Does your RTO measure the real cost of issuing certificates?

This article is a guest blog by Learning Vault.

Most RTOs overlook the real costs associated with the process of issuing paper-based certificates. It’s important to understand both the fixed and variable costs associated with certificate issuing.  

Fixed Costs 

Fixed costs include expenses such as: 

• Printing: RTO's must use security paper as a fraud prevention measure • Postage: envelope & postage fees 

• Staff time: additional admin staff may need to be hired during graduation season 

Hidden Costs 

In addition to fixed costs, there are also hidden costs associated with issuing certificates.  These include: 

• Verification: employers may need to contact the RTO to verify the authenticity of a  paper certificate. 

• Reprints: students may contact the RTO to re-print their certificates, resulting in  additional fixed costs. 

• Change of address: RTOs are still responsible to ensure delivery of certificates if  student’s address has changed. 

• Weather: RTOs are still responsible to ensure delivery of certificates, even in  inclement weather. 

All of these costs can add up quickly, and it’s no wonder that when surveying RTO’s the cost  of issuing certificates is between $20 and $50 per certificate, an enormous cost which often  goes under the radar.  

Are you thinking ‘There’s got to be another, less expensive way!’ 

aXcelerate will be partnering with Learning Vault later in 2023 to enable digital badging and credentialing for certifications awarded via the aXcelerate platform. Visit learningvault.com.au/qvault-axcelerate for more information about the digital badging and micro credentialing solution.