Making your application

Using the self evaluation tool to identify areas you think you can demonstrate competence in will make your application easier to begin.

Different Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) require evidence to be presented in different ways and sometimes the assessor will want additional information. Most RTOs will ask you to fill out a special application form and maybe prepare a portfolio.

Portfolio of evidence

Your portfolio gives evidence of your skills and knowledge based on the requirements of the qualification you are seeking. It can include documents like:

• course certificates from Australia or overseas
• references
• resume
• examples of work you have done
• photographic or video evidence of work you have done
• payslips

Your portfolio should include whatever it takes to prove your skills to someone who hasn't met you before and who understands your industry. Your evidence does not have to be paper based. A video or demonstration can sometimes be more effective. Think about the best ways to present your portfolio so that it is easy for an assessor to understand.

Preparing the portfolio

Ask yourself these questions:

• What evidence do I already have, such as work records, certificates or samples of work?
• What evidence can I collect, such as testimonials?
• What evidence could my assessor gather through observation or questioning?

Checking your evidence

Make sure your evidence shows your knowledge and skills are:

• current
• authentic
• valid
• sufficient

Please see gathering evidence for more tips on preparing your application.

Self evaluation tool

Start the skills recognition process is by doing a skills stock take. The self evaluation tool allows you to establish a list of skills you think you already have. The tool will then match those skills to qualifications and help you locate an RTO that can assess you.