Staged audit and site inspection

The audit is an evidence-based process which involves collecting information to ensure compliance with the relevant standards and legislation.

As part of the assessment process for initial CRICOS approval, VETAB will conduct a two staged compliance audit to minimise upfront establishment costs for initial applicants, such as renting teaching premises. Applicants are required to demonstrate full compliance at the stage 1 audit before proceeding to the stage 2 audit.

Stage 1
  
This is a desk audit where applicants are required to provide evidence which focuses on the AQTF standards for delivering services to overseas students. Initial applicants only need to provide evidence for stage 1 audit with their application.

Stage 2

After successfully completing the stage 1 audit, the stage 2 audit focuses on the National Code requirements in which applicants are required to demonstrate that they have adequate premises, equipment and staff.  Stage 2 begins with a desk audit, and if the evidence provided demonstrates compliance, it will be followed by a site audit.

Read more in the Initial Application Guide.

If you fail to meet compliance requirements during one of the audit stages a report will be issued on the areas of non-compliance and you will be given 28 calendar days to address the issues raised. Where significant non compliances are identified at audit, an application for initial CRICOS approval will be refused.

CRICOS site inspection

After successfully completing the stage 1 and 2 desk audit, VETAB Auditors will then visit and inspect all sites where you plan to deliver training and assessment to overseas students. This includes any specialist delivery sites, for example, hair salons or commercial kitchens.

Site inspections are conducted when:

• a provider initially applies to deliver courses to overseas students or to become an RTO  and have successfully completed the stage 1 and 2 desk audit
• a provider has operated as an RTO for 12 months
• a provider applies to renew their approval
• a provider applies to amend their scope of approval for courses that require specialist facilities
• a provider applies to establish or relocate to a new site
• a provider applies to increase its student capacity.

VETAB can also initiate a site inspection at any time under authority of the VET Act 2005.

As part of a site inspection, auditors may also talk to your staff and students and inspect your premises to verify that these standards are being met.