Issuing certificates: what are the hidden risks for RTOs?

This article is a guest blog by Learning Vault.

Issuing paper or pdf-based certificates to students may seem, on the face of it, to be a straightforward affair.  

However there are many risks that underpin how RTOs currently issue certificates, which  can affect an RTO’s reputation and bottom line. 

Fraud  

Even with the use of security paper, certificates can still be forged by anyone who gets their hands on a copy of one. Anyone with the right skills can reproduce a certificate to use for illegal or deceitful purposes. This not only damages the reputation of the RTO, but it can  also result in significant financial losses.  

Replacements 

When a learner loses a certificate, it can be a headache to replace. There’s not only the unwanted admin burden placed on admin staff to reissue certificates, they can also be  costly and time-consuming to reissue.  

AQF compliance requirements 

RTO’s must ensure the certificates they issue fully comply with the many requirements set  out by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Failing to comply with AQF regulations can result in penalties and damage to the organisation's reputation.  

Verification 

The authenticity of paper-based certificates will likely need to be verified by potential  employers and other RTOs. This verification process can be manual, time-consuming and  surrounded by many legal considerations.  

Legal 

RTO’s are bound by a legal requirement to issue certificates to learners within a specific  timeframe – the tracking of these dates can be cumbersome if done using manual  processes. 

All of these risks may leave one thinking ‘Surely there must be a safer way to issue certificates?’ 

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.