Tailoring Courses in the NT
Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) can customise courses to meet the specific needs of their clients, including industry sectors, enterprises and individual learners. A course is customised by adding, substituting or modifying units of competency on which the course is based. This must be done in accordance with the course rules.
When customising courses, RTOs must ensure the integrity of:
- endorsed national competency standards or other standards forming the basis of accredited courses
- Australian Qualifications Framework qualifications
- industry skill and portability requirements.
An RTO should consult with the course copyright owner if it is in doubt about whether the proposed customisation is outside the courses rules. The RTO may be required to seek separate accreditation of the modified course.
Customisation of Training Packages
Most Training Packages are designed so that they are relevant to different organisations and are flexible enough to address various needs.
However RTOs are able to select units of competency from or add options to Training Packages to meet the needs of businesses and individuals as per the Training Package qualification packaging rules.
If you are varying the competency mix in any of the Training Packages in the Northern Territory, you must ensure that your selection meets the competency requirements of the qualification you intend to deliver. These requirements are defined by the Training Package. For more information on Training Packages in the NT, contact the Quality and Regulatory Unit, Department of Education and Training (DET).
Accreditation of Courses in the NT
Accreditation refers to the formal recognition of the course only, not to the actual delivery of the course. When a course has accreditation it means that the course is nationally recognised and meets national quality assurance requirements.
Before new courses can be delivered, they must be accredited by the accreditation division of DET. Training organisations must be registered in order to deliver the accredited course.
Once the course is accredited, an RTO can apply for and receive scope of registration then issue a nationally recognised qualification or Statement of Attainment based on its successful completion.
DET will consider applications for accreditation of courses where:
- a Training Package or competency standards in the area you propose have not yet been developed
- you wish to incorporate competency standards from two or more Training Packages to achieve a qualification not otherwise available
- current Training Package qualifications are not relevant to industry or community needs
You will also have to pay an Accreditation fee. The Accreditation fee is based upon the nominal hours set out in the course and who the course is copyrighted to.
For further information on how to accredit your course, contact the Quality and Regulatory Unit.