FAQ: Unit Superseded But Equivalent
When a unit is superseded but equivalent, is the RTO required to do anything to transition to the new unit?
In the event that a unit is superseded but deemed equivalent, the RTO needs to review the new unit of competency against the old and identify any gaps in the new unit. These gaps need to be addressees in the training material and assessment activities. Changes to a unit may require changes to the delivery duration, assessment methods and/or resources. Do not be fooled into thinking that “equivalent” means “the same”. The word equivalent means the work related outcome is equivalent but does not provide a guarantee that using the same training material and assessment tools, with a tweak to the title or code will be compliant.
On some occasions the changes are very slight, such as references to new legislation, change in formatting and a change in a unit code. On other occasions there can be significant changes to the unit requirements, changes to performance criteria, additional knowledge evidence, additional performance evidence or changes to the assessment conditions.
So, when a unit is superseded:
Review the new unit against the old
Identify any differences, including additional criteria, changes to criteria and the removal of criteria
Revise the training and assessment materials and ensure they meet the requirements of the most current version of the unit
Confirm you have all required resources in place and the assessment is meeting the requirements of the Assessment Conditions
Review the TAS and ensure it reflects any changes, such as unit code change, or changes to assessment methods or resources.