Major changes are coming to the VET sector. From 1 July 2025, the revised RTO Standards will come into effect, marking the 2025-26 financial year as a key milestone for all Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). These updates shift the focus to student outcomes, real-world skills, and stronger industry alignment.
In this blog, we break down what these reforms mean for your RTO materials, assessment practices, trainer credentials, and compliance systems. Learn how to meet new requirements—and turn them into growth opportunities.
Understanding the New Compliance Structure in the Revised RTO Standards
The revised RTO Standards introduce a refreshed compliance structure, dividing obligations into three interconnected components:
- Outcome Standards
- Compliance Requirements
- Credential Policy
This new framework replaces the 2015 Standards for RTOs and redirects focus from procedural compliance to demonstratable learner outcomes. RTOs are now expected to demonstrate how their delivery and assessment methods foster real-world competencies and employment readiness, moving beyond basic box-ticking toward a more meaningful, learner-centred approach.
How to Align RTO Materials with Outcome-Based Compliance Requirements
From the beginning of financial year 2026, static or off-the-shelf content will no longer meet regulatory expectations. ASQA’s updated outcome standards for RTOs emphasise the need for learning and assessment that is:
- Engaging, logically structured, and paced for learning
- Tailored to specific learner cohorts and contexts
- Supported by relevant, industry-aligned activities and resources
ASQA’s Practice Guide for Outcome Standards 1.1 and 1.2 emphasises designing training delivery that responds to the learner needs, reflects industry inputs, and supports the development of complex skills and job readiness. To meet these expectations, RTO training materials should be:
- Editable with clear version control
- Designed for flexible delivery methods, informed by trainer feedback and industry consultation
- Closely mapped to unit outcomes and structured to allow reflection, practice, and assessment within realistic timeframes
These features ensure learners remain engaged, supported, and on track to develop job-ready competencies.
Credential Policy Changes: What They Mean for Trainer Qualifications
Among the most impactful changes are the credential policy changes, which reflect a more inclusive and flexible approach to trainer qualifications. Under the revised standards:
- Trainers holding a TAE40110 who have previously met credential requirements will not be required to complete additional units under the new policy.
- Higher education and secondary teaching qualifications will now be recognised.
- Volunteer trainers can deliver under a limited scope with tailored TAE Skill Sets.
These updates will affect staffing strategies across the sector, as more individuals become eligible to deliver training. Consequently, RTO training materials must be adaptable to suit different delivery contexts and trainer capabilities, including those delivering under restricted conditions or with varying qualification backgrounds.
Pre-Validation of Assessment Tools: A New Compliance Requirement
For the first time, the revised RTO Standards will mandate pre-validation of assessment tools prior to their delivery. This change aims to embed quality assurance earlier in the training cycle and ensure all tools are compliant and audit-ready before implementation. RTOs will need to:
- Conduct structured pre-validation processes using documented, systematic processes
- Record validation outcomes, reviewer input, and resulting changes
- Integrate validation into assessment design and quality assurance practices
Using standardised pre-validation templates and moderation checklists can help streamline this process, reduce risk, and improve outcomes.
Ensuring Learner Support and Accessibility in RTO Training Materials
The revised RTO Standards place significant emphasis on accessibility and learner wellbeing. In line with inclusive education principles, RTOs will be expected to offer:
- Adjustments for accessibility, including alternative formats and physical assistance
- Provisions for mental health support and overall learner wellbeing
- Tailored Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) support pathways
These requirements must be reflected in your RTO materials through supplementary guides, adaptive assessment tasks, and trainer instructions that enable differentiated delivery. Making these elements part of your core resource design ensures your RTO can support all learners effectively, including those with complex needs.
Digital Compliance and Continuous Improvement Through Self-Assurance
ASQA’s shift toward self-assurance means RTOs must implement systems that support real-time quality monitoring. For the financial year 2026, this includes:
- Collecting and responding to real-time learner feedback
- Using data to guide continuous improvement
- Maintaining version control for all RTO training materials
Digitally integrated platforms—such as SCORM-compliant LMS tools—are now expected as part of contemporary, compliant delivery. Leveraging these platforms supports flexible delivery while meeting ASQA’s risk-based auditing requirements and compliance obligations.
Strategic Opportunities for RTOs in Financial Year 2026
While these reforms present compliance challenges, they also unlock major opportunities for forward-thinking RTOs. The 2025-26 financial year presents an opportunity to:
- Showcase alignment with the revised RTO Standards as a market differentiator
- Overhaul legacy RTO materials to reflect outcome-based principles
- Invest in scalable digital infrastructure and professional development to future-proof operations
RTOs that act now can position themselves as leaders in training quality and gain access to new Commonwealth funding streams through initiatives like the National Skills Agreement (NSA), which supports workforce priority areas.
Prepare Now to Stay Ahead: Update Your RTO Materials and Practices
Understanding and responding early to the revised RTO Standards—including the new credential policies and assessment expectations— will be critical to achieving compliance in 2025-26. Updating your RTO materials in line with outcome-focused, learner-centred design principles will help your organisation ensure compliance while delivering genuine value to students.
Need help upgrading your RTO training materials? Our instructional design team specialises in developing RTO materials that meet new compliance requirements and drive student success. Get in touch today to future-proof your RTO.
