VET Data System Readiness self-assessment
Before connecting to STARS Production for Stage 1, SMS suppliers (including Training Organisations operating in-house systems) should confirm that their product can meet the requirements of a VET Data System and support VET Information Standard (VET IS) reporting through STARS. The readiness self-assessment establishes a baseline set of capabilities that suppliers should be able to demonstrate before onboarding customers to STARS. By completing the assessment, suppliers declare that their product can successfully integrate with STARS and support the submission and management of VET IS-compliant data.
The readiness self-assessment is a supplier declaration and is not tested, verified, or endorsed by the National VET Data System Operator. Acknowledgement of a self-assessment does not constitute approval of an SMS product, or any representation regarding its capability, suitability, or security.
Readiness capabilities
View the baseline capabilities of a ready VET Data System
Assessment scope
The readiness self-assessment outlines a recommended minimum set of capabilities that an SMS product should support to be considered ready use by a Training Organisation. These capabilities are aligned to the five core business outcomes enabled by STARS, complemented by key enabling capabilities required for successful integration. The self-assessment focuses on outcomes, rather than prescribing specific test cases or providing test data, as suppliers are free to deliver the functionality in a way that best suits their product architecture and customer needs.
The capabilities included in the assessment are not intended to be exhaustive. They focus specifically on the functionality required to integrate effectively with STARS and support VET IS reporting. Broader product features, user experience considerations, and non-functional requirements remain the prerogative of the SMS supplier.
Supplier responsibility
SMS suppliers remain solely responsible for the design, development, testing, operation, security, and performance of their products, including their ability to support VET IS reporting through STARS and meet the needs of their customers. Completed self-assessments should be submitted to the VDS Program to advise of an SMS product's readiness to connect to STARS in Production. However, the VDS Program will not independently verify or certify the readiness of SMS products, nor will it assess the adequacy of a supplier's testing activities.
The VDS Program will be available throughout the transition period to support suppliers with enquiries and issues as they build and test their systems, but will not directly undertake any testing or validation of SMS products.
Multiple Products
If your organisation develops or supports multiple SMS products, a separate readiness self-assessment may be required for each product, particularly where the products have different architectures, integrations, or STARS-related capabilities.
Ready to connect?
Visit the VET Information Standard website to submit your readiness self-assessment
Completing the readiness self-assessment
SMS suppliers are expected to develop and test their solutions in accordance with the technical specifications, API standards, and integration requirements published on the VDS Developer Portal. Once they have developed and tested the required technical functions and integrations, suppliers should review their products against the STARS readiness capabilities to confirm they are satisfied their solution sufficiently meets all criteria to support connection to STARS Production. Where gaps are identified, suppliers should continue to refine, test, and validate their solution before completing their readiness self-assessment.
When a supplier is satisfied their solution meets all readiness capabilities, they should complete the form available on the VET IS website. By submitting the form, the supplier is declaring that their product meets the published readiness capabilities and is prepared to support STARS onboarding activities. NCVER will acknowledge receipt of a completed self-assessment and the SMS supplier can then commence supporting ready Training Organisations to transition to VET IS reporting through STARS.
Disclaimer
The National VET Data System Operator may amend, replace, or withdraw the readiness self-assessment, or associated guidance, from time to time. SMS suppliers are responsible for ensuring that their products continue to meet applicable STARS integration requirements and remain capable of supporting VET IS reporting. Where practicable, the National VET Data System Operator will communicate changes to the VET sector.
To the extent permitted by law, the Commonwealth and National VET Data System Operator accept no liability for any loss, damage, cost, or expense arising from reliance on the readiness self-assessment or any declaration submitted by an SMS supplier. Nothing in this readiness self-assessment limits, alters, or replaces any legal obligations that may apply to SMS suppliers or Training Organisations. To the extent of any inconsistency between this guidance and applicable legislation, regulations, standards, or other legal requirements, those legal requirements will prevail. This readiness self-assessment does not constitute legal or technical advice. SMS suppliers and Training Organisations should seek their own independent advice, if required, regarding compliance with applicable laws, regulations, standards, and operational requirements.
Responsibility for the submission of complete and accurate VET IS data remains with the relevant Training Organisation. Training Organisations should undertake their own due diligence when selecting and using an SMS product, including assessing whether the product meets their operational requirements and supports their intended interaction with STARS.