A review of audiometry qualifications in Australia has begun, the first in nearly 10 years to “address several critical issues facing the industry”.
The Audiometry Qualification Review project will critically evaluate and update the HLT47415 Certificate IV in Audiometry and HLT57415 Diploma of Audiometry qualifications to ensure they reflect technological advancements and align with current industry needs and regulatory requirements.
HumanAbility, the organisation conducting the review, said that since the last update in 2015, rapid technological advancements, evolving professional standards and increasing demand for specialised hearing care services, especially for professionals fitting hearing aids or working as hearing service providers, had emerged as key drivers for change.
Australasian College of Audiometry (AuCA) director Mr Chedy Kalach welcomed the review.
“Industry organisations have been lobbying for a review for at least two years,” he told Hearing Practitioner Australia. “AuCA added its voice to the movement and, during discussions with HumanAbility regarding the review of another course, further championed the hearing industry, giving a final push to include the Diploma and Certificate IV in Audiometry among the first three qualifications to be reviewed.
“The review is now in progress, and we are proud to have played a key role in achieving this outcome, particularly within the first 12 months of our launch. The current training package is 10 years old.”
HumanAbility is a not-for-profit, industry-led organisation, entrusted by the federal government to drive the advancement of education and workforce development in several industries including health and human services.
“The existing structure of the qualifications is outdated, with numerous superseded elective units, reflecting industry concerns about skill inconsistencies and shortages,” it said.
“Project outcomes will result in qualifications better aligned to current industry needs and regulatory requirements, leading to clear and sustainable career pathways to support existing and future growth in the industry.”
A project Technical Committee has been established to provide expert advice with members selected for their expertise relevant to the project’s diverse aspects.
As part of the project overview, HumanAbility undertook functional analysis via 16 employer interviews and a virtual functional analysis workshop.
Stakeholders involved in discussions included the Australian College of Audiology (ACAud inc HAASA), AuCA, Tafe NSW, as well as public and private audiology providers, Indigenous health organisations and research bodies.
Units of competency
From this research and data analysis it developed draft qualifications, skill sets and units of competency for national stakeholder consultations.
Twelve face-to-face and five virtual consultation workshops will take place nationwide in every state and territory from November 2024 to January 2025. These targeted interviews and public workshops will provide valuable perspectives on the project’s purpose.
The next stage in February to March will be finalisation and submission of
final draft materials to the Skills Senior Responsible Officers and addressing feedback before submission to the Skills Ministers for endorsement.
Around March to June endorsement and implementation is planned which involves uploading endorsed qualifications, skill sets and units of competency to the VET National Training Register.
Updating the companion volume to reflect changes to the training package will also occur as will identifying pathways information and mapping information.
Three online professional development workshops will be delivered to highlight the features of the new qualifications, skill sets and units of competency.
Mr Kalach encouraged people working in the industry to attend and give their feedback on the current qualification and needs for the future.
HumanAbility said involvement in the project was important and would:
- provide insight into current and emerging trends within the sector
- identify training and skills needed to meet industry requirements
- identify career pathways and opportunities within the sector
- help to update the qualification to reflect current and future industry practices.
Consultation workshops will be in Perth on 4 November, Adelaide on 6 November, Alice Springs on 8 November, Darwin on 11 November, Cairns on 13 November, Brisbane on 14 November, Newcastle on 25 November, Sydney on 26 November, Albury on 28 November, Melbourne on 2 December, Canberra on 4 December and Hobart on 10 December.
Online consultations will be on 21 November, 12 and 17 December and in 2025, on 15 and 16 January. People can register below to attend a consultation workshop.
Read the Consultation Strategy.
