Is an RTO required to keep the actual assessment tools/instruments used by an assessor to determine a client’s competence?
The Guidelines for RTOs registered in South Australia under the Training and Skills Development Act 2008 provide clear information regarding an RTOs obligations to retain records including assessment tools/instruments used and assessment records for at least 5 years (see page 8). However, the guidelines state that there is no requirement for an RTO to retain either original and/or copies of the student generated work such as projects, assignments, reports. It is only the instrument and/or tool used at the time of assessment which must be kept. Thus RTOs need to keep the records of student assessment results but not completed assessments or assignments. You should note that RPL assessment records must clearly detail the evidence that was assessed to determine competence. The tools used at the times of assessment are kept for moderation. All Assessment records must provide the auditors with sufficient information to ensure that the assessments conducted meet the principles of assessment
