Standard 9

Learning and assessment strategies

The RTO identifies, negotiates, plans and implements appropriate learning and assessment strategies to meet the needs of each of its clients.

1. The RTO must develop and implement learning and assessment strategies for each Training Package qualification and accredited course within the RTO's scope of registration.
2. The assessment strategies referred to in Standard 9.1 a, must be developed in consultation with enterprises/industry.
3. The learning and assessment strategies referred to in Standard 9.1 (a) should identify proposed target groups, learning and assessment methods, assessment validation processes and pathways.
4. The RTO must document the strategies referred to in Standard 9.1 (a) on application for registration and on extension of scope.

The RTO must validate its assessment strategies by:

1. reviewing, comparing and evaluating the assessment processes, tools and evidence contributing to judgements made by a range of assessors against the same competency standards, at least annually; and
2. documenting any action taken to improve the quality and consistency of assessment.

The RTO must ensure that in developing, adapting or delivering training and/or assessment products and services:

1. methods used to identify learning needs are documented;
2. the requirements of the Training Package or accredited course are met;
3. steps are taken to management the transition to reviewed Training Packages within 12 months of their publication
4. core and elective units, as appropriate, are identified;
5. customisation /  contextualisation meets the requirements specified in the relevant Training Package or, for accredited courses, meets the NTQC's guidelines for customisation of accredited courses under the AQTF;
6. language, literacy and numeracy skills required are consistent with the workplace demands specified in the relevant units of competency or module and that these skills are developed in learners;
7. delivery modes and training and assessment materials which meet the needs of a diverse range of clients are identified;
8. where assessment or training is conducted in the workplace, the RTO negotiates the learning and assessment strategy with the employer and learners, works with the employer to integrate any on-the-job training and assessment; and schedules workplace visits to monitor/review the training and assessment;
9. where an Apprenticeship/Traineeship Training Contract is in place or being negotiated, individual Training Plans are developed, documented, implemented and monitored for each apprentice or trainee, encompassing all relevant off-the-job training and structured workplace training and assessment; and
10. where assessment or training is conducted on-line or by distance, the RTO has effective strategies for learner support, monitoring and assessment.

The RTO must have access to the staff, facilities, equipment, training and assessment materials required to provide the training and/or assessment services within its scope of registration and scale of operations, to accommodate client numbers, client needs, delivery methods and assessment requirements (including off-campus and on-line).