Understanding LLND Requirements as Part of New ASQA Standards in 2025

With the updated ASQA standards that took effect on July 1st, 2025, RTOs across Australia, including those delivering short courses, need to review how they handle Language, Literacy, Numeracy, and Digital (LLND) assessments. Under the new requirements, LLND must be assessed prior to enrolment, not after training has commenced.

This change supports proactive identification of student needs, helping them succeed from the start.

LLND Assessments Now Required Before Enrolment

The new standards require RTOs to identify and support student LLND needs before enrolment is finalised.

This applies to all course providers, including those delivering short courses. Whether you're offering first aid, white card, or RSA training, the same compliance requirements apply.

RTOs can no longer rely on enrolment forms, in-class evaluations, or assumptions based on conversation. A structured, documented LLND process is now required.

How Are RTOs Handling LLN Assessments Right Now?

We recently ran a poll to get a snapshot of how providers are currently managing LLN assessments:

• 64% use a digital LLN tool during pre-enrolment
• 13% rely on paper-based LLN in class
• 15% use the enrolment form to confirm proficiency
• 5% rely on the trainer's judgment during class
• 3% deliver courses they believe don't require LLN

Most RTOs have already shifted to pre-enrolment digital assessments, though others will need to update their processes to meet the 2025 standards.

What This Means for RTOs

Under the new standards, RTOs need a documented LLND assessment process that happens before students enrol, and this applies to all courses regardless of length. RTOs that don't comply will face audit findings and potential sanctions. From an operational perspective, identifying student support needs upfront means less time spent managing struggling students during training and fewer refund requests from students who discover they're in the wrong course.

Why This Matters

Conducting LLND assessment after enrolment creates both compliance and student outcome risks. When RTOs identify support needs early, they can better ensure students are in the right course, provide learning support from the beginning, avoid mismatched expectations or early withdrawals, and approach audits with confidence.

What RTOs Should Do

RTOs should review their current process to check whether LLND is assessed before enrolment and properly documented. If needed, RTOs can update their tools and systems to move to a digital, audit-ready process that covers all LLND domains, not just literacy and numeracy, and applies to all learners including those in short courses.

LLND Tools and Options for RTOs to Consider

If your RTO needs to update its LLND process to meet the 2025 ASQA standards, here are some commonly used options in the market:

1. LLN Robot

A popular digital LLN assessment tool aligned with the ACSF. Offers automated marking, digital reporting, and integration with major student management systems. Available through The Learning Resources Group with multiple packages including VSL-approved assessments.

2. Core Skills Profile for Adults (CSPA)

Developed by ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research), this is a validated assessment tool mapped to the ACSF. Used widely in government-funded programs and required for many foundation skills programs. Features secure online assessments and comprehensive reporting.

3. Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) Australian Edition

A Commonwealth-approved online assessment tool that provides adaptive testing for English and maths skills. Used by many TAFEs and RTOs, particularly for competitive course entry and VET Student Loans eligibility.

4. Free ACSF Assessment Tools

Originally developed by Precision Consultancy with government funding, these validated assessment tasks are now available through Skills Education and other providers. These paper-based tools cover all five core skills and are free to download, though they require experienced LLN practitioners for administration.

5. RTOPilot's Built-In LLND Assessment

RTOs using RTOPilot can now access integrated LLND assessment workflows as part of their student management system. Results are linked to student records and accessible to trainers, with automated compliance tracking.

6. Commercial LLND Assessment Solutions

Several providers offer purpose-built LLND assessment tools specifically designed for the 2025 standards, including options from Compliant Learning Resources and RTO Learning Materials that align with both ACSF and ADCF frameworks.

7. Third-Party Integration Tools

RTOs using learning management systems can explore LLND add-ons or third-party applications that integrate with platforms like Moodle or aXcelerate to streamline the pre-enrolment assessment process.

Next Steps

The 2025 ASQA standards are now in effect, so RTOs need to ensure they have a compliant LLND assessment process before enrolment. The key is choosing a tool that fits budget and student volume, implementing it properly, and documenting the process for auditors.