VET Data Streamlining program transition information

Information about how registered training organisations (RTO) are transitioning to the VET Data Streamlining Program. 

On this page:

State and territory reporting

The way RTOs submit data will depend on whether they have a relationship with a state or territory government.

Map of Australia identifying Direct and Indirect states and territory pathways. Direct pathways are New South Wales, ACT, South Australian and the Northern Territory. Indirect pathway states are Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania and Western Australia

Direct pathways

RTOs submit data to NCVER using their Student Management System (SMS). This is also the process for RTOs eligible for Stage 1 of VDS.

States and territories: ACT, NSW, NT and SA.

Indirect pathways

RTOs submit data to a state or territory government using their SMS and the state or territory pass it on to the NCVER on their behalf

States: QLD, TAS, VIC and WA.

We understand that RTOs may have a relationship with multiple jurisdictions. Regardless of pathway, we are working directly with states and Territories and SMS vendors to design nationally consistent technical connections.

Data journey

Across both pathways, RTOs record training activity in their SMS and validate submissions. Data is sent either directly to NCVER for national reporting or indirectly via the relevant state territory authority (STA), which submits to NCVER on the RTO’s behalf.

Diagram showing the Direct and Indirect data pathways

Direct pathways

  1. RTO delivers training to students
  2. RTO enters activity data into their SMS
  3. Validation, data fixes and submissions can be checked at anytime with NCVER
  4. RTO SMS will send data to NCVER for national reporting

Indirect Pathways

  1.  RTO delivers training to students
  2. RTO enters activity data into their SMS
  3. Validation, data fixes and submissions can be checked at any time with the state training authority (STA)
  4. RTO SMS will send data to STAs
  5. STAs will send national data to NCVER on behalf of RTOs 

Key dates

These key dates outline the transition timeframe for RTOs and SMS vendors.

A timeline of the key dates for the VET Data Streamlining program

 

RTOs delivering only fee-for-service (FFS) activity

  • Can transition up to the end of 2028 to report 2029 data in VET Information Standard format.

RTOs who have their own in-house SMS

  • Can engage and receive technical support, even if they deliver funded activity
  • Should consider key dates for both RTOs with in-house SMSs and your RTO type (whether only delivering FFS activity, or funded activity)

Dates may shift as we work with the sector to make transition as smooth as possible. If this happens, we will let you know.