SpecTraining is committed to giving all students fair and equitable access to trainers, learning resources, assessment support and student services. Where reasonable and practical, SpecTraining provides learning resources in different delivery and media formats so students with different learning needs can access course content and assessment requirements. SpecTraining does not tolerate discrimination, harassment, bullying or disrespectful behaviour by staff, students or other participants. If this occurs, SpecTraining may take action to resolve the matter. Serious or repeated behaviour may lead to cancellation of enrolment or other appropriate action.

1.1 Student responsibilities and disciplinary procedures

Students already have the rights set out in SpecTraining’s Access and Equity Policy, Privacy Policy, Anti-discrimination Policy, and Complaints and Appeals Procedure. This subsection sets out additional student responsibilities and how SpecTraining manages general misconduct that is not already handled under those policies or under the Plagiarism and AI Policy.

SpecTraining students have a responsibility to:

• treat other students and staff with respect and fairness
• follow reasonable directions from SpecTraining staff
• meet payment obligations and communicate early if they cannot
• submit their own assessment work and keep copies of submissions (see also section 4.2)
• observe safe and lawful practices in any workplace or practical activity connected with their course

Suspected plagiarism, cheating, collusion or misuse of AI is managed under section 13 and SpecTraining’s full Plagiarism and AI Policy (including warning, resubmission, failure, suspension or expulsion, and appeal through the Complaints and Appeals Procedure). Discrimination, harassment and bullying are managed under the Access and Equity and Anti-discrimination policies.

Where a student’s other conduct impairs the integrity of learning or assessment, or the wellbeing of others, SpecTraining will generally:

• raise the concern with the student (discussion and/or written courtesy request)
• issue a first written warning if the concern is acknowledged but conduct must improve
• issue a final written warning if the breach continues
• cancel the enrolment if repeated attempts to manage the behaviour fail, or if the student refuses to address a clear breach

SpecTraining may cancel an enrolment immediately for serious misconduct, including threats, coercion of staff about assessment decisions, or seriously offensive behaviour. Any refund in that situation is determined under the Course Withdrawal and Cancellation Policy or at SpecTraining’s reasonable discretion, consistent with consumer law.

Enrolment periods vary depending on the course and the way the course is delivered.

• Single unit enrolments, such as micro-credentials, are limited to 90 days
• Skill sets, and short bridging courses are limited to 6 months
• Certificate IV qualifications are limited to 12 months
• Diploma, and above, enrolments are the maximum 24 months.

As above, the maximum enrolment period with SpecTraining is 24 months, unless a shorter enrolment period is stated for a specific course, program or assessment pathway. Many students complete their course before the maximum enrolment period expires. Once a student has completed all required training and assessment, their enrolment will be finalised.

3.1 Extensions

Students may request an extension before their enrolment period ends. Extensions are considered on a case-by-case basis and are only approved where there are genuine circumstances that have affected the student’s ability to complete the course. There is a minimum cost for extending your enrolment and that fee increases with the time you wish to extend by. Depending on the circumstances, an extension may range from four to twelve weeks (one month to three months). Any extension requested for longer than this period of time will be considered by the directors in line with internal policies and vocational education principles.

3.2 Requirement to make progress

Students are expected to make reasonable progress during their enrolment. This includes accessing the online learning portal, attending scheduled workshops where required, communicating with SpecTraining when support is needed, and submitting assessment evidence within expected timeframes.

If a student does not submit any assessment for a 90-day period, SpecTraining may commence the withdrawal process. Before the 90-day deadline is reached, SpecTraining will make reasonable attempts to contact the student and remind them that they need to progress immediately.

If the student is unable to continue, or does not immediately resume progress by submitting assessment or making an approved support arrangement with SpecTraining, arrangements may be made to withdraw the student from their course. Students who are withdrawn may still be eligible to receive a Statement of Attainment for any units of competency already completed.

3.3 Deferment (pause of studies)

Students enrolled in a nationally recognised qualification or skill set may request a temporary pause of their enrolment (deferment). Deferment is different from an extension. An extension lengthens the enrolment end date so the student can keep studying. A deferment pauses study for an approved period, after which the remaining enrolment time continues.

Deferment requests must be submitted in advance using SpecTraining’s Course Deferment Request Form. Retrospective deferments are not permitted. SpecTraining may approve or refuse a request on a case-by-case basis.

Unless SpecTraining agrees otherwise in writing:

• Students may suspend their studies for up to a 3-month period, and on not more than 2 occasions during an enrolment.
• In all cases, the period of deferment must not be more than 2 times the balance of time remaining in the student’s course at the time of application (for example, if a student has one month left, they may request not more than a 2-month deferment).
• There is no fee for the initial deferment. A second deferment incurs a $45 administration fee.
• Course fees remain payable during the deferment period. Deferment is not available where the student’s account is overdue.
• Deferment start and end dates should not fall inside SpecTraining’s scheduled non-contact or closed periods. If unsure, students should contact enrol@spectraining.edu.au before submitting.
• The period of deferment has no bearing on refunds payable if the student later withdraws. Refunds continue to be managed under the Course Withdrawal and Cancellation Policy.
• Deferment may be delayed if the student has unmarked assessment submissions. SpecTraining will process the deferment after those submissions have been marked or reviewed, unless SpecTraining agrees otherwise.

Students who need more time to actively study (rather than pause) should request an extension under section 3.1.

3.4 Training product transition and teach-out

Training packages and accredited courses on SpecTraining’s scope of registration may be superseded, removed or deleted from the national register. SpecTraining will inform affected enrolled students as soon as practicable when a change affects their enrolment.

Where a training product is superseded, SpecTraining will either:

• complete the student’s training and assessment and issue the relevant AQF certification for the product in which they enrolled, within the applicable transition period; or
• transfer the student into the replacement training product within the period required by the Standards for RTOs / Outcomes Standards, which may require additional training, assessment or fees depending on the changes.

Where a qualification, skill set or unit is removed or deleted and not replaced, SpecTraining will complete training and assessment (or withdraw the student if completion is not possible) and issue any applicable AQF certification within the timeframes required by the national standards. SpecTraining will not commence new learners in a training product that has been removed or deleted from the national register.

3.5 Information technology and equipment requirements

Most SpecTraining programs are delivered online or include online assessment. Before enrolling, students must confirm they can meet the following minimum requirements (unless a specific course page states different requirements):

• Regular access to a laptop or desktop computer
• A reliable broadband internet connection
• A working webcam and microphone (built-in or external)
• Ability to open web pages and view embedded video
• Ability to download and extract zip folders where required
• Ability to open, edit, save and upload documents in common formats such as Microsoft Word (.doc/.docx) and PDF

Students who cannot meet these requirements should contact SpecTraining before enrolment. If SpecTraining determines during enrolment checks that a student cannot meet essential IT or practical requirements for the chosen course, SpecTraining may decline or cancel the enrolment and refund fees paid for services not provided, in line with the Course Withdrawal and Cancellation Policy and applicable consumer law.

3.6 Assessment submitted at or near the end of the enrolment period

Students may submit assessment up until midnight on the last day of their approved enrolment period (Australia/Brisbane time), unless SpecTraining has agreed a different arrangement in writing.

Where assessment is submitted within the final four (4) business days of the enrolment period, SpecTraining may first check whether the submission is complete enough to allow a valid assessment decision under the rules of evidence (including sufficiency). If the portfolio is incomplete in a way that makes a competent / RPL granted outcome impossible, SpecTraining may record the outcome as not yet competent or RPL not granted and provide feedback that the submission was incomplete. More detailed reassessment may require an approved extension under section 3.1.

Students who need feedback before their enrolment ends should submit assessment with enough time for SpecTraining’s published marking timeframe (see Completion Policy).

SpecTraining offers flexible payment options to help students choose an option that suits their situation. SpecTraining complies with the applicable RTO Standards relating to prepaid fees so students are not financially disadvantaged if SpecTraining is unable to provide the agreed training. Course fees are generally accepted at the commencement of the enrolment period. Refunds are managed in line with the Course Withdrawal and Cancellation Policy below. Students may be offered a payment plan where fees are deducted from a nominated bank account over an agreed period. Where a payment plan is used, an enrolment fee of $250 may apply to help cover initial training and administration costs.

8.1 Payment plans and default of payment

Where a student is on a payment plan, instalments must be paid on the agreed due dates. Cancelling a direct debit or other payment arrangement does not cancel the student’s obligation to pay the remaining course fees. The outstanding balance may become due immediately.

If a payment is overdue, SpecTraining may take progressive steps such as:

• email and/or SMS reminders before and after the due date
• phone follow-up by SpecTraining administration or accounts staff
• suspension of trainer support and assessment marking while the account remains overdue
• suspension of access to the online learning portal
• cancellation of the enrolment if the account remains unpaid after reasonable notice
• referral of the outstanding amount to a debt collection agency, with reasonable recovery costs payable by the student where permitted by law

SpecTraining will give the student reasonable notice before suspending portal access or cancelling enrolment for non-payment. Students experiencing genuine financial difficulty should contact SpecTraining early to discuss options. Hardship requests related to withdrawal and refunds are managed under section 9.10.

8.2 Student-initiated program transfer

A student who wishes to transfer from one SpecTraining program (Program A) to another SpecTraining program (Program B) must request this in writing. Transfers are not automatic and may be refused where the second program is closed, in teach-out, or otherwise unsuitable.

Where a transfer is approved, fees are generally calculated as:

• the fee for Program B, less credit for fees already paid toward Program A, plus
• a transfer administration fee of $150, plus
• where assessment has already been reviewed for units that cannot contribute to Program B, an additional charge may apply per affected unit, as advised by SpecTraining at the time of transfer.

If Program B costs less than Program A, SpecTraining will not ordinarily refund the difference except where required by law or agreed in writing. The remaining enrolment duration for Program B is reduced by the time already used in Program A, unless SpecTraining agrees otherwise.

8.3 Transfer of an enrolment to another person

An enrolment cannot simply be “passed” to another person while it remains active. If Student A wishes another person (Student B) to take up a place, Student A must first withdraw under the Course Withdrawal and Cancellation Policy. Any refund payable to Student A may, at Student A’s written request, be applied toward Student B’s enrolment, less an administration fee of $150, provided Student B meets entry requirements and SpecTraining approves the new enrolment. Transfers of this kind are not available during an extension period unless SpecTraining agrees in writing.

SpecTraining understands that students may need to withdraw from training due to work, personal or other circumstances. Students are encouraged to contact SpecTraining as early as possible if they are having difficulty continuing with their course.

9.1 Access to the online learning portal

Access to the online learning portal may be suspended if a student does not log in for 90 days. The student must contact SpecTraining if they need access reinstated and still intend to continue their course.

9.2 Withdrawal before commencement

Enrolment does not always mean a student has commenced training. Students enrolled in a full qualification have a 14-day cooling-off period after paying course fees. During this period, they may receive a full refund of fees paid if they have not commenced training. Commencement includes attending workshops, submitting assessment, submitting RPL evidence or otherwise actively starting the training and assessment process. If printed materials or books have already been sent to the student, SpecTraining may withhold an amount equal to the retail cost of those materials until they are returned undamaged and unmarked.

9.3 Withdrawal and refund after commencement

If a student has commenced training and then withdraws, SpecTraining may issue a pro-rata refund for units where training has not been attended and assessment has not commenced. Where a student has completed all assessment requirements for one or more units of competency, SpecTraining will issue a Statement of Attainment for those completed units. Students who withdraw may be offered a place in a future course at a preferential rate, depending on the circumstances. Students should discuss this with their SpecTraining representative. Students who choose to withdraw more than 90 days after enrolment may still apply for a Statement of Attainment for completed units. However, no refund will be provided after this point unless SpecTraining is required to do so by law or has agreed to a different arrangement in writing.

9.4 Withdrawal due to lack of assessment progress

Students must continue to make reasonable progress during their enrolment. If a student does not submit any assessment within a 90-day period, SpecTraining may begin the withdrawal process. Before the 90-day period is reached, SpecTraining will make reasonable attempts to contact the student. This contact will remind the student that they need to submit assessment or contact SpecTraining immediately to discuss support options, an extension request or another suitable arrangement.

If the student is unable to continue, does not respond, or does not immediately progress after being contacted, SpecTraining may make arrangements to withdraw the student from the course. This process is designed to ensure student records remain accurate and that training resources are used by students who are actively progressing. Where a student is withdrawn under this policy, SpecTraining will review the student’s record and issue any applicable Statement of Attainment for units that have already been completed.

9.5 Cancellation by SpecTraining

If SpecTraining cancels a course, affected students are entitled to a full refund of the relevant course fees paid or a transfer of funds to a future course, where this is suitable and agreed. Course fees are GST inclusive, or GST-free where the training forms part of a national qualification and GST-free treatment applies.

9.6 Accelerated Bachelor program

SpecTraining’s accelerated Bachelor program is delivered in collaboration with Dūcere Global Business School and selected universities, currently including the University of East London. As fees may be allocated across several institutions, refunds are administered according to the applicable partner and university requirements. Students should refer to the full Dūcere refund information for this program.

9.7 Corporate course withdrawals

Courses delivered for corporate clients often include preparation, administration, trainer allocation, travel and other background costs. For this reason, agreed minimum participant numbers and minimum course fees may apply. Where an individual withdraws from a non-accredited course of one day or less, no refund applies.

Where an individual withdraws or is withdrawn from a nationally recognised training course, and the course still meets the agreed minimum participant number, the client will not be invoiced, or will be credited where already invoiced, for any units that the individual has not commenced assessment for. The individual will still receive a Statement of Attainment for any completed units.

If enrolment numbers fall below the agreed minimum participant number after the first course workshop has commenced, the client may still be charged for the agreed minimum participant number.

9.8 Cancellation of workshops by a client

If a workshop is cancelled by a client and is not rescheduled within a reasonable period agreed by both parties, cancellation charges may apply. If the workshop is cancelled with more than five working days’ notice, the client may be charged for expenses associated with cancelling or changing pre-booked travel or accommodation that has not already been paid by the client.

If the workshop is cancelled with less than five working days’ notice, the above costs may apply, plus an administration fee of up to 75% of the workshop fee.

9.9 Workshop attendance fees

Students enrolled in online programs may choose to attend virtual or in-person workshops during their enrolment where available. A fee may apply for each day attended. Exact fees are advised on the relevant course pages or by SpecTraining staff. Failure to attend a booked workshop may incur a fee of $100 including GST if the student does not provide at least three working days’ notice. SpecTraining may send email and text reminders before workshops to help students avoid this situation.

9.10 Hardship and compassionate refund claims

Outside the standard cooling-off and refund rules in this policy, SpecTraining may consider a hardship or compassionate claim where a student needs to withdraw because of severe and unforeseen circumstances beyond their control (for example serious illness, unexpected job loss, or a significant family crisis). Changes of career preference, lack of time, or loss of motivation alone do not ordinarily qualify as hardship.

This subsection sets out how SpecTraining decides requests for a different refund arrangement under section 9.3 (where SpecTraining may agree a different arrangement in writing, or where required by law).

To make a claim, the student should:

• submit a written statement explaining the circumstances and how they prevent continuation
• provide supporting evidence (such as a medical certificate or other relevant documents)
• provide a brief timeline of events
• submit the claim within 30 days of the hardship event or of becoming aware of it, unless SpecTraining accepts a later claim because of extenuating circumstances

SpecTraining will acknowledge the claim, review the evidence and the student’s enrolment and communication history, and advise the outcome in writing within 30 days of receiving a complete claim. Outcomes may include a partial or full fee adjustment, an alternative arrangement, or confirmation that the standard refund and fee rules continue to apply.

If SpecTraining asks for further information and the student does not respond within 10 business days, SpecTraining will send one further reminder. If there is still no response within 5 further business days, SpecTraining may treat the claim as withdrawn and apply the ordinary withdrawal and fee rules.

9.11 Pre-enrolment information and student obligations

Before enrolment is finalised, SpecTraining makes the following information available through its website, course pages, enrolment form and/or these public policies:

• training product code and title, duration, delivery mode, assessment requirements, and any third-party arrangements that affect the student
• fees, payment options, refund rules, and any government subsidy information that SpecTraining is able to provide
• support services available from SpecTraining and, where relevant, referral pathways to external wellbeing services
• student obligations, including providing a Unique Student Identifier (USI) where required, meeting IT/equipment requirements, participating in required practical or workplace activities, and following withdrawal and deferment processes
• how training package changes may affect enrolled students (see section 3.4)

By enrolling, the student confirms they have had a reasonable opportunity to read this information and agree to comply with SpecTraining’s public policies, including payment of fees when due.

SpecTraining has a dedicated Customer Relationship Manager, administration staff and qualified training personnel who can assist students with study concerns, payment enquiries, learning support needs and other matters that may affect their ability to complete training. Students are encouraged to ask for help early. Support options may include guidance from trainers, administrative support, reasonable adjustments where appropriate, referral to external services, or help planning course progress.

Students can email support@spectraining.edu.au to request contact from a support staff member.

14.1 Disclosure of disability or learning support needs

SpecTraining encourages students to disclose any disability, learning need or other potential barrier to learning during the enrolment process. This helps SpecTraining identify suitable support options as early as possible. The enrolment form gives students an opportunity to disclose support needs. SpecTraining staff are trained to respond appropriately and discuss available support options. If a student does not disclose a support need until after training has commenced, SpecTraining will still consider reasonable support options, but some adjustments may be more difficult to arrange after the course has started.

14.2 Foundation skills and LLND support

Where a student’s pre-enrolment information, enrolment interview, or early course engagement suggests they may need support with language, literacy, numeracy or digital skills, SpecTraining may ask them to complete a foundation skills / LLND check or discuss support options with a trainer or support staff member.

SpecTraining will use that information to plan reasonable learning support or adjustments (see also section 14.1). If the check shows the chosen course is not suitable because of large foundation-skill gaps that cannot reasonably be supported in that program, SpecTraining will discuss alternative options and, where enrolment has not properly commenced or SpecTraining declines the enrolment on suitability grounds, refund fees paid in line with the Course Withdrawal and Cancellation Policy and consumer law.

Assessment is the process of making a judgement about whether a student’s evidence meets the required standard. At SpecTraining, assessment is used to confirm whether you have achieved the required skills and knowledge for your course or unit of competency. SpecTraining uses assessment to:

• support productive learning and skill development
• provide feedback to help students improve
• make consistent and evidence-based assessment decisions
• confirm achievement of course and unit requirements
• issue accurate certification when requirements are met
• maintain professional, industry and regulatory standards.

SpecTraining is committed to assessment practices that are clear, fair, valid, reliable and appropriate for vocational education. Assessment tasks are designed so students can demonstrate the required skills and knowledge in a way that aligns with the unit requirements and workplace expectations.

4.1 Assessment principles

SpecTraining applies the following principles to assessment:

• Assessment supports learning: Assessment should help students understand what they know, what they can do, and where they may need further development.
• Assessment involves shared responsibility: SpecTraining provides assessment tasks, instructions, support and feedback. Students are responsible for submitting their own evidence, responding to feedback and meeting assessment requirements.
• Assessment is criterion-referenced: Assessment decisions are made against clear criteria and unit requirements, not by comparing one student with another.
• Assessment is transparent: Students should be able to understand what is required, how evidence will be judged and what standard must be met.
• Assessment is credible: Assessment must measure the skills and knowledge it is intended to assess and provide a dependable basis for the assessment decision.
• Assessment is fair and equitable: Assessment must not unfairly advantage or disadvantage individual students or groups of students.
• Assessment is a professional activity: Assessment practices are reviewed and improved through quality assurance, moderation, validation and professional collaboration.
• Assessment is workable: Assessment must be achievable for students and assessors within reasonable timeframes and available resources.

4.2 Student responsibility for submitted evidence

Students are responsible for retaining a copy of all assessment materials they submit until SpecTraining has confirmed receipt and the assessment process for those items is complete. SpecTraining is not responsible for assessment items that have not been received.

SpecTraining retains submitted assessment evidence for a reasonable period after the student exits the course (including by completion, withdrawal or expiry), consistent with regulatory record-keeping requirements. Students should not assume that original hard-copy materials will be returned.

4.3 Workplace and third-party observation evidence

Some units and pathways (including parts of TAE programs) require observation in a workplace or a third-party report. Where this applies, SpecTraining provides the observation checklist or third-party report template. Observers must meet any suitability requirements stated on the template, provide contact details for verification, and include enough detail for SpecTraining to judge authenticity and sufficiency.

SpecTraining may contact the workplace or third-party author to verify the report, consistent with SpecTraining’s Privacy Policy on verification of information. SpecTraining may require more than one observer where the volume or nature of evidence requires it. Incomplete, unverifiable or unsuitable observer reports may be returned as not satisfactory and must be resubmitted.

SpecTraining assessors are expected to act professionally, ethically and consistently. The Assessor Code of Practice supports fair, responsible and evidence-based assessment decisions. SpecTraining assessors will:

• consider the different needs and requirements of students with sensitivity
• identify and manage potential conflicts of interest
• avoid harassment, discrimination and unfair treatment during assessment
• protect student rights during and after the assessment process
• make students aware of their rights, including complaints and appeals processes
• ensure personal or interpersonal factors do not influence assessment outcomes
• verify evidence against the rules of evidence
• base assessment decisions on evidence that can be reviewed and verified
• conduct assessment within SpecTraining’s assessment policies and procedures
• maintain confidentiality of assessment outcomes and student records
• participate in professional development, moderation and validation activities.

Students complete their training by submitting the assessment evidence required for their enrolled course. SpecTraining aims to provide assessment feedback within 10 working days of receiving an assessment submission. Once a student has successfully completed all required assessments for their enrolled course, SpecTraining will issue the relevant nationally recognised certification within 30 days, provided all course requirements have been met and all applicable fees have been paid.

SpecTraining reports accredited training results through the required AVETMISS reporting process. These results may appear on the student’s USI transcript after government processing. Depending on reporting timeframes, this may take up to one year. Students should contact SpecTraining if their results do not appear within that timeframe.

6.1 Replacement and additional AQF certification documents

Course fees include the issue of the relevant electronic AQF certification (qualification and record of results, or Statement of Attainment) when the student has met all training and assessment requirements and paid all applicable fees.

A fee of $40 applies to issue a hard-copy credential, a replacement credential, or an additional Statement of Attainment requested other than as part of normal completion or withdrawal processing. SpecTraining may require proof of identity before re-issuing documents. Credentials will not be issued while fees for the enrolment remain outstanding, except where SpecTraining is required by law to issue them.

6.2 Scheduled non-contact and closed periods

SpecTraining may schedule short non-contact periods for validation, continuous improvement, professional development or end-of-year closure. During those periods, trainer support and assessment marking may pause. SpecTraining will give students reasonable advance notice where practicable. Students who need feedback before a non-contact period should submit assessment early. Published marking timeframes (including the aim of feedback within 10 working days) may be extended by the length of a notified non-contact period.

SpecTraining is committed to providing quality learning and assessment materials. SpecTraining maintains a schedule to review and improve learning products, assessment tools, systems and procedures. SpecTraining will:

• validate assessment tools and assessment judgements across its scope of registration in line with applicable RTO Standards
• moderate assessment instruments before delivery of relevant corporate cohorts, or at least once each calendar year where applicable
• record, save and version-control changes to assessment instruments
• record validation and moderation outcomes and store them in the appropriate SpecTraining system.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) are standard practices in vocational education. SpecTraining recognises that students may already have relevant skills, knowledge, experience or qualifications. Students with relevant prior qualifications or experience may be eligible to apply for RPL or RCC. SpecTraining uses a clear process to manage these applications.

11.1 RPL/RCC application process

1. The applicant is informed of their right to apply for RPL/RCC and confirms they wish to proceed.
2. A SpecTraining assessor contacts the applicant to explain the evidence requirements for the relevant units or qualification and makes an initial judgement about whether an RPL/RCC application is likely to be suitable.
3. If appropriate, the applicant receives a self-evaluation form to help determine whether they have sufficient evidence.
4. The applicant submits the self-evaluation form and, where suitable, enrols in the RPL/RCC pathway.
5. The applicant is given access to the RPL/RCC application process, receives an invoice for the relevant fees, and gathers evidence in line with assessor instructions and deadlines.

The applicant has up to six weeks from the date of enrolment to submit all RPL/RCC evidence, unless SpecTraining agrees to a different timeframe in writing. If the applicant does not submit sufficient evidence within the required timeframe, the assessor will advise that the application has been unsuccessful. Where evidence is sufficient for one or more complete units of competency, SpecTraining will issue a Statement of Attainment for those units.

Any units that have not been successfully completed through RPL/RCC may need to be completed through a training and assessment pathway at additional cost.

11.2 TAE40122 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment via RPL

Students with experience in vocational training and assessment may be eligible for RPL/RCC for some parts of the TAE40122 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. Because SpecTraining’s program is integrated and clustered, RPL/RCC evidence must fully cover the evidence requirements of one or more complete course clusters. These may include:

• Assessment cluster: evidence of conducting and validating accredited assessment with real vocational assessment candidates
• Delivery cluster: evidence of planning and delivering group training, individual training, workplace skills training and presentations
• Education design and support: evidence of working in the Australian vocational education sector, participating in professional development, designing learning programs that meet national standards, and reviewing or improving training products.

Partial evidence for a single unit may not be enough for RPL/RCC. However, students may choose to provide relevant evidence during the full program to help reduce their overall workload. Students can review each unit on training.gov.au and compare their evidence to the skills and knowledge evidence requirements before applying.

11.3 Credit transfer

Credit transfer may be available where a student already holds the exact unit of competency from a current nationally endorsed training product, and that unit is included in the qualification or skill set they wish to complete with SpecTraining. Credit transfer must meet the packaging rules for the relevant qualification or skill set. SpecTraining may apply limits to credit transfer where needed to maintain the integrity and valid learning outcomes of the qualification or skill set.

SpecTraining is committed to maintaining the integrity and quality of its qualifications. Students must complete assessment work fairly, ethically and honestly.

Plagiarism occurs when a person presents someone else’s words, ideas or work as their own without proper acknowledgement. Students must not copy, purchase or submit work that is not their own. Students may use artificial intelligence tools only where this is allowed by the assessment instructions and SpecTraining’s policy. AI assistance must not replace the student’s own knowledge, skills, judgement or required performance. Where AI has been used, students may be required to acknowledge or explain how it was used. The full plagiarism and AI assistance policy is available on this link.

13.1 Use of Artificial Intelligence in assessment review and student administration

SpecTraining may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to support some assessment review and student administration processes. AI may be used to assist with activities such as identifying whether assessment responses appear complete, checking whether evidence may align with assessment requirements, summarising information, supporting consistency checks, or assisting trainers and assessors to review student submissions more efficiently.

AI is not used as the sole decision-maker for assessment outcomes. All final assessment decisions are made by a qualified human assessor, who reviews the student’s evidence and determines whether the requirements of the relevant unit of competency have been met. Where AI is used to assist in the review of assessment evidence, the assessor remains responsible for validating the assessment outcome and ensuring the decision is fair, accurate, evidence-based and consistent with the principles of assessment and rules of evidence.

SpecTraining will use AI responsibly and in a way that supports transparency, privacy, data protection and student trust. Student information will only be used for legitimate training, assessment, administration, quality assurance or compliance purposes. SpecTraining will take reasonable steps to protect personal and sensitive information when using digital systems, including AI-supported systems.

Students may contact SpecTraining if they would like to know whether AI has been used to assist in the review of their assessment submission or related administration. Students also retain the right to request feedback, ask questions about an assessment decision, or lodge an appeal in accordance with SpecTraining’s complaints and appeals procedure.

Students must not rely on AI tools to produce assessment work unless the assessment instructions specifically allow this. Where AI tools are used by a student, the student must ensure the work submitted is their own, accurately reflects their own knowledge and skills, and complies with SpecTraining’s plagiarism and academic integrity requirements.

This section is a concise summary of how SpecTraining manages personal information under the Australian Privacy Principles and the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). For detailed information about collection, disclosure, NCVER and ASQA reporting, employer-funded training, approved service providers, verification, AI tools, security, access and complaints, read our FULL PRIVACY POLICY HERE.

2.1 Information we collect

SpecTraining may collect personal information such as your name, address, phone number, email address, Unique Student Identifier (USI), course details, assessment records and other information needed to provide training and assessment services.

Credit-card transactions are processed through approved online payment facilities. SpecTraining does not retain full credit-card details beyond what is required to securely process the transaction through the payment provider. Where possible, students are encouraged to use BPAY or electronic funds transfer for financial transactions. SpecTraining may also collect aggregated website information, such as website usage, page loading information and IP address data. This information helps SpecTraining maintain systems, diagnose technical issues and improve services. Website cookies may be used for this purpose. This information is not used to personally identify you unless required for system security or support purposes.

2.2 How we use your information

SpecTraining may collect and use your personal information to:

• provide the information, products or services you request
• enrol you in training and assessment services
• support your learning and assessment
• report AVETMISS and other required training data to government agencies for accredited training
• issue records of results, statements of attainment or qualifications where applicable
• respond to your questions, support needs or complaints
• notify you about relevant products, services or course updates
• conduct reasonable marketing activities in line with legal requirements.

2.3 Our commitment

SpecTraining will not sell your personal information. SpecTraining will only disclose it where necessary to deliver, administer, quality-assure or regulate training, where you have authorised us, or where disclosure is permitted or required by law. The full Privacy Policy explains these disclosures without repeating them here.

2.4 Storage and security of your personal information

SpecTraining takes reasonable steps to protect personal information from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, modification or disclosure. However, information sent over the internet can never be guaranteed to be completely secure. Students should take reasonable care when sending personal or sensitive information online.

SpecTraining is committed to responding to complaints and appeals in a constructive, fair and timely manner. SpecTraining’s complaints and appeals process ensures that:

• each complaint or appeal is recorded in writing
• the outcome is recorded in writing
• each appeal is considered by an independent person or panel where required
• each appellant has an opportunity to present their case
• the appellant receives written advice of the outcome, including the reasons for the decision.

Students should contact SpecTraining if they wish to make a complaint or appeal an assessment or administrative decision. The complete procedure is available from SpecTraining.

SpecTraining complies with relevant State anti-discrimination legislation and the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992. These laws guide how SpecTraining interacts with students, staff, clients and other stakeholders. SpecTraining aims to provide a learning environment that is respectful, inclusive and free from unlawful discrimination.