Frequently Asked Questions

Quality Consultants

1. Why do I have to use a NARA-endorsed Quality Consultant?

It is to ensure that your organisation is fully prepared for audit by an independent NARA audit team.

NARA anticipates that the use of Quality Consultants prior to audits will reduce the regulatory burden on training organisations. The consultants will provide a high level of compliance related advice to organisations and assist them, if necessary, to adjust systems or processes in line with the AQTF Standards prior to being audited.

It is expected that this regulatory model will reduce the number of non-compliances identified at audit, assist continuous improvement processes and reduce post-audit rectification requirements for RTOs.

NARA will monitor the outcomes of its audit model closely and welcomes feedback on its regulatory approach from RTOs and other interested parties.

NOTE: When undertaking consultancy work for training organisations wishing to register with or already registered with NARA, Quality Consultants are not employed or contracted by NARA. The contractual relationship is to be managed between the training organisation and the Quality Consultant, independently of NARA.

2. How will NARA ensure the quality of advice provided by its Quality Consultants?

To ensure the integrity of decision-making by its Quality Consultants NARA will only endorse a consultant if they also agree to work as an auditor for NARA.

This means that all Quality Consultants will benefit from NARA’s auditor moderation activities and will share in the development of a common understanding amongst NARA auditors regarding the interpretation of the AQTF Standards and the ESOS National Code requirements (and for South Australian RTOs all Guidelines issued by the Training and Skills Commission).

3. I have my own relationship with a consultant.  If he/she doesn’t choose to work for NARA as an auditor can I still continue to use them?

Yes.  NARA expects that some training organisations will continue their existing relationships with consultants.

However, prior to re-registration audits and applications for significant changes to scope of registration, a NARA-approved Quality Consultant will still be required to check an RTO’s readiness for audit. If your existing consultant has helped you prepare thoroughly for audit then the NARA Quality Consultant’s role should be minimal. Over time NARA will consider introducing greater flexibility in consulting arrangements for NARA registered RTOs, on a risk managed basis.

4. How can I be certain that the there are no potential conflicts of interests involved in the engagement of a Quality Consultant?

To manage any potential or actual conflicts of interest in this regulatory approach, NARA will ensure no training organisation is audited by someone who has previously worked with the organisation in the capacity of Quality Consultant for a minimum period of six months prior to the audit. This means that each training organisation will be audited by an independent auditor.

5. How much will the services of a NARA-endorsed Quality Consultant cost me?

Fees payable to the Quality Consultant are to be negotiated between the RTO and the Quality Consultant.

NARA is not involved in these individual arrangements.

Schedule of Fees

1. How much will my initial registration cost me?

The fee payable to NARA for initial registration under the AQTF Standards for RTOs is $2,092.

NB: There are some differences in the fee arrangement for Queensland RTOs - refer to:

Queensland  Fees - RTOs transferring to NARA 

2. How do I pay fees to NARA?
NARA has an electronic fee payments system and will only accept payments via Electronic Funds Transfer (ETF).
RTOs and organisations applying for initial registration will be issued their individual NARA EFT Reference Number on their tax invoice. That reference number must be used each time an electronic payment is made.
Details of the TVET Australia bank account into which the payments are to be made will be provided as required.
Note: RTOs will be charged a $50 trace fee per event if the NARA EFT reference number is not identified when making payment. 
     
NARA does not accept payments by cheque, mail order or credit card.

3. Will NARA send me an invoice?
Yes. NARA will invoice each RTO with the amount payable by EFT.

4. Can I pay NARA fees by Credit Card?
No. NARA has an electronic fee payments system and will only accept payments via Electronic Funds Transfer (ETF).

5. Why do Queensland RTOs have to pay different fees?

NARA’s delegation to manage the registration of Queensland RTOs is bound by the Queensland Vocational Education, Training and Employment Act 2000 and the Vocational Education, Training and Employment Regulation 2000. The regulation requires the payment of annual fees on 1 July each year and on a pro-rata basis when an RTO is not registered for a full year.

For a detailed explanation please refer to:

Queensland  Fees - RTOs transferring to NARA