HLTPAT010 - Refresher vs Re-accreditation Course - What's the difference?
If you work in workplace drug and alcohol testing, you have probably heard the terms “refresher course” and “re-accreditation course” used interchangeably. However, when it comes to the nationally recognised unit Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing HLTPAT010 – Collect specimens for drugs of abuse testing, there is a very important legal and professional distinction between the two.
Understanding this difference is critical for anyone conducting workplace drug and alcohol testing — particularly if test results are ever challenged in a workplace investigation, disciplinary process, Fair Work matter, or Court proceeding.
What is HLTPAT010?
HLTPAT010 – Collect specimens for drugs of abuse testing is a nationally recognised unit of competency that trains collectors to conduct workplace drug and alcohol testing in accordance with Australian Standards including AS/NZS 4308 and AS/NZS 4760.
Successful completion of the course results in the issue of a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
This qualification demonstrates that the collector has been assessed as competent in areas including:
- Urine drug testing procedures
- Oral fluid testing procedures
- Breath alcohol testing
- Chain of custody requirements
- Specimen handling and integrity
- Legally defensible workplace testing procedures
What is a Refresher Course?
A refresher course is generally designed to provide a review or update of existing knowledge and procedures.
Refresher training may cover:
- Changes to Australian Standards
- Updates to workplace procedures
- Collection technique reminders
- Documentation requirements
- Industry best practice
However, a refresher course does not usually involve formal competency reassessment through an RTO and importantly:
A refresher course does NOT issue a new Statement of Attainment.
This means the participant may receive:
- A certificate of attendance
- A participation certificate
- Internal workplace training records
…but they do not receive a new nationally recognised qualification.
While refresher training can still be useful for maintaining knowledge, it is not the same as re-accreditation.
What is Re-Accreditation?
Re-accreditation involves formal reassessment of competency through a Registered Training Organisation.
With a HLTPAT010 re-accreditation course, participants are reassessed to confirm they still meet the competency requirements of the nationally recognised unit.
Upon successful completion:
A NEW Statement of Attainment is issued.
This is a significant distinction.
A current Statement of Attainment demonstrates that the collector has recently been assessed as competent against the nationally recognised standard.
At Onsite Diagnostics, our HLTPAT010 Re-Accreditation Course is specifically designed for qualified collectors who need to maintain current competency and legally defensible collection practices.
Why Does This Matter in a Court of Law?
In workplace drug and alcohol testing, the credibility of the collector can become extremely important if a test result is disputed.
Questions that may arise include:
- Was the collector properly trained?
- Was the collection procedure compliant?
- Was chain of custody maintained correctly?
- Was the collector currently competent?
- Can the testing process withstand legal scrutiny?
A current Statement of Attainment carries substantially greater evidentiary weight than simply stating that a refresher course was attended.
This is because a Statement of Attainment is:
- Nationally recognised
- Issued by an RTO
- Based on formal competency assessment
- Evidence of demonstrated skills and knowledge
In contrast, a refresher course attendance certificate may only demonstrate participation, not competency.
Where workplace drug testing results are challenged, employers, lawyers, courts, unions, and workplace investigators may closely examine the qualifications and currency of the collector who performed the test. Be wary of training organisations offering just a refresher rather than re-accreditation.
The Importance of 'Currency'
Many industries — including mining, transport, construction, aviation, manufacturing, and labour hire — require collectors to maintain current competency through periodic re-accreditation.
Re-accreditation helps ensure collectors remain up to date with:
- Current Australian Standards
- Collection procedures
- Documentation requirements
- Legal defensibility obligations
- Chain of custody protocols
This is particularly important because improper collection procedures can result in test results being challenged or deemed unreliable.
Refresher Training vs Re-Accreditation: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Refresher Course / | Re-Accreditation Course |
| Reviews existing knowledge | Yes | Yes |
| Formal competency assessment | Usually No | Yes |
| Delivered by an RTO | Not always | Yes |
| Nationally recognised outcome | No | Yes |
| Issues new Statement of Attainment | No | Yes |
| Demonstrates current competency | Limited | Strongly |
| Greater evidentiary weight in legal proceedings | Limited | Yes |
Which Option Should You Choose?
If you simply want a general update or toolbox-style review, a refresher course may be sufficient for internal workplace purposes.
However, if you:
- Conduct workplace drug testing professionally
- Work in safety-sensitive industries
- Need evidence of current competency
- Require legally defensible qualifications
- Want to maintain industry credibility
- May need to defend testing procedures in legal proceedings
…then completing a formal HLTPAT010 re-accreditation course and obtaining a new Statement of Attainment is generally the stronger and more professionally recognised option.
Maintain Your Qualification with Onsite Diagnostics
Onsite Diagnostics HLTPAT010 Re-Accreditation Course provides nationally recognised re-accreditation training for qualified workplace drug and alcohol collectors across Australia.
Participants who successfully complete the course receive a new nationally recognised Statement of Attainment for HLTPAT010 – Collect specimens for drugs of abuse testing.
For organisations and collectors committed to maintaining compliant, professional, and legally defensible workplace drug testing practices, re-accreditation remains an essential part of maintaining competency and credibility.
Re-accreditation is recommended every 2 years and takes 5-6 hours to complete the course via Distance Learning. See more details about our re-accreditation option here.