TAE40122 Certificate IV Explained – Forsythes Training

Yes. It is known as the TAE40122 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. It has the same name but a different code and is equivalent to the TAE40116.

That means no upgrades are required.

No. The TAE40122 is deemed equivalent to the current TAE40116.

Also, from the beginning, key stakeholders, including the Education Industry Reference Committee (IRC) and the Skills Service Organisation (SSO), have emphasised the importance of not requiring ‘onerous up-skilling requirements.’

The current Standards for RTOs say the qualification required to teach and assess in an RTO is the TAE40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. The new qualification has the endorsed wording ‘the qualification is a successor to TAE40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.’ These are very important words, as the Standards for RTOs 2015 (the regulations that require a trainer at an RTO, TAFE etc to hold the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment) make reference specifically to the TAE40116 OR its successor.

So if becoming a trainer and assessor is on the cards for you, or you’re currently completing it – keep moving toward your goal, there’s no reason not to.

The initial pilot course with Forsythes Training has commenced. Public schedule and dedicated events will be available in June 2023.

The qualification was endorsed by the skills ministers on 18 November 2022.

The TAE 2021 Case for Change prepared by PwC’s Skills for Australia submitted that the TAE40116 wasn’t fit for purpose. They put forth the following five key points:

1. TAE units of competency deliver outdated skills and knowledge.
2. Packaging rules of TAE qualifications do not provide adequate flexibility for learners
3. The TAE Training Package lacks ‘stackable’ skill sets.
4. The TAE Training Package does not support nor clearly articulate the range and diversity of career pathways through the VET industry.
5. The TAE Training Package does not appropriately recognise the experience of learners with prior teaching practice in other education sectors.

The 16 in TAE40116 indicates 2016 – the year it was submitted for endorsement. However, there were significant delays on a number of fronts and the qualification wasn’t even widely available until mid 2017, when only a few RTOs such as Forsythes Training were approved to deliver it.

Take a look at the historic qualification changes – it tends to be updated every six to seven years.

A brief history of the Certificate IV:

• 2022/23 – TAE40122 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (6-7 years)
• 2016/17 – TAE40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (6-7 years)
• 2010 – TAE40110 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (6 years)
• 2004 – TAA40104 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (6 years)
• 1998 – BSZ40198 Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training

No, there is no need to worry about a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment upgrade. This is the key difference compared to the last change.

Under the Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015, the TAE40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment will remain the minimum requirement, along with its successor (the TAE40122 version). This means that either the TAE40116 or the TAE40122 are valid trainer and assessor qualifications.

The takeaway? Existing trainers and assessors do not need to obtain the new TAE40122 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment in addition to their current TAE40116 qualification.

While VET professionals who wish to gain the new qualification at some point in their career development, it won’t be like the crazy rush it was in 2019 because no one is required to attain it.

We believe the current TAE40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment will remain a requirement for VET Trainers and Assessors working at RTOs.

If your goal is to get the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment to become a trainer and assessor, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t get started now.

The new qualification’s units are also a lot heavier on the practical requirements within the units. This means it will be more involved and take people longer to complete it.

As outlined above, in the brief history of the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (above), this qualification gets updated every six or so years.

That’s standard. All qualifications are changed from time to time. In fact, some sectors have it even more frequently.

How can an industry stay current without updating its qualifications to account for advancements in knowledge, technology and regulations?

As passionate experts in all things TAE, our team is excited by the opportunities and flexibility that the new qualification structure brings. For instance, we are thrilled that it has evolved to meet the industry-wide need for stronger digital skills.

Here are some things we are particularly looking forward to:

• The ‘stackable’ skill sets mean you can complete the qualification from building blocks, acquiring interim certification along the way.
• Computer skills are included in our qualification, with hands-on training included as part of our program.
• The new content addresses some much needed gaps in the current TAE40116.
• More flexibility in many of the assessment requirements.

If you would like to partake in the TAE40122 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, you will need to demonstrate vocational competency in the field you intend to teach and assess learners in.

Vocational competency refers to deep industry knowledge and skills, something that often includes attaining an associated qualification. Ideally, you will have at least a few years of first-hand experience in your chosen area.

You may be eligible for fee-free Smart and Skilled training if you are:

• An Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen, Australian permanent resident, humanitarian visa holder;
• Aged 15 years or older;
• No longer in school; and
• Residing or working in NSW.

You’ll need to meet all of the above criteria to receive this government funding and cover the cost of your TAE40122 qualification. Importantly, Forsythes must have spots availabe and you must start this course before 31 December 2023.

Under the Skills Checkpoint for Older Workers, mature students may be eligible for government funding of up to a 75% co-contribution, or $2,200.

• To access this Skills and Training Incentive, you must be:
• Aged between 40 and 70 years olds;
• An Australian citizen or permanent resident;
• Currently or recently unemployed (within nine months); and
• Not registered with an Australian Government employment services provider.

Each applicant will also have to undergo a Skills Checkpoint assessment to pinpoint training opportunities, as well as cover the remaining costs of their course after the government contribution has been made.

Learn more about the Skills Checkpoint for Older Workers.

With over 110 hours of structured training, the TAE40122 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment course takes approximately six to 12 months.

The precise length of time it takes to complete the qualification will depend on the delivery schedule of your chosen course. Forsythes Training offers Accelerated program with content delivered in two months, our standard offering with content delivered over five-six months.

The TAE40122 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment is a nationally-accredited qualification for educators in the VET sector, which has particularly strict conditions of training compliance. As the industry benchmark, it can open a variety of professional opportunities to you.

Roles that often require this certification include:

• Workplace trainers and assessors;
• Contract trainers and assessors;
• RTO trainer and assessors;
• Verification of Competency (VoC) trainers and assessors;
• VET teachers;
• TAFE teachers, trainers and assessors;
• Tutors;
• Learning and Development (L&D) staff;
• Human Resource specialists;
• Training advisors and training needs analysts; and
• Training and assessment material developers.

To learn more about your career options with a TAE40122 qualification, visit the Australian Government’s Labour Market Insights website.