Introduction
With the revised Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) coming into effect on July 1, 2025, digital literacy is taking centre stage in vocational education. Among the significant changes, RTOs must now assess students' digital capabilities before enrolment to ensure they have the skills needed to engage with training materials and succeed in modern workplaces.
This update presents both a challenge and an opportunity for RTOs. Ensuring compliance requires integrating digital literacy assessments into the enrolment process - something that TAFE Queensland can now support through the bksb (Basic Key Skills Builder) platform.
What’s Changing?
The new RTO standards emphasise:
- Pre-enrolment Digital Literacy Assessments alongside Language, Literacy, and Numeracy (LLN) evaluations.
- Enhanced digital capabilities for trainers and assessors to better support students.
- A stronger focus on embedding digital skills within training programs to align with industry needs.
- Increased use of online learning tools and resources, requiring students to have foundational digital competencies.
- A need for adaptive learning strategies to cater to varying levels of digital proficiency among students.
Why Digital Literacy Matters in Vocational Training
As industries evolve, digital proficiency is becoming a core requirement for employability. Many jobs now require basic digital skills, such as navigating online platforms, using workplace software, and engaging with digital collaboration tools. Without these essential skills, students' risk being underprepared for modern work environments. Digital literacy assessments ensure that students have the foundation needed to succeed in their training and future careers.
How This Affects RTOs
For RTOs, these changes mean:
- Adjusting enrolment processes to include digital literacy screening.
- Providing additional support resources for students with limited digital skills.
- Training educators to effectively deliver digital-based learning.
- Ensuring compliance with ASQA regulations to maintain accreditation.
- Adopting digital assessment tools that can provide real-time insights into student readiness.
Without proper evaluation at the outset, learners may struggle to engage with online and blended learning environments, leading to lower completion rates and student dissatisfaction.
How TAFE Queensland Can Help
TAFE Queensland now offers Digital Literacy Assessments through the bksb platform, providing RTOs with a streamlined, scalable solution to meet these new requirements. By leveraging this tool, RTOs can:
- Accurately assess student digital skills before enrolment.
- Identify gaps and provide targeted support.
- Ensure compliance with the 2025 RTO Standards effortlessly.
- Provide a customisable assessment experience, catering to students with different learning needs.
- Utilise automated reports and tracking, making it easier to monitor student progress and readiness.
Acting: Preparing for the 2025 Transition
With the deadline fast approaching, now is the time for RTOs to implement these changes. Key steps to ensure compliance include:
- Reviewing current enrolment procedures to incorporate digital literacy assessments.
- Training staff on digital competency frameworks and assessment tools.
- Investing in digital learning platforms to enhance the student experience.
- Partnering with TAFE Queensland to access bksb’s Digital Literacy Assessment capabilities.
Find Out More
Ensuring compliance with the 2025 RTO Standards doesn't have to be a challenge. TAFE Queensland is ready to help RTOs integrate digital literacy assessments seamlessly. Contact us today to learn how we can support your compliance journey, enhance student success, and future-proof your training programs.