Accredited vs Non-Accredited Training: What You Need to Know


In today’s competitive education and employment landscape, gaining the right skills is essential. Whether you're a student, job seeker, employer, or training provider, choosing between accredited and non-accredited training can significantly impact career outcomes, compliance, and workforce readiness.

But what do these terms really mean? How do they differ? And which is right for your needs?

This article explores the essential distinctions between accredited and non-accredited training and helps you make an informed decision.

What Is Accredited Training?

Accredited training refers to formal education and training that is:

  • Recognised nationally within a qualification framework, such as the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

  • Delivered by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) regulated by bodies like ASQA (Australian Skills Quality Authority).

  • Based on national training packages and units of competency.

  • Results in nationally recognised qualifications such as Certificates I–IV, Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas, or Statements of Attainment.

Examples of Accredited Training:

  • Certificate III in Business (BSB30120)

  • Diploma of Project Management (BSB50820)

  • Certificate IV in Disability (CHC43121)

  • First Aid courses that meet industry regulatory requirements

Benefits of Accredited Training:

  • National Recognition: Qualifications are accepted by employers, education providers, and government bodies across Australia.

  • Pathways to Further Study: Can be used to progress into higher education or additional VET courses.

  • Compliance and Licensing: Often required for licensing, job roles, or funding eligibility.

  • Quality Assurance: Delivered under strict compliance standards regulated by national authorities.

What Is Non-Accredited Training?

Non-accredited training, also known as informal or non-formal learning, includes training that does not lead to a nationally recognised qualification. While still valuable, this type of training is typically:

  • Not regulated by ASQA or included in the AQF.

  • Developed and delivered by organisations, trainers, or employers outside the national framework.

  • Focused on specific skills or knowledge for professional development, upskilling, or compliance purposes.

Examples of Non-Accredited Training:

  • Short workshops on customer service or time management

  • Internal staff induction programs

  • Leadership and personal development seminars

  • Online learning modules offered by private platforms

  • Software or system training for internal business tools

Benefits of Non-Accredited Training:

  • Flexibility: Content can be tailored to specific workplace or industry needs.

  • Faster Delivery: Shorter duration and less assessment-intensive.

  • Cost-Effective: Often more affordable than accredited programs.

  • Responsive to Trends: Can quickly adapt to emerging industry needs or technologies

Key Differences at a Glance

FeatureAccredited TrainingNon-Accredited Training
RecognitionNationally recognised qualificationNo formal recognition
RegulationRegulated by ASQA or TEQSANot regulated
Provider RequirementsMust be an RTOAnyone can provide
AssessmentBased on competency and national standardsInformal or optional
OutcomeQualification or Statement of AttainmentCertificate of completion or participation
Use for EmploymentRequired for many jobs/licencesGood for professional development
Pathway to Further StudyEligible for credit transfer or articulationNot typically recognised by higher education

When to Choose Accredited Training

Choose accredited training when:

  • You need a qualification for a job or legal compliance.

  • You're applying for a student visa or funding/subsidy.

  • You want national recognition of your skills.

  • You’re aiming to articulate into university or other VET pathways.

  • You're entering a regulated profession (e.g., aged care, construction, early childhood education).

When to Choose Non-Accredited Training

Choose non-accredited training when:

  • You’re seeking quick upskilling in a specific area.

  • You need customised training for your organisation or role.

  • You’re participating in a personal development or leadership workshop.

  • You want to test an interest or hobby without committing to formal education.

  • You’re training staff in internal systems or processes.

Can Non-Accredited Training Become Accredited?

In some cases, yes.

  • Some non-accredited courses can be mapped to accredited units and later converted to formal qualifications via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

  • Organisations offering non-accredited training may apply to become an RTO and have their course nationally accredited through ASQA.

However, the process requires meeting strict criteria, developing structured assessments, and aligning the course content with national competency standards.

The Employer’s Perspective

From an employer’s viewpoint, both types of training have value:

  • Accredited Training is essential when regulatory compliance or licencing is involved.

  • Non-Accredited Training is ideal for internal onboarding, soft skills, and role-specific development.

Many forward-thinking companies use a blend of both, providing formal qualifications alongside flexible, on-the-job training and coaching.

Final Thoughts

Whether you choose accredited or non-accredited training depends on your goals, budget, timeline, and compliance needs. Accredited training provides long-term, nationally recognised outcomes, while non-accredited training offers fast, flexible, and highly targeted learning solutions.

For RTOs, understanding both avenues allows you to deliver the right training to the right learners—and possibly grow your offerings by developing high-quality non-accredited courses to supplement your accredited programs.



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