Nationally Recognised Training (NRT) at TAFE NSW

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy that ensures education and training standards are the same across the country. This means that when you get a certificate or degree from TAFE NSW, it is recognised anywhere in Australia.

The AQF has 10 levels, from certificates at level 1, to doctoral degrees at level 10.

At TAFE NSW, our courses go from AQF level 1 to level 7 and are Nationally Recognised Training (NRT).

Explore our course types

TAFE NSW has a course for everyone. Whether you want a short course or a degree, we have something to suit your goals.

Explore the different types of courses we offer to find what’s right for you:

Courses at school and for school leavers
Online courses
Apprenticeships and traineeships
Subsidised courses
Fee-free courses
Degrees
Microcredentials (short degree-level courses)
Microskills (continuing professional development online).

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TVET and TAFE NSW for schools

You can start learning for your job training while still in school by doing a TAFE Vocational Education and Training (TVET) course. These courses are part of your Higher School Certificate (HSC) and help you get qualified, ready for work.

Certificate courses

Our courses range from Certificate I to Certificate IV (AQF levels 1–4) and are nationally recognised. The course level depends on the subject area and how advanced the knowledge is that you need in order to graduate.

All courses are designed to develop skills that will help you find a job in your chosen field.

They are offered:

full-time
part-time
online
in person
in a delivery combination.

You don’t always need to start with a certificate I or certificate II, entry-level course. You may be able to commence your study at a higher level if you meet the entry requirements.

Statement of Attainment (SOA)

A Statement of Attainment (SOA) is a short course consisting of one or more study units that count towards a full qualification if you decide to continue your study at a certificate level. They are nationally recognised courses that can help you upskill your current qualification, or prepare you for further study.

Diploma, advanced diploma and degree courses

Our diplomas and advanced diplomas help prepare you for careers that require a range of complex technical skills. Our degree courses help you prepare for professional careers.

These courses sit at different AQF levels:

AQF level 5 for diplomas
AQF level 6 for advanced diplomas
AQF level 7 for degrees

Diplomas usually take about a year to complete, while degrees take 2–4 years of full-time study. If you study these courses part-time, they will take longer to complete.

Degree courses