When researching food safety courses online, it’s natural for students to compare providers.
One thing you’ll quickly notice is this:
Some online RTOs require video evidence for practical assessment — and some don’t.
At first glance, the “no video required” option may look faster, easier, or more convenient.
But here’s the truth most students never hear:
If an RTO does not require you to demonstrate performance evidence through direct observation, your certificate may not meet national assessment standards — and may not hold up under audit.
This article explains the risks, the red flags, and how to choose a provider that protects the value of your qualification.
Why Some online RTOs Appear to Skip Video Evidence — And Why It’s a Problem
National food safety units — including SITXFSA005 and SITXFSA006 or SIRRFSA001 — require students to demonstrate practical skills in a real or suitable food preparation environment.
This is known as performance evidence, and it is a mandatory requirement for all nationally recognised food safety training.
Some RTOs attempt to simplify or shorten assessment by:
- Replacing observation with self-declaration forms
- Allowing students to nominate a “supervisor” to sign off tasks
- Accepting photos instead of full task demonstrations
- Relying primarily on multiple-choice quizzes
These approaches may feel easier for students, but they may not meet ASQA’s Rules of Evidence or the assessment requirements outlined on training.gov.au.
When assessment is not compliant, the certificate is not secure.
The Rule Students Rarely Hear About: Authenticity
Under ASQA’s Rules of Evidence, assessors must be satisfied that evidence is:
- Valid
- Sufficient
- Authentic
- Current
Of these, authenticity is the key reason video evidence is required for online assessment.
- A video shows you performing the tasks
- A signed supervisor form does not
- A ticked checklist does not
- A family member “observing” you does not
If it cannot be clearly proven that the work is your own, the assessment may be deemed invalid.
This is why reputable RTOs — and all face-to-face training — rely on direct observation.
Online delivery simply replaces in-person observation with video-based observation. It does not remove the requirement.
To better understand performance evidence, read:
🔗 What Is Performance Evidence in Food Safety Training (And Why It Protects Your Certificate)
The Hidden Risks of Choosing a Non-Compliant RTO
Many students choose a “no video” RTO with good intentions — to finish faster, fit training around life, or avoid being on camera.
What they don’t realise is that the easy option today can create serious problems later.
Risk 1: Your Certificate May Be Rejected by Employers
Employers in hospitality, childcare, aged care, and council-regulated businesses are increasingly strict about training quality.
Many now ask:
- Were you observed performing the tasks?
- Can evidence of assessment be provided?
- How did the RTO assess your competency?
If compliant evidence cannot be supplied, you may be required to redo your training.
Risk 2: Problems During Council or Food Authority Audits
During inspections, auditors may question the issuing RTO and how competency was assessed.
If the certificate does not meet national standards, the business may face:
- Improvement notices
- Fines
- Additional training requirements
- Reputational damage
Risk 3: ASQA Regulatory Action
ASQA regularly takes action against RTOs that fail to collect valid assessment evidence.
This has included:
- Requiring re-assessment
- Cancelling issued qualifications
- Deregistering the RTO
If an RTO is found non-compliant, student certificates may be invalidated — even after completion.
For a deeper look at assessment locations and compliance, read:
🔗 Why Food Safety Assessments Must Be Completed in a Real or Suitable Food Preparation Area
Risk 4: You May End Up Paying Twice
If your certificate is rejected or cancelled, you may need to enrol again, complete assessment again, and pay again.
The “cheap” option often becomes the most expensive.
❓ FAQ: What happens if an RTO doesn’t assess properly?
❓ FAQ: Why does AIA require video evidence when others don’t?
How to Spot a possible Non-Compliant RTO
Red flags to watch for include:
- “No video or practical assessment required”
- Supervisor or third-party sign-off accepted only
- Told to use a family member or friend to sign off on your observation assessment
- Assessment completed solely through quizzes
- Assessment allowed anywhere (home kitchen, office etc)
- Instant or guaranteed certificates
Real assessment takes time. Instant approval signals a compliance issue.
Why Choosing a Compliant RTO Protects You
A compliant RTO ensures your certificate:
- Meets national food safety competency standards
- Is based on valid and authentic assessment
- Is defensible during audits
- Is accepted by employers
- Will not be cancelled due to non-compliance
Choosing the right training provider protects your career — not just your completion date.
To compare online and face-to-face assessment, read:
🔗 Online vs Face-to-Face Food Safety Training: What’s the Actual Difference in Assessment?
Why AIA Requires Video Evidence — And Why It Benefits You
AIA requires authentic video evidence because:
- It meets national training requirements
- It confirms your skills are real and current
- It protects long-term certificate validity
- It builds employer confidence
- It avoids compliance issues or re-assessment later
We are the next best thing to face-to-face training — flexible, online, and fully compliant.
Your qualification is worth doing properly.
Final Thought: The Easy Option Today Can Become the Hard Problem Tomorrow
Before enrolling with an RTO that does not require video evidence, ask yourself:
Will this certificate still protect me in a year — or during an audit?
Choosing a compliant RTO now prevents:
- Invalid certificates
- Wasted time
- Additional expenses
- Employment issues
- Regulatory problems
The right training partner protects your skills, credibility, and career.
Training delivered by Australian Institute of Accreditation (RTO 45009).
Upon successful completion, learners receive a Nationally Recognised Statement of Attainment for the units listed above. For details about fees, assessment requirements, and learner support, visit our website https://b-t.website/