This is one of our most frequently asked questions, primarily because there is no one-size-fits-all answer.
The course duration varies from one individual to the next, based on multiple factors including, but not limited to; work and life experience, previous training, existing skills and knowledge, and how much time one is able to dedicate to the coursework.
There is no single standard course length when it comes to the duration of the TAE40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. The TAE Academy has, however, developed variations of the course for different cohorts, each with a nominal or indicative duration, to provide participants a reasonable estimate of what to expect.
At the TAE Academy, we follow the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recommendations and guidance on volume of learning, which suggests that the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment should take a minimum of 6 months and a maximum 2 years to complete.
Consistent with these guidelines, we have four variations of the TAE40116 course; the 5, 8 and 12-day blended face-to-face + online learning programs, as well as a fully online version.
The nominal duration for each of these programs is as follows:
- The 12-day program, designed specifically for those who are new to Vocational Education and Training and have no prior experience in training, has a nominal duration range of 9 to 12 months*
- The 5-day program, designed specifically for Secondary Teachers (of VET in Schools), has a nominal duration of 6 to 8 months*
- The 8-program, also available to Secondary/VET in Schools Teachers, and for existing Workplace Trainers and VET workers, has a nominal duration of 8 to 10 months*
- The online program, available to all cohorts above, has a nominal duration of 6 – 12 months*
*Of course, if you are applying for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or an Assessment Only pathway, either for the entire course or parts thereof, then it is quite possible that the durations quoted above could be reduced significantly. For more information on RPL, see our website or talk to one of our friendly team members.
Another question we often get asked is whether the course can be completed in a very short period of time, sometimes as quickly as ‘a couple of weeks’. The answer to this is always no. There is a lot to learn and apply in this qualification, so whilst we appreciate that individuals are often inspired to complete it as quickly as possible, it is our responsibility to:
- Provide a quality learning experience that ensures graduates are properly prepared for their career in VET Training & Assessment
- Provide realistically achievable nominal durations so that we don’t set false expectations
Within the RTO industry, providers have rightly been de-registered and certificates issued to students retracted because their courses did not provide an adequate volume of learning and did not allow sufficient time for skills and knowledge development.
TAE Academy currently boasts an 80%+ completion rate for the TAE40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and constantly receives positive feedback from the employers of our graduates. A significant part of the reason for this is the appropriateness and adequacy of the program durations.
Participants need sufficient time to work through the course content, consolidate the acquired knowledge, apply the learnings and develop the skills that are crucial to working competently and confidently as a VET Trainer and/or Assessor.
So there you have it. For further information or a discussion regarding your individual course completion timeline, please feel free to reach out to our friendly team.
By Louise Badr
National Group Business Development Manager
1300 000 TAE
About the Author
Louise Badr is the National Group Business Development Manager at the IVET Group, to which the TAE Academy belongs.
‘Lou’ has worked in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) Sector for 7+ years, working for both private Registered Training Organisations (RTO) and TAFE Institutes.
She has a true passion for education and has utilised her own studies to change careers and achieve personal goals. Because of this passion, she uses her extensive knowledge of the sector to drive quality outcomes for all the people she interacts with.