For Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) in Australia, expanding the scope of registration is a critical step towards growth, diversification, and increasing business opportunities. It allows an RTO to deliver additional training and assessment services, including new qualifications, units of competency, or delivery methods. This can help attract a wider range of learners, meet market demand, and increase revenue streams.

However, expanding your RTO’s scope of registration is not a simple process. It requires careful planning, thorough understanding of regulatory requirements, and the ability to meet the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (SRTOs). In this article, we’ll break down the steps involved in expanding your RTO’s scope of registration, along with important considerations to ensure the process is smooth, compliant, and successful.

Understand the Benefits and Requirements

Before you begin the process of expanding your RTO’s scope, it’s important to understand the potential benefits as well as the associated responsibilities.

Benefits of Expanding Your Scope:

• Increased Market Reach: Expanding your offerings to new qualifications or training packages allows you to attract a broader range of learners and industries.
• Business Growth: Offering additional services can increase your RTO’s revenue by tapping into new student markets and industries.
• Competitive Advantage: By diversifying your offerings, you can stand out from competitors in a crowded market.
• Alignment with Industry Needs: Expanding your scope can help your RTO stay relevant by aligning with emerging industry demands or government initiatives.

Regulatory Requirements:

When applying for a scope expansion, your RTO must comply with the VET Quality Framework and the Standards for RTOs (SRTOs). This includes meeting requirements related to training and assessment practices, the qualifications and experience of trainers and assessors, and the ability to deliver the new courses effectively.

The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), which is the primary regulator for RTOs, will assess whether your RTO meets the necessary criteria to add new qualifications or units of competency to your scope.

Conduct a Needs Assessment and Market Research

Before applying for an expanded scope, it’s important to ensure there is demand for the new training programs or qualifications. Conduct thorough market research to assess:

• Industry Demand: Is there a growing demand for the new qualification in the industry or community? What are the current skill gaps in the job market that your RTO could help fill?
• Learner Interest: Do learners express interest in the new qualification? Are there existing training providers that offer similar courses, and what can your RTO offer that’s different or better?
• Funding Opportunities: Are there government funding programs, such as subsidized training, that would support the new courses? How can these opportunities be leveraged for your RTO’s growth?

This research will provide you with the data needed to justify the expansion and help you align your new offerings with industry needs.

Review and Update Your Policies and Procedures

Expanding your scope often requires changes to your RTO’s internal policies and procedures. This includes:

• Training and Assessment Strategies: Update or create new training and assessment strategies that reflect the new qualifications or units of competency you want to add. Ensure these strategies align with industry standards and comply with the SRTOs.
• Trainer and Assessor Competency: Ensure that your trainers and assessors meet the required qualifications and industry experience for the new qualifications. You may need to hire additional staff or provide further professional development for existing staff.
• Resource Planning: Ensure your RTO has the resources necessary to deliver the new qualifications. This includes physical resources (e.g., classrooms, equipment), as well as online learning platforms if delivering via blended or online modes.
• Student Support Services: Review your student support services to ensure they are equipped to handle the increased number of learners or the specific needs of learners enrolled in the new programs.

You will need to provide evidence of these policies and procedures when submitting your scope expansion application to ASQA.

Ensure Compliance with Training Package Requirements

One of the most important steps in expanding your RTO’s scope is ensuring that the qualifications or units of competency you wish to deliver align with the relevant training packages.

• Review the Training Package: Make sure the training package for the new qualification or unit of competency is current and valid. If there have been any updates, your RTO must meet the requirements outlined in the revised package.
• Mapping and Validation: You will need to map the units of competency to your training and assessment resources to demonstrate that the assessment processes and materials are fit for purpose.
• Compliance with Assessment Conditions: Ensure your RTO’s assessment tools and methods comply with the conditions outlined in the training package. For example, some qualifications may have specific requirements for practical assessment or industry placement.

ASQA will closely review whether your RTO has the capacity to deliver these new qualifications in a compliant and effective manner. Proper mapping of the training package will support your application.

Prepare Your Application for Scope Expansion

Once your research, policies, and procedures are in place, it’s time to prepare your application to ASQA. The application process can vary depending on whether you're applying for a minor or major change to your scope, but generally, the following steps apply:

Minor Changes to Scope:

For minor changes (e.g., adding one or two qualifications or units), you’ll need to submit a detailed application through ASQA’s online portal. You’ll be required to provide:

• Evidence of your RTO’s capacity to deliver the new qualifications, including the required staff, facilities, and equipment.
• Updated training and assessment strategies, resources, and evidence of trainer and assessor competencies.
• Proof of compliance with the SRTOs and the VET Quality Framework.

Major Changes to Scope:

If you're expanding your scope to include a significant number of qualifications, or a different training package or delivery method, this may be considered a major change. The application for major scope changes typically involves more detailed evidence, including:

• A comprehensive business plan outlining how your RTO will manage the increased scope and maintain quality.
• Detailed mapping of each unit of competency in the new qualifications to your existing training and assessment resources.
• An in-depth assessment of the risks and benefits of the expansion.

Submit Your Application and Await ASQA’s Decision

Once you have prepared your application, submit it to ASQA through their online portal. ASQA will review your application, which may take several weeks. During this period, ASQA may request further information or clarification regarding your application.

ASQA’s Decision: ASQA will either approve or reject your application based on your RTO’s ability to meet the necessary regulatory requirements. If your application is approved, you will receive a formal notification and your new qualifications will be added to your scope of registration.

Promote and Deliver the New Qualifications

Once your scope is expanded, it's time to promote the new qualifications to attract learners. This involves:

• Marketing and Recruitment: Update your website, brochures, and promotional materials to highlight the new qualifications. Engage with industry partners, employers, and other stakeholders to spread the word.
• Delivery of Training: Begin delivering the new qualifications as per your updated training and assessment strategies. Ensure that you monitor the effectiveness of the program and maintain compliance throughout its delivery.
• Ongoing Evaluation: Continuously assess and improve your training programs based on feedback from learners, trainers, and industry professionals. This helps ensure your RTO remains competitive and continues to meet industry needs.