whom it is intended. Without approval, you can’t move forward. 

If you’re in the US, you’ll need to seek approval from a DOE-recognised accrediting body. For vocational training, you may also need to collaborate with national accrediting agencies, such as the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET).

ASQA uses this information to check whether your proposal is eligible before you start detailed course development. You should include the following in your VET course concept form: 

• Industry Need: Show clear evidence that the course fills a genuine gap in skills. 
• Target Group: Define who will benefit from the course.
• Projected Enrolments: Provide an estimate of how many learners are likely to enrol. 
• Stakeholder Engagement: List the organisations, employers, or industry bodies you plan to consult. 
• Supporting Research: Provide evidence to show that the course should be nationally recognised. 

Once you’ve completed the course concept, attach all supporting documents and email them to courses@asqa.gov.au. At this point, you need to pay a $600 lodgement fee. If the review fails, you’ll need to submit the fee for the revised concept. 

After submission, ASQA takes approximately 6 months to verify eligibility and confirm whether you can proceed to the next step. 

If you identify a skills gap not covered by existing training package units, you can create enterprise units to address it. These are custom units developed specifically for your course, but they must still meet the standards set by ASQA.

Step 2: Time for Complete Course Development

After concept approval, the next step is to develop your course fully. This means preparing a detailed course document and confirming requirements with stakeholders.

You must use the national course development template, as required by the Standards for VET Accredited Courses 2021. This completed template becomes your course document, which accredited RTOs will later use to deliver training and assessment. 

Engage with the stakeholders you have identified and involve others as necessary. You should consult with Jobs and Skills Councils (JSCs) in your industry. This consultation will help establish the skills, the course structure, and the assessment strategy. 

Step 3: Submit Your Course for Accreditation

Once your research, consultations, and course document are complete, it’s time to apply for course accreditation officially. 

This is where you present your finished work to ASQA for review. By submitting, you are declaring that your course aligns with both the Standards for VET Accredited Courses 2021 and the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). 

When lodging your application, make sure to include: 

• A completed application form for the course accreditation. 
• Your course document (in Word format, using the national template). 
• Any supporting evidence requested in the application form (such as stakeholder consultation records). 

Send your application and attachments to courses@asqa.gov.au. 

If you’re accrediting more than one course, each course needs its own application and fee. Incomplete submissions can cause delays, and ASQA may request additional details before progressing.

An $8,000 fee is also required at the time of submission, and processing will only begin once the payment is made in full.

Step 4: ASQA’s Assessment of Your Application

After submission, ASQA begins the assessment stage. At this point, an assessor will be assigned to your case and will serve as your primary contact throughout the review process. Their role is to check that your course meets the standards. 

Here’s an overview of how the assessment usually works: 

1. Completeness Check: ASQA first checks if you’ve submitted all required documents. If anything is missing, they’ll give you the chance to provide it. 
2. Detailed Review: Your application is assessed against the standards and requirements. 
3. Evaluation Report: If issues are found, ASQA will send you a report along with a notice of non-compliance. This outlines what needs to be fixed. 
4. Rectification: You’ll have 14 calendar days to respond and submit corrections, such as updating your course document, adding missing evidence, or providing further stakeholder consultation records. 
5. Final Review: ASQA assesses your response and makes a final decision. 

Don’t forget to fulfil all the requirements, since you only get one opportunity to address non-compliance. Update only the sections identified as non-compliant; do not update anything else. If you wish to change other areas, please consult with your assessor first. 

Use the rectification response summary form to show the changes you’ve made clearly. If you’re unsure about feedback, it’s best to contact your assessor before resubmitting. ASQA processes applications in line with its published service standards, ensuring consistent timelines.

Tip: Make single PDF files for major sections (course doc, assessments, policies). Label files clearly, as this helps reviewers and speeds processing.

Step 5: Accreditation Decision

After ASQA completes its assessment, you’ll receive a formal decision in writing. This outcome confirms whether your course has been accredited or not. 

If your course is approved, ASQA will provide you with: 

• Your course owner number and official course code.
• The length of accreditation is up to five years.
• Any conditions placed on your accreditation.
• Your responsibilities for managing and monitoring the course.

Details of your course will also be published on the national register. This includes the course code, the course owner, the course description, contact details, and the complete list of units of competency. 

However, if, for some reason, your course is not approved, ASQA will explain the reasons for rejection. Common causes include: 

• Incomplete application or missing information. 
• Failure to meet the Standards for VET Accredited Courses or the AQF. 

In such a case, you have two options. You can either request a review of the decision or submit a new application after addressing the issues raised earlier. 

Common Challenges in Accreditation

Obtaining accreditation is rewarding, but the process also presents challenges. Let’s break them down simply. 

1. Too Much Paperwork

Accreditation requires collecting lesson plans, exams, and staff details. Doing this manually is exhausting and time-consuming. That’s why many training providers switch to digital systems to get rid of the mountain of papers. 

In fact, research shows that digital tools cut admin work by 50%. This means less stress for trainers and more time to improve the actual course. 

2. Writing Measurable Learning Outcomes

A big challenge is proving that students actually learn. Accreditation bodies work well for clear outcomes, such as “students can design a project,” rather than vague goals like “students understand the topic.” 

Many trainers struggle here. However, the effort is worthwhile, as reported by various companies with a strong learning culture. They enjoy 30-50% higher employee retention, showing how proper outcomes directly improve trust and loyalty. 

3. Long Waiting Periods

Even after applying, the review can take months or even a year. That’s not always because of your course; it’s the volume that the accreditors handle. With a high workload, delays are natural. Knowing this helps you prepare early and stay patient.

4. Leadership and Budget Changes

Accreditation is not just about paperwork; it also requires stable leadership and funding. In Australia, providers that struggle with budget cuts or frequent staff turnover often face delays with ASQA. 

For example, in 2023, Victoria University faced heavy scrutiny and operational challenges after reporting an $18.1 million deficit. Similarly, ASQA has issued warnings and even suspended some smaller RTOs when financial instability or governance issues affected compliance.

Build and Scale Accredited Courses Faster with Coursebox

Understanding how to have training courses accredited in Australia is only the first step. The primary challenge companies face is creating a training course that complies with all relevant standards and is engaging enough for learners to complete. 

So, what’s the solution for it? Coursebox. 

With AI-powered tools, you can instantly generate interactive training courses, quizzes, and even AI-generated training videos customised to your learners. Instead of struggling with formatting, editing, or manual grading, Coursebox automates the tedious tasks, allowing you to focus on delivering value.

Sign up for free today and start building accredited-ready courses in minutes! 

FAQs

1. How long does accreditation usually take?

In Australia, accrediting a course through ASQA typically takes 6 to 12 months. The exact time depends on the completeness of your application and whether ASQA requests any corrections. Some providers face longer delays if their assessments or policies don’t meet compliance requirements. 

2. Can a small training company get accredited? 

Yes. Small training providers in Australia can absolutely get accredited through ASQA. To deliver nationally recognised training, you must become an RTO and ensure your courses meet ASQA’s Standards for RTOs 2015. This includes having qualified trainers, compliant assessments, clear policies, and evidence of industry consultation.

3. How much does course accreditation cost in Australia?

ASQA charges application fees based on course type and complexity. For example, accrediting a new course can cost over $8,000, whereas renewals are more cost-effective. Costs also include preparing documents, compliance checks, and staff time. Budget early to prevent any financial surprises. 

4. What tools can help speed up course creation?

For an all-in-one solution, Coursebox stands out. It uses AI to turn your content into structured, interactive courses in minutes. You can also auto-generate quizzes, video lessons, and even add chatbot tutors to support learners. This means less time spent on admin and more time delivering value to students.