NRT and AQF Logo Requirements: What Every RTO Needs to Know
Key takeaways
- 1The NRT logo is mandatory on all AQF qualifications, Statements of Attainment and AQTF-compliant certificates
- 2Neither logo can be used on corporate stationery, business cards, building signage or marketing products like pens and mouse pads
- 3NRT logo colours are strictly PMS 343 (green) and PMS 192 (red); AQF uses PMS 144C, 3272C and 258C
- 4RTOs can only use logos for training within their scope of registration—not all accredited training
- 5Promotional materials must clearly distinguish between nationally recognised and non-recognised training
Table of contents
- What are the NRT and AQF logos?
- Who can use the NRT logo?
- When must the NRT logo be used?
- When can the AQF logo be used?
- Where you cannot use these logos
- Colour and format specifications
- Common compliance issues
- Official resources
Using the NRT and AQF logos correctly is a compliance requirement for RTOs. Misuse can lead to regulatory concerns and, in serious cases, may be considered misleading conduct. This guide explains when, where and how to use each logo based on the official conditions of use.
What are the NRT and AQF logos?
The NRT logo
The Nationally Recognised Training (NRT) logo is a distinguishable mark of quality for promoting and certifying national vocational education and training leading to AQF qualifications or Statements of Attainment.
The logo consists of both the triangular shape and the descriptor "Nationally Recognised Training". The triangle must never be used without the descriptor.
The AQF logo
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) logo is a distinguishable mark of quality for identifying and promoting AQF qualifications as specified in the AQF.
The AQF logo consists of both the circular/arrows shape and the words "Australian Qualifications Framework". It must be set in the typeface Gill Sans Light or Gill Sans Regular.
Who can use the NRT logo?
The NRT logo can only be used by:
- Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) registered with ASQA or a state/territory registering body
- ASQA (the Australian Skills Quality Authority)
- State and Territory registering/course accrediting bodies
- Other authorised bodies
Key restriction
An RTO can only use the NRT logo for training that is within their scope of registration. The logo cannot be used for training that is accredited but falls outside the RTO's scope.
When must the NRT logo be used?
The NRT logo must be depicted on:
| Document type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| AQF qualifications | Required |
| Statements of Attainment | Required |
| Certificates relating to AQTF-compliant courses | Required |
These documents can only be issued when the training delivered is covered by the RTO's scope of registration.
When can the NRT logo be used optionally?
RTOs may use the NRT logo in:
- Advertisements and promotional materials (print, television, radio, banners, internet)
- Student information (brochures, course handbooks, prospectuses)
However, there are important conditions:
- The training must be within the RTO's scope of registration
- There must be a direct relationship to an accredited AQF-aligned course or Training Package qualification
- The promotional material must clearly distinguish between nationally recognised training and training that is not nationally recognised
When can the AQF logo be used?
Authorised use without prior approval
Authorised issuing organisations and accrediting authorities may use the AQF logo without prior Department approval on:
- Testamurs and graduation statements for AQF qualifications
- Student information about AQF qualifications they are authorised to offer
- Advertising and promotional material for AQF qualifications within their authority
Alternative to the logo on testamurs
Either the AQF logo or the words "The qualification is recognised within the Australian Qualifications Framework" must be used on testamurs or graduation statements for all AQF qualifications.
When approval is required
Other organisations may use the AQF logo in certain circumstances but must obtain prior approval from the Department of Education, Skills and Employment. This includes use in:
- Media and advertisements
- Press releases and articles
- Promotional information related to AQF qualifications
Where you cannot use these logos
NRT logo prohibited uses
The NRT logo must not be used on:
| Item | Permitted? |
|---|---|
| Corporate stationery | ❌ No |
| Business cards | ❌ No |
| Building signage | ❌ No |
| Mouse pads, pens, satchels | ❌ No |
| Product packaging | ❌ No |
| Learning resources supporting training | ❌ No |
| Transcripts of results | ❌ No |
AQF logo prohibited uses
The AQF logo must not be used on:
| Item | Permitted? |
|---|---|
| Records of results | ❌ No |
| Statements of attainment | ❌ No |
| Testamurs for non-AQF qualifications | ❌ No |
| Corporate stationery (letterhead, business cards) | ❌ No |
| Building or corporate signage | ❌ No |
| Marketing products (mouse pads, pens, satchels) | ❌ No |
| Product packaging | ❌ No |
| Educational resources used for teaching and learning | ❌ No |
Colour and format specifications
NRT logo colours
When reproduced in colour, the NRT logo must use only:
| Colour | Pantone Code |
|---|---|
| Green | PMS 343 |
| Red | PMS 192 |
Deviation from these colours is not permitted. Colours must not be swapped around or stippled.
One-colour reproduction: Preferably in Green PMS 343, or black where green is not suitable. The black logo may be reversed out to white on dark backgrounds.
AQF logo colours
The AQF logo must always appear in:
| Format | Colours |
|---|---|
| Full colour | Pantone PMS 144C, 3272C, 258C |
| Black and white | Black C and white |
| Reversed | Reversed out of black |
Format requirements for both logos
| Requirement | NRT | AQF |
|---|---|---|
| Proportions | Must not be varied | Must not be varied |
| Mirror image | Not permitted | Not permitted |
| Rotation | Not permitted | Not permitted |
| Clear space | Designer's discretion | Minimum 10mm on all sides |
| Typeface | Fritz Quadrata (never substitute) | Gill Sans Light or Regular |
Common compliance issues
Issue 1: Using logos on corporate materials
Many RTOs mistakenly place the NRT or AQF logo on letterheads, business cards or building signage. This is explicitly prohibited and should be removed.
Issue 2: Using logos for non-recognised training
When an RTO offers both nationally recognised and non-recognised training, promotional materials must clearly distinguish which courses carry national recognition. The logos cannot be used in a way that implies all training is nationally recognised if this is not the case.
Issue 3: Using logos outside scope of registration
An RTO cannot use the NRT logo for courses that are nationally accredited but fall outside their specific scope of registration. Even if the course exists, the RTO must be registered to deliver it before using the logo in association with that course.
Issue 4: Incorrect colour reproduction
Using approximations of the official colours, or using colour schemes that don't match the Pantone specifications, is not permitted. Logos must be reproduced from official electronic copies obtained from ASQA or the relevant state/territory registering body.
Issue 5: Missing the NRT logo on required documents
The NRT logo is mandatory on all AQF qualifications, Statements of Attainment and certificates for AQTF-compliant courses. Omitting the logo from these documents is a compliance issue.
Where to obtain the logos
NRT logo
Contact ASQA or the State or Territory registering body where your organisation is registered to obtain hard or electronic copies of the NRT logo.
AQF logo
The AQF logo can only be reproduced from electronic copies available from the AQF website.
Official resources
- AQF Logo Conditions of Use – Australian Government Department of Education
- NRT Logo Specifications – ASQA
- Standards for NVR Registered Training Organisations 2025 – Includes marketing and advertising requirements
Related reading
For more information on compliance marketing and audit readiness:
- RTO Audit Preparation Checklist
- How to Prepare for an ASQA Audit
- ComplyHub vs SharePoint for RTO Compliance
Need help with compliance documentation?
Ensuring your marketing materials and certificates meet regulatory requirements is essential for audit readiness. Book a Clarity Call to discuss your compliance documentation needs.
FAQs
Can I use the NRT logo on my RTO's website?
Yes, but only in association with nationally recognised training within your scope of registration. The logo must not appear in a way that suggests all training you offer is nationally recognised if some is not.
Do I need approval to use the AQF logo on testamurs?
No. Authorised issuing organisations do not need prior approval to use the AQF logo on testamurs for AQF qualifications, provided they follow the standards for reproduction.
Can I put the NRT logo on my training resources?
No. The NRT logo must not be used on learning resources that support training delivery, such as learner guides or workbooks.
What if I want to use the AQF logo for a conference presentation?
Other organisations must obtain prior approval from the Department of Education, Skills and Employment for uses not covered in the standard permissions. Submit a request form available on the AQF website.
Is there a minimum size for the logos?
There is no minimum size specified, but the proportions must remain consistent. For the AQF logo, a minimum clear space of 10mm on all sides is required. The logos must remain legible at whatever size they are reproduced.
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