A nationally recognised unit of competency is an individual subject (or sometimes referred to as module) of a nationally endorsed qualification or skill set within the Australian VET (Vocational Education and Training) system. Each unit describes:
- the specific skills and knowledge a person must demonstrate
- the conditions under which those skills and knowledge must be applied
- the evidence required to show competence
Units of competency are nationally standardised and appear on training.gov.au, meaning they can only be delivered by any Registered Training Organisation (RTO) approved to do so. When completed, they are recognised across Australia, regardless of which RTO issued the Statement of Attainment.
The units can stand alone as proof of skills, or they may also give you credit towards a nationally recognised qualification (such as a Certificate II, III, IV, or higher).
Upon successful completion of a standalone unit of competency, skillset or partial completion of a qualification, students receive a Statement of Attainment. Upon successful completion of a full qualification, students receive a full qualification certificate. Qualification Certificates and Statements of Attainment are formal documentation recognised within the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) and provide verification of the competency obtained.
Why choose a course with nationally recognised units instead of a non-accredited course?
- Officially recognised by industry, employers, and other RTOs
- Provides transferable skills you can use anywhere in Australia
- Can count as credit towards further study
- Comes with an official Statement of Attainment, not just a certificate of attendance
- Content and delivery meet strict regulatory requirements —ensuring consistent quality and compliance
- Offers more value than a non-accredited course in terms of employability and future opportunities
