What should you be careful about? - purchasing assessment and learner resources for a registered training organisation (RTO)

As a registered training organisation (RTO) operating in Australia, you are responsible for ensuring the quality of learning resources and assessment materials that you purchase for your students. It’s essential that you select quality resources that will effectively support your students in their training and provide assessment materials that accurately reflect what the student has learned.When making decisions about purchasing learning resources and assessment materials for your RTO, there are a number of important factors to consider.

Quality: Quality is one of the most important factors when purchasing learning resources and assessment materials. You should ensure that the resources you purchase are of the highest quality so they can effectively support your students’ learning and that the assessment materials you select are reliable and valid. All resources must meet the AQF guidelines, training package requirements, principles of assessment and rules of evidence. 

Cost: You should also consider the cost of the learning resources and assessment materials you are purchasing. While it is important to invest in quality materials, you need to ensure that the resources are within your budget.

Fit for purpose: When purchasing assessment and learner resources, it is also important to ensure they are fit for purpose. This means that the resources are appropriate for the level and complexity of the qualification being offered and that the assessment can accurately assess the student’s level of competency. Additionally, it is essential to ensure that the assessment and learner resources are engaging and appropriate for the target audience of learners. 

Relevance: It is also important to ensure that the resources and assessment materials you purchase are relevant to your students’ learning. It is essential that the resources you purchase are aligned with the current training and assessment requirements in the relevant industry.

Suitability: The assessment and learner resources should be suitable for the qualifications you are offering. This means that the assessments should be designed to assess the outcomes of the course, and the learner resources should support the assessment. 

Compliance: You must also check that the learning resources and assessment materials you purchase comply with the relevant Australian standards and regulations. You should also be aware of any additional requirements that may be applicable to your particular RTO.

Authenticity: The assessment and learner resources should be authentic and not sourced from any third-party provider or breaching someone else's copyright. This is important to ensure that the materials are of high quality and are relevant to the qualifications you are offering.

Availability: It is important to ensure that the resources and assessment materials you purchase are readily available when you need them. You should ensure that the resources you purchase are easily accessible to your students and that the assessment materials can be quickly and easily administered.

Easy to customise: The resources you purchase should be easier for you to customise. Customisation and contextualisation are RTO's obligations to ensure the assessment and learning material are suitable to the learner cohorts and delivery modes. 

Compatibility including online course delivery: It is important to ensure that any assessment and learner resources you purchase are compatible with the technology you already have in place. Ensure they are compatible with the software and hardware you use, and are capable of meeting the needs of your learners.

Delivery: The way in which the assessment and learner resources are delivered is also important. For example, the resources must be easy to understand and use for your learners. Additionally, consider whether the resources are available in a range of formats, such as online and in print, as this will influence the way in which your learners can access the materials.

Licence requirements: Is there one off fee or ongoing expenses, you must ask questions related to this to your supplier. 

Free updates: When a training product gets superseded and deemed equivalent then do the supplier/provider offer free updates? 

Support: You should also consider the level of support that is provided for the learning resources and assessment materials you purchase. It is essential that the resources you purchase are user friendly and that there is support available to assist with any queries or issues that the students may have.

By taking the time to carefully consider these factors when purchasing learning resources and assessment materials for your RTO, you can ensure that the resources you purchase are of the highest quality, relevant, compliant, and easily accessible to your students. This will give your students the best chance of success in their training and assessment.