Do you get confused when you hear the terms accredited and non-accredited training?
Well, you’re not alone!
In this blog, we’ll explore the differences between accredited and non-accredited training programs.
In today’s competitive job market, employers are looking for candidates with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in their roles.
Training programs are a great way to gain the essential skills and knowledge to succeed in your chosen profession or industry.
However, not all training programs are created equal. Therefore, accreditation is a critical factor when choosing a training program.
What are accredited training courses?
Accredited training programs are those that have been officially recognised and approved by an external governing body or professional association.
These programs are designed and developed by experts in the field to ensure that they meet specific quality standards and provide the necessary knowledge and skills for the profession or industry.
Any organisation delivering these programs has to undergo a registration process to ensure the integrity of the program is maintained.
It gives employers and other interested parties confidence in a candidate’s skills and knowledge.
Australian Industry and Skills Committee is responsible for developing and managing training courses for its quality and currency.
Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) is responsible for regulating the training organisations that deliver these training courses.
Accredited courses in Australia are also known as Nationally Recognised courses.
These courses are recognised by all Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), universities and employers across Australia.
What are non-accredited training courses?
Unlike accredited training courses, these courses are designed and developed by an organisation delivering them. Consequently, an external body does not regulate these courses and does not require any registration.
Although these courses may provide essential skills and knowledge, employers may not weigh their importance on a par with accredited courses.
On the flip side, many employers prefer that their current and future employees keep learning by undertaking a range of non-accredited courses available on websites such as youtube, udemy, coursera, linkedin, google courses, etc.
Why study accredited courses?
Accredited courses are a great way to kickstart your professional career to ensure you meet the minimum standards to enter the industry of your choice.
In Australia, industries such as trade (electrical, air-conditioning, construction, etc.), mining, nursing, medicine, dental, security, etc., require a minimum certification and licencing in some cases to secure employment.
The Australian government agencies regulate the institutions offering these courses to ensure employers can confidently hire graduates from these institutes.
It creates consistency and public confidence in the industry.
Accredited courses are usually expensive and may attract a range of government subsidies. Both federal and state governments have funding available to eligible people.
Why study non-accredited courses?
Non-accredited courses are a great way to enhance your knowledge and career prospects.
Employers attract candidates who maintain professional development by undertaking short programs or skill sets.
These courses can supplement your formal education or training. In addition, they can provide additional knowledge or skills in areas not covered in your formal education or training.
It can also benefit entrepreneurs or those looking to start their businesses.
For example, you be a great mechanic and would like to open your own store.
In this case, you can study non-accredited courses related to small business management to gain the knowledge you need to make it a success.
What are accredited vocational courses in Australia?
As mentioned above, many certificate and diploma level courses are essential to secure employment in an industry.
For example, CHC30121 Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care is mandatory to secure employment as an early childhood educator. At the same time, CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support is your starting point to work as a support worker in the Aged Care sector.
Only a RTO can deliver these courses. You can find information about accredited courses and RTOs that offer them on training.gov.au.
The Queensland government subsidises both of these courses for eligible applicants. The funding program is the Certificate 3 Guarantee and Higher Level Skills.
So what are the key differences between accredited and non-accredited qualifications?
In short, here are the key differences between accredited and non-accredited courses.
- Accredited training is nationally recognised and taught up to a quality-assured standard approved by the ASQA. Non-accredited courses aren’t regulated, meaning quality and consistency can vary.
- Accredited training courses count as recognised qualifications on your CV. Non-accredited courses may still boost your employability but may not receive the same recognition as an accredited course.
- Accredited courses may be eligible for government funding. Non-accredited courses usually don’t have any funding available. However, they are relatively cheaper.
Why consider Sage Education to study an accredited vocational course?
Sage Education is one of Australia’s leading providers of nationally recognised qualifications.
Since our launch in 1998, we’ve helped over 3000 applicants successfully graduate from our courses.
We’re also committed to helping our graduates secure employment.
If you’d like to learn more about our courses, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Our team would love to discuss your options and help you find a course that works for you.
