What is a USI?

A Unique Student Identifier (USI) is a national student number that allows you to see all of your training results from all providers in one place. From 1 January 2015, it is a Federal Government requirement that every student will need a USI to obtain their qualification from their registered training organisation (such as ASFA Learning).

From this date, all qualification course students are required to register for a USI before they enrol.

The USI is handy as you only need one for all of your study over your lifetime.

How do I get a USI?

You need to log into the USI website and follow the instructions. Make sure you have a form of ID ready.

What do I do with my USI?

If you are an existing student, once you have obtained your USI, please update your enrolment details in the ASFA Toolbox.

If you are enrolling for the first time with ASFA Learning, please provide your USI number on the online or PDF enrolment form.

Any questions?

If you have any questions, you can call the USI hotline on 13 38 73 or email usi@industry.gov.au.
Or you can contact us.

Policies and Procedures

 Privacy P&P »

 Enrolment P&P

 Access, Equity and Support P&P

 Credit P&P

 Recognition of Prior Learning P&P

 Fees and Refunds P&P

 Withdrawal, Extension and Deferral P&P

 Academic Misconduct P&P

 Training Product Transition & Expiry P&P

 Certification Documentation Issuance & Expiry P&P

 Complaints and Appeals P&P

Supporting Documents

 Student Handbook

 Student Code of Conduct

 RTO Registration Certificate

Forms

 Enrolment Form

 Credit Application Form

 Recognition of Prior Learning Form

 Withdrawal Form

 Refund Application Form

 Reissue of Certificate Request Form

 Suggestion for Improvement Form

 Complaints and Appeals Form

Course Suitability and Entry Criteria

ASFA’s enrolment process is free from bias, non-discriminatory and the same for all applicants. To enrol in a course, you must complete an Enrolment Form. If you are enrolling in a course that has entry requirements you will also need to provide the necessary evidence (as indicated on the Course Outline). You will also complete pre-training review questions which are integrated into the Enrolment Form to ensure that any individual learning needs you have are identified and that you are enrolling in a suitable course. If you are applying for Recognition of Prior Learning or Credit you should indicate this on your enrolment form and supply certified copies of your transcripts if applying for Credit.

Please note that the minimum age for students enrolling in courses offered by AFSA is 18 years at the time of enrolment.

Once you have completed your enrolment form and gathered all the necessary evidence, email it to learning@superannuation.asn.au and we will contact you with the next steps, payment arrangements and how you can get started in your course.

Language Literacy and Numeracy

To maximise the chance of you successfully completing your training, when enrolling into an accredited course ASFA will identify your Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) level and any additional support requirements. ASFA bases the assessment of LLN level on the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) and you can show evidence that you have the LLN skills at the LLN level required for the course by one of the following methods:

• Providing a valid Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (at the completion of Year 12)
• Providing evidence of the successful completion of an AQF course at the same or higher level to the course you are applying for (where the language of instruction is English)
• Completing ACER’s Foundation Skills Assessment Tool (FSAT) and achieving a minimum Exit level of 3 in both reading and numeracy.

Completing ACER’s Foundation Skills Assessment Tool (FSAT)

If you elect to complete ACER’s Foundation Skills Assessment Tool (FSAT) to meet the LLN entry requirement we will email you login details, a URL link and instructions in order to undertake the test. The test is online and involves a series of questions designed to assess your LLN level and should be undertaken with honesty and integrity.

You will need to display competence at or above Exit Level 3 in both numeracy and reading to meet the entry criteria for all nationally recognised courses with ASFA. Should you not pass the test on your first attempt you may be offered a second attempt. Your test results will be handled confidentially and will be retained by ASFA as part of your student records in line with our Privacy Policy and Procedure.

Please refer to our fact sheet Completing ACER’s Foundation Skills Assessment Tool (FSAT) for more information.

Unique Student Identifier

A Unique Student Identifier (USI) is a reference number made up of numbers and letters that create a lifetime record of all the nationally recognised training you have completed. Under the Student Identifiers Act 2014 we are required to ensure that all students studying accredited course have a Unique Student Identifier (USI) and we are unable to issue a Testamur (qualification certificate) or a Statement of Attainment to any student if we don’t have a USI. This means that as a student you must obtain and provide us with your USI when enrolling into a course.

For more information about the USI please refer to http://www.usi.gov.au/About/Pages/default.aspx

Technology Requirements

The following technology requirements are required for studying a course with ASFA.

• computer (compatible with Windows, Mac or Android operating systems)
• a reliable internet connection.
• Operating system: Windows, Mac OS X, Linux
• Software: Adobe Acrobat Reader and Flash Player (latest versions available for free download at Adobe website). It is also recommended to have Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.
• Internet: Supported browsers include Firefox 3+, Google Chrome 4+, Microsoft Internet Explorer 7 and 8, Opera 9+, Safari 3+ (download latest browser software for free online).

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process where skills and knowledge that you have gained through work and life experience and other unrecognised training can be formally recognised.

You should ideally apply for RPL by ticking the box to be contacted about RPL on your Enrolment Form, but you may also apply during your course. Fees are applicable for RPL and you will be advised of these fees prior to commencing the RPL process. Suitability is determined on how much experience you have in a certain area, your work history and previous training. If RPL is determined as suitable for you, you will be provided with an RPL Kit that will guide you in working through each unit to determine relevant skills and experience and provide the required evidence. For more information or to apply for RPL please refer to our Recognition of Prior Learning Policy and Procedure.

Credit

Credit is formal recognition of the previous studies you have completed for the purpose of reducing the units or modules that you are required to complete in the course you are enrolled in with us. ASFA can grant you credit towards your course for units of competency or modules that you have already completed with another RTO or authorised issuing organisation. We can also grant you Credit for subjects or units you have completed where equivalence can be established between the unit or module in your course, and the subject or unit you have completed. There is no charge to apply for Credit.

To apply for Credit, fill in the Credit Application Form and submit it with your Enrolment Form. Make sure you attach certified copies of transcripts from your previous study. For more information or to apply for Credit please refer to our Credit Policy and Procedure.

Payment Options

Fees for ASFA courses must be paid upon enrolment. Payment options include:

• Credit card – Include credit card details on the Enrolment Form (surcharges apply)
• Direct Deposit – Submit a remittance advice to facilitate payment. Email the remittance advice to ASFA using the email address that appears on the form
• Invoice – A request for an invoice can be made to arrange payment. Please send through the appropriate contact email address to facilitate the payment process.

Additional Fees and Charges

*all administration fees are exclusive of GST

Code of Conduct

Student’s Rights

All students have the right to:

• Be treated fairly and with respect by all students and staff.
• Learn in a supportive environment which is free from harassment, discrimination and victimisation.
• Learn in a healthy and safe environment where the risks to personal health and safety are minimised.
• Have their personal details and records kept private and secure according to our Privacy Policy and Procedure.
• Access the information ASFA holds about them.
• Have their complaints and appeals dealt with fairly, promptly, confidentially and without retribution.
• Make appeals about procedural and assessment decisions.
• Receive training, assessment and support services that meet their individual needs.
• Be given clear and accurate information about their course, training and assessment arrangements and progress.
• Access the support they need to effectively participate in their training program.
• Provide feedback to ASFA on the client services, training, assessment and support services they receive.

Student’s Responsibilities

All students, throughout their training and involvement with ASFA, are expected to:

• Treat all people with fairness and respect and not do anything that could offend, embarrass or threaten others.
• Not harass, victimise, discriminate against or disrupt others.
• Treat all others and their property with respect.
• Respect the opinions and backgrounds of others.
• Follow all safety policies and procedures as directed by staff.
• Report any perceived safety risks as they become known.
• Not bring into any premises being used for training purposes, any articles or items that may threaten the safety of self or others.
• Notify us if any of their personal or contact details change.
• Provide relevant and accurate information to ASFA in a timely manner.
• Approach their course with due personal commitment and integrity.
• Complete all assessment tasks and learning activities honestly and without plagiarism, cheating, collusion or infringing on copyright laws.
• Hand in all assessment tasks and other evidence of their work by their due date.
• Make regular contact with ASFA via their Trainer/Assessor or Student Services.
• Prepare appropriately for all assessment tasks, workplace visits (if applicable) and workshops.
• Notify ASFA if any difficulties arise as part of their involvement in the program.
• Notify ASFA if they are unable to attend a workshop for any reason at least 5 business days prior to the commencement of the activity.
• Ensure all required course fees are paid.

Logging in to the ASFA Learning Hub

1. Go to the ASFA Learning Hub
2. Insert your ASFA account details:
   ASFA ID: Student number
   Password: ASFA Student Password (check your confirmation letter)
3. Click on the Login button.
4. Click on your course subject (e.g. ASFA Insurance)

If you are having trouble accessing the ASFA Learning Hub there are three possible reasons:

1. Please ensure you are logging into the correct section of the ASFA website as per the above.
2. Once all assessments have been completed, the system will recognise you have completed the course and will automatically disable your access.
3. You have completed the course or your have reached your course deadline date.

If you need assistance with your login details or the ASFA Learning Hub, contact ASFA Learning Student Services.

Support provided to all students studying with ASFA

• Interaction with trainers and fellow students via the online forum within the ASFA Learning Hub
• Access to self-paced course materials online
• Student Advisors available from 9am – 5pm, Mon-Fri
• Comprehensive support from trainers via phone and email on request

Individual Support Needs

The following is a guide to the additional support that ASFA Learning can provide if you have an individual support need. Please note this is a guide only and if you have an individual support need request you should contact Student Services to discuss your needs or refer to ASFA’s Access, Equity and Support Policy and Procedure or Student Handbook for more information.

Reasonable Adjustment

Reasonable adjustment means a modification made to the learning environment, training or assessment methods used to enable students with a disability to access and participate in training on the same basis as those without a disability.

Whilst the possibilities of reasonable adjustments are considerable and will always be based on your individual needs, below are some examples of reasonable adjustments that can assist you to meet the course requirements if you have a disability.

Withdrawal

If you wish to withdraw from your course you are required to fill in a Withdrawal Form and email it to learning@superannuation.asn.au. If your employer has paid for your course and you resign or are terminated from employment, your employer can provide a Withdrawal Form on your behalf.

Where fees have been paid, you or your employer may wish to apply for a refund if special circumstances apply by using the Application for a Refund Form following our Fees and Refunds Policy & Procedure. It is recommended that you discuss continuation of your studies with your employer before you departure if they have paid for your course and you wish to continue.

Extensions

You may request a once-only extension of up to two weeks free of charge if you are experiencing difficulty or hardship in completing your studies due to:

• Medical or compassionate grounds
• ASFA not fulfilling its service obligations
• Extreme emergencies/circumstances.

You may also purchase additional extension time if required as per ASFA’s Fees and Refunds Policy and Procedure.

Requests for extension must be made in writing to learning@superannuation.asn.au prior to your original completion date expiring and the reason(s) for the extension must be stated and you must provide supporting documentation to support your request e.g. medical certificate.

Deferrals

You can defer studies for a maximum of up to 12 months on the grounds of compassionate or compelling circumstances such as:

• Medical circumstances: where your medical condition has changed significantly since enrolling in the course
• Family/personal circumstances: death or severe medical problems within your family, or unforeseen family financial difficulties
• Major political upheaval or natural disaster.

Requests for deferral must be made in writing to learning@superannuation.asn.au and the reason(s) for the deferral must be stated, together with supporting evidence.

Certificate Issuance

On successful completion of your course, payment of all relevant fees and a verified Unique Student Identifier (USI) on file, we will issue you with a Testamur and record of results within 30 days. The record of results will show the units of competency achieved in the course and corresponding results.

If you withdraw, complete a short course or partially complete a qualification, a Statement of Attainment will be issued within 30 days of withdrawal as long as all relevant fees have been paid.

ASFA reserves the right to with-hold the issuance of Testamurs and Statements of Attainment until all fees related to the course have been paid, except where ASFA is not permitted to do so by law.

ASFA must have your valid USI on file to be able to issue your Testamur or Statement of Attainment.

Records of qualification and unit of competency achievement are kept securely on record by ASFA for a period of at least 30 years.

A certificate is treated the same as a legal document. If any amendments are required, a letter and the original incorrect document must be returned to learning@superannuation.asn.au.

For a change in name due to marriage or deed poll, a change of name document or marriage license – whichever is applicable – is necessary.

Re-issuance of Certification Documents

You can request a replacement copy of any certification document issued by ASFA at any time for an additional charge of $80 by completing the Reissue of Certificate Request Form and emailing it to learning@superannuation.asn.au.

Feedback

Your feedback is important to us and assists in ensuring that our services meet your needs. We use feedback from students and employers to contribute to our continuous improvement processes so we are always striving to do better.

ASFA collects and analyses feedback from learners, employers and industry representatives and has a quality management system in place to ensure ongoing and continuous improvement of the services it provides. Feedback surveys are circulated at the end of each workshop and also on completion of a course. We also welcome feedback from you at any time by email and phone or by completing our Suggestion for Improvement Form.

Complaints and Appeals

ASFA supports and encourages open communication and is committed to developing a procedurally fair complaints and appeals process that is carried out free from bias, following the principles of natural justice. If you wish to lodge a complaint you can do so in writing by contacting Student Services or completing the Complaints and Appeals Form as per our Complaints and Appeals Policy and Procedure.