Initial RTO registration assessment
The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority’s (QCAA) initial registered training organisation (RTO) registration assessment process aligns with the 2025 Standards for RTOs and the Australian Skills Quality Authority’s (ASQA) revised regulatory approach.
The QCAA assess initial applications to determine:
- preparedness to be fully compliant with the VET Quality Framework from the date of registration
- commitment and capability to maintain compliance in a sustained way over time.
The QCAA has been given guidance from ASQA that their templates are to be incorporated into this regulatory assessment activity.
All correspondence between the school RTO and the QCAA for an initial RTO registration assessment is completed through emails, except for the initial application which is completed through the VET app in the QCAA Portal.
The assessment process
The assessment process is used to gather and assess application information and covers 3 key features:
- School submits application to become an RTO.
- The QCAA assesses submission.
- School receives decision on registration.
Pre-assessment checks
Complete an initial RTO registration application in the VET app. The Manager — QCE and QCIA Unit completes pre-assessment checks.
If clarification is required, you have 5 days to provide the information. If you do not provide the clarification evidence, your initial RTO registration application will be rejected.
Meet your assessors
You application will be assigned to an assessment team. The lead assessor will contact your school to introduce themselves and briefly explain the initial RTO registration assessment process.
Request for information and opening meeting
The lead assessor will email your school to request evidence and provide key dates for the assessment.
An opening meeting is then held with the assessor, CEO (principal) and proposed RTO manager. The scope of the assessment and the process is explained in further detail.
Assessment interviews and online conference
Once the assessors receive your evidence, they will analyse the information. They will then conduct an online conference to interview the CEO (principal), proposed RTO manager and proposed trainers and assessors.
During interviews, assessors will ask a range of questions to:
- deepen their understanding of how your school intends to operate as an RTO
- clarify provided information and evidence
- explore your organisation’s ability to be compliant with the relevant regulatory and legislative requirements.
Depending on the scope and circumstances of the application, the QCAA may undertake a site visit.
The online conference or site visit will conclude with a closing meeting. This provides an opportunity for the assessors to discuss the progress of the assessment and any identified issues. You can also ask questions.
Initial RTO registration assessment report
After the online conference or site visit, the assessment team will continue to analyse, and risk assess the evidence. They may contact you again to clarify any issues.
An Initial RTO registration assessment report will be prepared. The lead assessor will make recommendations to the Manager — QCE and QCIA Unit about whether the school’s application to become an RTO should be granted.
More information
For more information, contact us:
- Email: vet@qcaa.qld.edu.au
- Phone: (07) 3864 0381
- Last updated:
- 14 September 2026
