More than just LLND assessment

Why the word "including" means RTOs must screen for more than just LLND

LLND is the common 'go to' for identification of student skills requirements

The National Vocational Education and Training Regulator (Outcome Standards for NVR Registered Training Organisations) Instrument 2025 (the "Outcome Standards") make explicit that RTOs must screen students' "language, literacy and numeracy proficiency and digital literacy" before enrolling them in any course.

Standard 2.2.1 states that:

"VET students are advised, prior to enrolment, about the suitability of the training product for them, taking into account the student’s skills and competencies"

The underlying Performance Indicators for this Standard go on to say that the RTO must demonstrate that each student is advised - prior to enrolment - about whether the training product is going to be suitable for them, given its requirements. As part of this determination, RTOs must review "the skills and competencies of prospective VET students, including their language, literacy and numeracy proficiency and digital literacy".

Already, many RTOs conduct LLN testing to determine student support needs. Many RTOs have also been including the 'D' in LLND - which is great. However, it's not the end of the story.

The specific wording of Performance Indicator 2.2.2a is:

"An NVR registered training organisation demonstrates taking into account the requirements of the training product – it has procedures in place to review, prior to enrolment, the skills and competencies of prospective VET students, including their language, literacy and numeracy proficiency and digital literacy"

So this means LLND is only part of the review of student skills and competencies that RTOs must undertake. Note too, that the review of the student's capabilities must be in relation to what the particular training product requires.

This Outcome Standard then presents a three-pronged approach to demonstrate meeting this requirement.

1. Firstly, the RTO must figure out what is required to take the course - noting this will not just be the competencies listed within the unit (and as outcomes on successful completion). These will also be the personal attributes, capabilities and other skills necessary to successfully access, engage and complete the course. AND to do so in a way that marries with the requirements that come into play because of the way the RTO delivers and/or assesses the course

2. Then, the RTO must confirm that the student has the identified necessary skills and competencies (including LLND) as relevant to the training product and the way it's delivered, to be able to be a 'match' and proceed to enrolment

3. Thirdly, a procedure must be in place to direct and standardise implementation of this activity and the actions to meet 2.2.2b (which is about the provision of advice back to the student based on the analysis of their skills and competencies)

If your RTO tests students for their LLN proficiencies, you're partway there.

LLN testing

If your RTO tests students for their LLN proficiencies and their digital literacy skills, you're a bit further of the way there.

LLN + D testing

If your RTO tests students for their LLN proficiencies and their digital literacy skills as well as the other identified skills and competencies required for the training product as delivered at the RTO, you're well on your way to meeting the requirements in Outcome Standard 2.2.2a.

LLN + D testing PLUS other skills & competencies in the context of training product requirements

A gauge of skills levels according to an 'LLND level' may shed some insight in a generic sense about the student's capabilities with regards to language, literacy, numeracy and digital, but remember, a diagnostic assessment to encompass other skills and competencies and in relation to the training product requirements is going to be needed to get a gauge of the product's overall suitability for the student.

See our template 'Analysis for Student Skills Requirements' if you need a framework to help achieve the identification of skills and competencies including LLND.

-This article is AITA Scale Rating 1 - 100% Human Intelligence

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