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Understanding the Benefits of Accredited vs. Non-Accredited Training

November 19, 2024 by Alison Lovell

Australia’s VET industry offers accredited training based on nationally-recognised training packages. However, training can also be non-accredited and offered by anyone, including RTOs.
Accredited and non-accredited training courses each have their place. In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of accredited and non-accredited training and why each type of approach is valuable.

What is Accredited Training?

Accredited training is nationally-recognised courses either based on Training Packages or accredited courses. They can be developed by individuals or organisations to meet specific needs. Accredited training prescribes what must be taught and assessed.
Accredited training courses:

  • Are nationally-recognised within Australia
  • Are delivered by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
  • Provide skills and knowledge that meet established industry, educational or community needs
  • Are aligned to the Australian Quality Framework (AQF) and lead to a VET qualification, if applicable

Learners who complete an accredited course can add it to their resume to show that they have been trained to a specific standard.

Accredited courses provide qualifications such as:

  • Certificate I, II, III and IV
  • Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma

Learners can also receive a statement of attainment for single units of competency or skill sets.

man sitting in front of a latop writing something on a piece of paper

What is Non-Accredited Training?

Non-accredited training does not count towards a nationally-recognised qualification. These courses can provide skills and knowledge that are covered by Training Packages and accredited courses, but the outcome is non-accredited.

A good example is a non-accredited course in communication skills. Communication skills are addressed in Training Packages, but a non-accredited course could also address this without being restricted to certain content.

It’s common for non-accredited training programs to be developed by private organisations for internal use and employee training as a way to focus on specific skill needs of their industry or organisation.

For example, a company may create non-accredited training that covers a specific process or software package the business uses. This allows the company to provide important skills to their employees.

Non-accredited training is not subject to regulation which saves companies a a substantial amount of money and allows them to bring the course to market quickly.

Why Invest in Non-Accredited Training?

Non-accredited training is an excellent way to build skills that are relevant to specific roles or industries. While this type of training doesn’t lead to a formal qualification, non-accredited courses can supplement accredited training.
Investing in non-accredited training offers a few major benefits to organisations:

  • Professional development – Many workers view professional development opportunities as a perk. Offering non-accredited courses can help you attract and retain employees, while also upskilling them in ways that support the business.
  • Expert skills and knowledge – Non-accredited training can be developed in consultation with subject matter experts. This delivers in-depth information that can improve employee skills and operational efficiency.
  • Address specific challenges – Non-accredited training often addresses specific processes and challenges that a business is experiencing. This allows the business to be more agile and ensure it’s operating as efficiently as possible.

small room of people sitting in rows of chairs, listening to someone present at the front of the room

Develop Accredited and Non-Accredited Training With RTO Works

Both accredited and non-accredited training allows people to expand their skills, knowledge and careers. If you want to offer new opportunities to your employees or learners, RTO Works can help.

RTO Works has been designing accredited and non-accredited learning and assessment resources for decades, so we have the experience to develop a course that achieves your goals.

Our bespoke course development service is tailored to your organisation’s needs. We consult with you to learn about the challenges you’re facing and build training and assessment content that’s unique to your business.

If you want to improve efficiency, upskill employees and reduce your training costs, RTO Works can help you! Contact us to learn more about our accredited course development services.