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Questions to ask your SMS supplier

Last updated: 15/07/2026

The transition to the VET Information Standard will require changes to technology, business processes and data collection practices for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs).

Your SMS supplier will play an important role in determining when you can transition. Therefore, now is a good time to begin discussions with your SMS supplier. The following questions can help guide these conversations and support your transition planning.

Engagement and Readiness

  • Have you engaged with the VET Data Streamlining (VDS) program?

  • Are you actively participating in VDS program activities?

  • Are you aware of the VDS Developer Portal and the technical information available there? 

  • Have you visited the VET Information Standard website and seen the SMS transition checklist?

  • Have you developed a roadmap for implementation of the VET Information Standard? 
    If so, can you share key milestones and timelines?

  • How will you support and engage with us (including communicating updates and providing training assistance)?

  • Are you able to support us with establishing our machine-to-machine credentials?

Product Development and Timelines

  • What are your timelines to upgrade our SMS to support the VET Information Standard

  • How will this upgrade impact our current system functionality and integrations? 

  • Do we need to prepare time for a system rollout/transition?

  • Is there anything we should be planning for or doing now to prepare?

Data Management

As part of our transition from AVETMISS to the VET Information Standard, we may need to update existing records to the VET Information Standard. 
 

  • Will our SMS handle this? 
     – Will our SMS enable us to collect and manage VET Information Standard data while we're preparing our final AVETMISS report?

    1. In the future there will be no NAT files. How will our SMS support the export of data in the absence of these files?

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