What happens when you don't actually 'hold' a unit that you are meant to train and assess?
What if you’re an “industry expert” called in to help deliver training?
The Outcome Standards and Credential Policy as part of the 2025 Standards for RTOs contain specific requirements that outline the necessary credentials to train and assess others in Australia’s Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector.
In all instances, people delivering and/or assessing VET must have “industry competencies, skills and knowledge that are relevant to, and at least to the level of, the training product being delivered or assessed”, and the RTO must be able to demonstrate that this is the case. This includes experts from industry called in to assist with delivery of training and assessment and to work alongside fully credentialled trainer/assessors.
While holding the industry or vocational competency via having been issued a qualification with the specific unit code and title is one way, in some cases, individual may be able to demonstrate how prior significant work experience, prior learning and/or professional development activities meet the outcomes of the unit and therefore, the requirements for vocational competency.
This mapping tool template gives a perfect framework to document relevant knowledge, skills and experience, including ongoing professional development to maintain vocational currency.
As a 2-in-1 tool, this template is suitable for use by:
Individuals working toward a TAE credential and working under direction
Trainers working under direction
Assessors only
Trainers and assessors
And
Experts with specialised industry or subject matter expertise directly relevant to the training product being delivered
The Vocational Competency/Unit Equivalence Mapping Tool comes as a five-tab spreadsheet together with:
Instructions
An overview of competency mapping and what equivalence is about
An example sheet complete with comprehensive notes
An embedded handy tip sheet on the thought process to evaluate sources of evidence to include in the mapping
An example completed record (matrix and approval) for use when an industry expert is involved
The five tabs within the spreadsheet cover:
Purpose - What the tool is for and how to use it
Mapping - Which can be completed at a micro or macro level for equivalency mapping
Evidence Summary - Where all relevant evidence can be catalogued, related to knowledge and skills required by the unit(s), and verified. This tab allows for a record of competency evidence and currency activities
Approval Record - Where the RTO's compliance manager (or other appropriate personnel) can record their judgment on the evidence; whether it is sufficient for purpose, and whether it meets the needs of the RTO
Use of Industry Expert – Where the details of the expert’s relevant competencies and industry currency are documented and approved by the RTO (also supplied as a stand-alone word document)
This product is a must for individuals and RTOs needing a robust, thorough way to demonstrate evidence of vocational competency for trainers, individuals working under direction, and experts assisting with delivery of training and assessment.
If you don’t need the template for industry expert involvement, see the Training Tools Vocational Competence Equivalency Mapping Tool
If you only need the template for industry expert involvement, see the Training Tools Use of Experts - Matrix and Approval Record
Ensure you read the Licence Agreement triggered upon purchase of any Training Tools product.
- Updated 15.5.26