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Accessing the VDS Developer Portal

Last updated: 25/08/2026

The VDS Developer Portal has technical resources to assist student management system (SMS) suppliers and registered training organisations (RTOs) that use an in-house developed SMS to connect to VET Data Streamlining APIs, and in building and integrating their software applications into the Student Training Activity Reporting System (STARS). 

Please note: There is no longer a requirement to register for access to the VDS Developer Portal. You can access the Developer Portal directly here.


SMS readiness to connect

Connecting to the STARS Client Integration Environment (sandbox)

The STARS Client Integration Environment is a test environment that allows SMS suppliers to test their API integrations.

This environment is a non-production sandbox intended for development and testing only. 

To connect to the STARS Client Integration Environment, SMS suppliers will need to set up machine-to-machine (M2M) credentials. Guidance on how to set up machine-to-machine credentials can be found on the getting connected page of the VDS Developer Portal, including advice on how to create your self-signed certificate. This action is typically completed by a developer or technical team member.