With the rollout of the 2025 Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), there is a stronger focus on protecting and supporting learners—starting before they enrol.
One key requirement under Standard 2.2 is that RTOs must assess each learner’s support needs, including their language, literacy, numeracy (LLN) and digital literacy skills—ideally before enrolment. This is a shift from past practice, where many RTOs assessed LLN after training had already started.
eSkilled has developed a series of integrated pre-enrolment courses to help RTOs meet these compliance requirements with confidence and efficiency.
Each course combines LLN and digital literacy assessments in one integrated program, with multiple versions available to suit different learner levels and training entry requirements.
The table below provides an overview of the core ACSF skills and ADCF digital capability levels assessed in each course version.
Learning and Oral Communication
Learning and Oral Communication are not included because they require extended observation, interaction, and progress tracking throughout training.
Learning involves setting goals, using strategies, and reflecting on progress, which are skills that build over time through active engagement in training.
Oral Communication includes speaking and listening, influenced by context, purpose, and real-time interaction, including tone and non-verbal cues.
Reading, Writing, and Numeracy have been included because they can be assessed reliably through short tasks, everyday scenarios, and quiz-style questions. These skills give RTOs a snapshot of whether a learner can follow instructions, complete simple writing tasks, and apply everyday maths in training or workplace contexts.
ACSF Level 5
Reading, Writing, and Numeracy at ACSF Level 5 involve analysing complex information, using specialised vocabulary, applying advanced problem-solving strategies, and producing structured responses across diverse contexts. These are high-level skills suited to academic or professional settings, not typical vocational course entry.
This assessment focuses on practical, work-ready skills at ACSF Levels 1 to 4, which reflect the foundation to mid-level demands of most training programs.
Only 8 out of 21 Digital Capabilities Covered
The Digital Literacy evaluation covers the eight capabilities most relevant to course participation: 1.1, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.4, 3.1, 4.2, and 5.2. They cover essential skills like searching, communicating, collaborating, using devices, and protecting personal data.
Other capabilities were not included because they relate to more advanced or long-term digital skills that aren’t critical at the pre-enrolment stage. For example:
- 2.3 Digital Engagement relates to long-term use of digital government, health, or community services, which is beyond what learners need to demonstrate for successful training engagement.
- 4.1 Protect Devices involves managing device-level security settings, which is typically the responsibility of system administrators or covered in specific IT courses.
Why ADCF Levels 6–8 Are Not Included
ADCF Levels 6–8 cover advanced digital skills like leading others, solving complex technical problems, or designing digital strategies. These levels reflect specialist skills relevant to IT, business, or academic pathways, and not typical course entry requirements in the VET sector.
The evaluation focuses on Levels 1 to 5, which reflect the everyday digital tasks and practical skills learners need to participate in training and complete course requirements independently.