If somebody gets a lower score than the course profile are they still allowed to do the course?

There will be times when a candidate's questionnaire results will have one or more areas lower than those identified in the selected course profile. This does not necessarily mean that they cannot undertake the training.

The skills levels identified via the Course Profile creation process is based on the content of a single or multiple units of competency (as listed on training.gov.au). These specify the skills and knowledge required to carry out the tasks at the end of training, in order to be deemed competent - not the skills needed to enter training.

While particularly low candidate scores (in relation to the course profile) might indicate that a learner would struggle with the training, appropriate supports may also enable that learner to successfully engage with and complete the course and gain the relevant skills by the end.

You may decide to offer the learner a different pathway, e.g., starting with a lower-level qualification and working their way up, or an intensive support strategy. All of these options should be discussed openly with the learner to decide what the best course of action is. You can refer to the results and reports generated by the system when giving advice to the learner.

In the end, it is up to the training provider and the learner to come to a decision together about how to proceed with training.

Training provider policies and procedures will likely detail the steps to take in determining the appropriate supports and processes to follow given the learner's results and intended course.

In summary:

The DigComp levels identified in a Course Profile shouldn't be seen or used as an entry requirement but instead allows the learner and training provider/RTO to identify where there may be areas of support or concern. It allows learners to make informed decisions prior to enrolment on whether it's the most suitable qualification or pathway for them and assists the RTO in planning the support they may be able to offer the learner throughout their studies.