The Australian Government has rolled out a new system, called the Unique Student Identifier (USI), for tracking records pertaining to Nationally Recognised Training. The system will enable students to find their Vocational Education and Training (VET) achievements from one source, and collate them into a single authenticated transcript. It will also ensure that students’ VET records are not lost.

Effective 1 January 2015, any student undertaking Nationally Recognised Training will need to have registered for a USI.

What is a USI?

The USI itself is a unique reference number, made up of numbers and letters, that gives students access to their USI account. Think of it as a Tax File Number, but for educational training.  All training completed from 1 January 2015 will be electronically recorded against a student’s USI.

It costs nothing to obtain a USI and, once obtained, it remains valid permanently.

How do I register for a USI?

Getting a USI is easy.  By clicking on the link below you can apply online and obtain your USI in about 10 minutes.  It pays to be prepared before commencing study in Nationally Recognised Training with any Registered Training Organisation (RTO), as they will ask you for your USI at the time of enrolment into a course.

http://www.usi.gov.au/create-your-USI/Pages/default.aspx

Before starting the online application process, make certain you have the appropriate identification documents handy, as you will be prompted to provide specific information.  Examples of acceptable identification include a passport, driver’s licence and Medicare card.

What happens if I don’t register for a USI?

If you don’t have a USI prior to taking Nationally Recognised Training, Master Builders will not be able to issue training results upon completion.  This may result in not receiving a Statement of Attainment or Certificate/Diploma until you have provided your USI to Master Builders.

To learn more about the USI, visit  www.usi.gov.au