Practical Scenarios: When to Use Course Ready vs Digital Profiler
TL;DR
The Course Ready questionnaire checks whether a learner can access and participate in online delivery.
The Digital Profiler questionnaire identifies a learner’s digital literacy and capability using DigComp, which can also indicate a learner’s readiness for typical digital tasks found in modern training.
Digital Profiler often replaces Course Ready for qualifications with moderate or higher digital requirements.
Course Ready remains most suitable for short, simple online units with minimal digital expectations.
When RTOs want to compare a learner’s results to a course or identify support needs, they use the analysis and support tools in Digital Robot, not the questionnaire alone.
Why This Matters
RTOs frequently ask:
- “Should we use Course Ready or Digital Profiler?”
- “Is Digital Profiler enough for online delivery?”
- “Which questionnaire is appropriate for which training product?”
This article focuses strictly on the questionnaires, not the broader Digital Robot functionality.
What Each Questionnaire Measures
Course Ready Questionnaire
Focuses on:
- Device access
- Internet reliability
- Ability to log in
- Basic LMS navigation
- Simple digital tasks required in low-complexity online learning
- Past experience with online learning
It provides a basic access and participation check.
It does not completely assess digital literacy or capability.
Digital Profiler Questionnaire
Focuses on:
- Digital literacy using DigComp
- Handling digital information
- Creating or managing digital content
- Using digital communication tools
- Navigating digital platforms
- Solving problems in digital environments
- Safe and responsible digital practice
These areas provide a structured view of a learner’s digital ability, which can also indicate how they may cope with online or blended training environments.
Scenario 1 — Short Online Unit (Low Digital Requirements)
Examples:
A single-unit or micro-credential
A short compliance course delivered mostly online
Recommended questionnaire: Course Ready
Reason:
The learner only needs basic access and simple digital interactions.
Digital Profiler would provide more detail than necessary.
Scenario 2 — Face-to-Face Course with Small Online Components
Example:
HLTAID011 Provide First Aid (online theory only)
Recommended questionnaire: Course Ready
Reason:
The digital requirement is limited to accessing and completing basic theory content.
Scenario 3 — Full Qualification with Moderate Digital Requirements
Example:
CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support
Recommended questionnaire: Digital Profiler
Reason:
Digital Profiler helps the RTO understand whether the learner can manage the digital elements of the qualification, such as completing assessments, handling files and templates, and interacting with digital content.
Course Ready may be added if basic access or device suitability is uncertain.
Scenario 4 — Qualification with Significant Digital Engagement
Example:
BSB30120 Certificate III in Business
Recommended questionnaire: Digital Profiler
Reason:
This training product involves a wide range of digital tasks.
Digital Profiler provides a structured way to consider capability in these areas.
Scenario 5 — Fully Online Qualification
Example:
A qualification delivered entirely online
Recommended questionnaire: Digital Profiler (primary).
Course Ready is optional.
Reason:
Digital Profiler assesses the capability underpinning online learning.
Course Ready is only useful if access (device/internet) is a concern.
Scenario 6 — Learner With Limited Digital Experience Entering a Qualification
Example:
A mature-age learner enrolling in a course with sustained digital interaction.
Recommended questionnaire: Digital Profiler
Reason:
Digital Profiler gives the RTO insight into the learner’s current digital literacy, helping to identify areas where support may be helpful.
Important Clarification
Digital Profiler = the digital literacy assessment inside Digital Robot.
It does not compare the learner to the course by itself.
For course comparison, gap identification, and support recommendations, RTOs use the full Digital Robot system, not the questionnaire alone.
In Summary
- Course Ready is for online access and basic participation checks.
- Digital Profiler is for digital literacy and capability relevant to modern training products.
- Digital Profiler often makes Course Ready unnecessary for qualifications with meaningful digital components.
- Only Digital Robot (not Digital Profiler alone) provides course comparison and support recommendations.