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Accreditation

The accreditation process

Six stages, from first conversation to a continuing public record.

  1. Inquiry

    You tell us about the institution and the programme. We confirm that it is in scope, which level and route apply, and what the application will need. An inquiry that is out of scope is declined with the reason.

  2. Application

    You submit the formal application with the programme profile and the supporting documents in the application checklist, and sign the applicant's conflict-of-interest declaration. We acknowledge it and confirm the review route.

  3. Self-assessment

    The institution reviews itself against the seven framework axes and submits its findings with evidence. The self-assessment guide sets out the structure. Candour here counts for more than a perfect picture.

  4. Review

    Independent reviewers, with no interest in the applicant, examine the evidence, ask questions and test what they find against the published standards. They report axis by axis and may ask for further evidence.

  5. Decision

    The Accreditation Committee considers the reviewers' report and the institution's self-assessment, and decides: accredit, accredit with conditions, defer for further evidence, or decline. The decision states its reasons, scope, level, effective date and duration, and is entered in the public registry. A certificate is issued. See Decisions & status.

  6. Annual monitoring

    Each year the institution reports against the commitments in its decision and against axis 07, Continuous Improvement. The Secretariat updates the public record. Material changes to a programme must be reported when they happen.

If you disagree with a decision, you can appeal it. The appeal is heard by a panel separate from the Committee members who took the decision. See Appeals & complaints.

Begin an inquiryApplication checklist