USI exemptions
Exemptions for students
Higher education and Vocational Education and Training (VET) students can apply to the Student Identifiers Registrar to be exempt from needing a USI.
If an exemption is granted, the Student Identifiers Registrar issues a letter confirming the student does not need a USI to receive their qualification or statement of attainment. The student is prompted to provide a copy of their letter to their provider to demonstrate they are exempt from having a USI.
When a student provides a copy of a USI exemption letter, providers do not need to:
- enquire with the student about the reason they are exempt
- ask the student to sign/accept a government-based privacy notice (the provider may have their own internal privacy notice about data they collect for their own use).
Instructions for training or education providers – student exemptions
Providers delivering VET training should refer to Fact-Sheet-USI-validation for details on how to meet their AVETMISS reporting obligations, or contact the NCVER by emailing them at support@ncver.edu.au.
Higher Education providers should email TCSIsupport@education.gov.au for guidance on how to satisfy their reporting requirements.
Information for Registered Training Organisations
VET exemptions from reporting the USI
Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) with an exemption won’t need to include a USI in Australian Vocational Education and Training Management Information Statistical Standard (AVETMISS) compliant data submissions to the National Vocational Education and Training (VET) Provider Collection.
If you are delivering exempted training you are required to inform your students before their commencement, that their training will not:
• appear on their USI VET transcript
• be included in the National VET Provider Collection.
VET exemptions for training providers
A provider can be exempted by their regulator from the need to collect and submit AVETMISS compliant data. Under section 5.3 of the National VET Data Policy, this can be on the grounds that submission of such data would:
- conflict with defence or national security legislation
- jeopardise the security or safety of defence, border protection, customs, national security or police personnel.
RTOs can be exempted from reporting AVETMISS data if doing so would adversely affect their ability to continue to deliver vital community services to the Australian community. Section 5.5 of the National VET Data Policy provides more information about such exemptions.
An exemption does not apply if the student provides their USI to the RTO. In this instance, the RTO must report the AVETMISS compliant data. This is to ensure that students get the benefit of having their qualifications appear on their VET transcript.
Determining a VET exemption for training providers
RTOs must consult their VET regulator for an exemption. They’ll need to provide evidence to support their exemption application. An exemption doesn’t apply until the relevant regulator advises the RTO in writing. The regulator will also notify the National Centre for Vocational Education Research about the exemption.
More information
- National VET Data Policy
- Australian Skills Quality Authority - ASQA
- Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority - VRQA
- Western Australia Training Accreditation Council - WA TAC
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