Choosing a course and a training provider

Where ASQA fits

ASQA is the national regulator for vocational education and training. It regulates the quality of the education and training that registered training organisations (RTOs) provide. It describes itself as responsible for the quality and integrity of the national qualifications those organisations issue, which is why both fitness certificates in the first guide sit under its watch.

Its pages for students say it explains students’ rights so they can make informed choices about study. Its framing is plain: “Study is an investment in your future so make sure you choose the course and provider that is right for you.”

The first question is about the job

Before any provider comes into it, ASQA suggests asking whether the course fits your career goals or would let you apply for a licence you need to work in that career. For fitness, the first guide sets out what the two qualification documents say about licences, and where each qualification leads.

That question also decides which certificate to look at. A course in group and gym instructing points to the Certificate III; personal training is the role the Certificate IV describes.

Comparing providers

ASQA’s list for comparing providers, in its order, under the heading “Choosing a Provider”:

• whether the information before enrolment is clear and easy to find
• which resources the provider supplies, and which you must bring yourself
• whether the location is easy to get to
• whether work placements are arranged for you, or you have to arrange your own
• the support services on offer to students
• the payment terms and the refund policy.

The last line, on payment terms and refunds, matters most if something later goes wrong, and the third guide picks them up there.

What the provider must tell you

Once you have chosen, ASQA says it is important to understand your rights and responsibilities under the enrolment agreement. When you enrol, the provider must give you clear information. What ASQA says training providers must clearly communicate includes:

1. The course its title, code and currency
2. The delivery how it is delivered, how long it takes, and where
3. Your student identifier how to get one
4. Rights and obligations yours as a student, such as finding your own work placement or providing your own work resources
5. Support the support services available
6. Licences any licensing or occupational licence requirements, including any relevant industry regulator, and state and territory requirements
7. Complaints the complaints and appeals processes
8. Refunds who is eligible for a refund, and any cooling-off period.

The course code is the quickest line to read against the first guide: the two fitness qualifications it describes carry the codes SIS30321 and SIS40221.

Example: reading a course page against the list

What you take on

The agreement runs both ways. ASQA lists what students are responsible for:

• understanding the payment terms and refund conditions
• meeting the course requirements
• supplying the materials or equipment the course needs
• managing any VET Student Loan obligations.

Once the course starts

If any part of your enrolment changes, such as the course details, the cost or the duration, your provider must let you know promptly.

Providers must also make sure you can reach learning resources and tutorials; help with language, literacy and numeracy; assistive technology and IT help; and reasonable adjustments to support your learning. ASQA adds that the learning environment providers create must be inclusive, flexible and culturally safe, with staff trained in inclusive practice who respond to a diverse range of students. They should also think about students’ wellbeing, promote mental and physical health, offer support services, and keep the environment respectful and free of harassment.

VET Student Loans, and why they do not reach these certificates

VET Student Loans are income-contingent Australian Government loans that help eligible vocational students with their tuition fees. The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations describes the program as helping with fees for approved higher-level courses, diploma and above, at approved course providers. It also says the loans are offered only through RTOs that have met strict approval criteria and keep meeting ongoing reporting requirements.

The Certificate III and IV in Fitness are certificates, not diplomas, so they fall outside the diploma-and-above courses the department says the loans are for. A course offer that suggests a VET Student Loan will pay for either certificate does not match the department’s description of the program.