Frequently Asked Questions

When applying to enrol, students are required to provide or obtain a Unique Student Identifier (USI). Each time you apply to enrol to study with a new training organisation, your USI will be used to store training records and results. As such, CSTC cannot issue a Statement of Attainment or a Qualification to you unless you have been assigned a USI.

By having a USI, you will be able to access a centralised location of your training records and results from all accredited training providers. Results are updated at least annually (or quarterly, depending on the provider). To obtain a USI go to www.usi.gov.au. Alternately, contact CSTC for further assistance.

CSTC provides training through a range of delivery methods, including:

• Classroom-based training
  Training is conducted via a range of methods, including: classroom-based learning, individual and group activities, and practical tasks (either in the workplace or simulated work environments).
• Traineeships and Apprenticeships
  CSTC can work with employers to enable their employees to enter into an Apprenticeship or Traineeship. CSTC will organise the training plan to be undertaken which allows for authentic training and assessment in the workplace.
  
• Blended delivery
  CSTC offers blended learning, including online training and assessment for some units. Material is delivered via a range of methods: interactive presentations, videos and quizzes. A CSTC Trainer/Assessor is available to assist students through their online experience, as well as to undertake practical assessment.

CSTC Trainers/Assessors work with students to ensure that training is delivered in a manner that suits their learning style, as well as meeting the needs of industry and employers. Assessment is to be undertaken once the student consents and feels adequately equipped.

Assessment tasks will enable students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills – in the workplace or other relevant contexts. Assessment may consist of any (or a combination) of the following:

• Written questions
  May include short answer, paragraph response or multiple choice
• Practical demonstration
  Allows skills to be demonstrate in the workplace or classroom, in response to real-life or simulated scenarios
• Case studies
  Allows an opportunity to display process and problem solve in response to scenario
• Project work
  Requires the development of a document(s) towards a specific task

During your first contact with CSTC, you will be provided with information regarding course structure, timetables, and assessment requirements. You are expected to make satisfactory progress in your course of study, adhering to the commencement and completion timeframes for each unit of competency, regardless of study mode. For those undertaking a qualification a Training/Learning plan will be developed in consultation with a CSTC Training Coordinator/Officer. This Training/Learning plan will outline the expected dates for completion of each of the units of competency being undertaken.

Feedback will be provided to students regarding their progress. Each assessment task must receive a ‘Satisfactory’ outcome before a ‘Competent’ overall outcome can be awarded for the unit of competency. Generally, if after three (3) attempts the assessor determines that the student cannot demonstrate the required steps, a ‘Not Satisfactory’ outcome is to be determined. Students assessed as ‘Not Satisfactory’ outcome will be provided with negotiated options for reassessment to ensure a fair opportunity to attain a ‘Satisfactory’ outcome.

If you are having difficulties with progression of your course of study it is your responsibility to take all possible steps to improve your performance. This can include, but is not limited to:

• Raising any issues with your Trainer/Assessor
• Negotiating a change to your enrolment, if practical, in terms of your course of study.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the formal acknowledgement of the skills, abilities and knowledge that applicants might have obtained as a result of their work and life experience, previous training and/or formal education.

If a student wishes to apply for RPL for any of the units in which they intend to enrol or are enrolled, the student should express this to CSTC, providing evidence of their experience, knowledge and skills prior to the commencement of training in the relevant units.

An RPL candidate will undertake a formal assessment process consisting of a review of supplied evidence to support your existing skills, a professional conversation (wherein you respond to a series of questions related to the units of competency), skill demonstration and the collection of third party testimonials or references. Please note that RPL may not be deemed a suitable pathway for short courses.

Successful RPL applications may result in reduced course time and/or reduced course fees. Contact CSTC if you are interested in undertaking an RPL process.

Credit Transfer

A student may receive credit towards a qualification in which they are enrolled by producing documentary evidence of having already completed units of competency within another nationally recognised course or qualification. Under national recognition requirements, CSTC will recognise the nationally recognised qualifications issued by other Australian RTOs.

If you have undertaken prior training with another RTO and wish to seek recognition for completed units of competency, you will need to provide either a Statement of Attainment or Award Certificates (including Records of Results) from your previous training provider, or a copy of your USI Transcript if the training was achieved after 1 January 2015.

CSTC will verify the evidence provided (either directly with the issuing RTO or with the student’s USI transcript) prior to processing any Credit Transfer. Credit Transfers are fee exempt.

Students are required to indicate their intention to apply for a credit at the time of applying to enrol.

CSTC will ensure that all Certificates and Statements of Attainment are awarded within thirty (30) days of successful completion of your studies, providing all required fees have been paid and a valid USI number has been supplied. All Certificates, Records of Results and Statements of Attainment issued by CSTC since 2021 contain a scannable QR code to authenticate their contents.

View the Student Handbook for detail on what documentation you will receive, depending on the course undertaken. 

CSTC endeavours to foster a culture where students from all backgrounds and of all abilities are encouraged and supported to participate in training and assessment. Thus, wherever possible and appropriate, CSTC will endeavour to assist you with support arrangements. View the Student Handbook for further detail on support services available. 

Students can request replacement documentation by contacting CSTC Administration (by phoning 07 3373 8888 or emailing [email protected]). This request will need to be authenticated through provision of personal identification documentation. Fees are outlined in the Student Handbook.

Refunds of fees may be given in the circumstances outlined in the Student Handbook.