Is Your Technician's Qualification Still Valid? Why Employers Should Verify Qualifications Through the USI Register

When employing technicians, many businesses rely on trade certificates presented by employees or the Motor Vehicle Tradesperson Certificate (MVTC) issued by NSW Fair Trading as evidence of competency.

However, recent regulatory actions within the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector highlight why employers should take an additional step and verify qualifications through the Unique Student Identifier (USI) system.

Why Verification Matters

Over the past few years, the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) has cancelled the registrations of multiple Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) after investigations found that qualifications had been issued without appropriate training, assessment, or evidence of competency. In some cases, ASQA has also moved to cancel qualifications and Statements of Attainment that were improperly issued.

This creates a potential risk for employers who rely solely on copies of certificates or historical licensing records when assessing the suitability and competency of workers.

What is a USI VET Transcript?

The USI system maintains a government-authenticated VET transcript that records nationally recognised training completed since 2015. The transcript shows qualifications achieved, units completed, the issuing RTO, and other relevant training information. Employers can use these transcripts to verify qualifications and training records. Qualification obtained prior to 2015 will not be shown on a USI transcript.

Importantly, when ASQA formally cancels a qualification or Statement of Attainment, the qualification will be removed from the individual's USI VET Transcript. However, employers should be aware that there can be a significant delay between ASQA's regulatory action and the qualification being removed from the USI system. In some cases, this process can take many months to be reflected on a worker's transcript. As a result, a qualification may continue to appear on a USI transcript for a period of time after ASQA has made a decision to cancel qualifications issued by a provider.

How Employers Can Verify Qualifications

The simplest process is:

1. Request a recently downloaded copy of the employee's USI VET Transcript
2. Review the qualification details and issuing RTO
3. Confirm the qualification aligns with the role being performed
4. Where concerns exist, check whether the issuing RTO has been subject to regulatory action by ASQA - Australian Skills Quality Authority
5. Periodically re-check qualifications where the issuing RTO has been subject to investigation or regulatory action.

The USI transcript is government authenticated and provides a more reliable source of verification than a photocopy of a certificate alone.

Understanding the MVTC Limitation

Many employers assume that if a worker holds an MVTC, their qualification remains valid.

However, there is currently no formal process that automatically notifies NSW Fair Trading when ASQA cancels qualifications issued by a training provider. As a result, an individual may continue to hold an MVTC while questions exist regarding the underlying qualification that supported its original issue.

While Fair Trading administers licensing and trade certification, qualification integrity sits within the national VET regulatory framework overseen by ASQA. Employers should therefore view MVTC records and qualification verification as two separate checks.

Protecting Your Business

Regular verification of employee qualifications can help:

• Ensure workers hold valid nationally recognised credentials
• Support compliance with workplace and insurance requirements
• Reduce business risk associated with invalid or cancelled qualifications
• Demonstrate due diligence in recruitment and workforce management
• Protect customers, staff and business reputation.

With ASQA continuing to investigate and take action against non-compliant training providers, qualification verification should become part of every employer's onboarding and workforce review process.

A copy of a certificate, trade certificate, or licence should not be considered the sole source of verification. A simple USI transcript check, combined with awareness of ASQA regulatory actions, can provide greater confidence that the qualifications your business relies on remain valid, recognised, and fit for purpose.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to the training department by calling on 9016 9000.

Motor Traders Association of NSW - RTO 90402