Accreditation
Fees and Membership
What HCDE charges, how fees are set and how membership relates to accreditation. Fees are kept low and simple, so that careful providers of every size can afford a real review.
Fees pay for the review, not for the result. The fee is the same whatever the outcome, there is no fee per learner, and you are told the exact amount before you commit.
One review fee
Set by the size of what is reviewed, and the same whatever the decision.
Application credited
The small application fee is credited against the review fee.
No hidden charges
No fee per learner, no charge for the mark, no charge for the certificate.
Accreditation review (first accreditation)
One review fee per application, depending on the size of what is reviewed. It covers the self-study review, the review itself (by document and remote meeting, with a visit where needed), the draft report, the committee decision and the certificate.
| Fee | Applies to | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Institutional accreditation: small | Up to 3 programs | 590 |
| Institutional accreditation: standard | 4 to 10 programs | 890 |
| Institutional accreditation: large | 11 or more programs | 1,290 |
| Training center accreditation: small | Up to 5 courses | 390 |
| Training center accreditation: standard | 6 to 15 courses | 590 |
| Training center accreditation: large | 16 or more courses | 790 |
| Online program recognition | One program | 190 |
| Online program recognition: two programs | Two programs in one application | 330 |
| Online program recognition: each further program | Third and later, same application | 120 |
| Business accreditation | One organisation, one training function | 490 |
| Business accreditation: multi-site | More than one site or training function | 790 |
Application
A small fee to open an application. It is credited in full against the review fee once the application is accepted, so it adds nothing to the total.
| Fee | Applies to | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee Credited against the review fee | Every application | 50 |
While you are accredited
Accreditation is kept current through a yearly report. There is no fee per learner and no charge for the HCDE mark.
| Fee | Applies to | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual monitoring: institution | Each year of accreditation | 240 |
| Annual monitoring: training center | Each year of accreditation | 160 |
| Annual monitoring: online program | Per program, each year | 70 |
| Renewal review | At the end of the accreditation period | 60% of the first review fee for the same size |
| Substantive change review | Only when a major change needs review | 150 |
Appeals
An appeal is heard by a panel that took no part in the decision.
| Fee | Applies to | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Appeal fee Refunded in full if the appeal is upheld in whole or in part | Bodies appealing a decision | 250 |
Credential Review (individuals)
A private evaluation service. It is not an official attestation. One fee per report.
| Fee | Applies to | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Document-by-document report | Up to 3 documents | 79 |
| Course-by-course report | One qualification, with the subject and credit detail | 139 |
Membership (optional)
Membership is separate from accreditation and never affects a review or a decision.
| Fee | Applies to | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| HCDE membership A year of membership is credited once against a first review fee | Accredited bodies and applicants, per year | 290 |
Principles
- The outcome is not for sale. The fee is the same whether the decision is to accredit, defer or decline.
- No surprises. HCDE confirms the exact fee in writing when the application is accepted, and says if the scope changes.
- Proportionate. The review fee reflects the size and complexity of what is reviewed, so a small provider is not charged as a large one.
- Separate from advice. HCDE does not sell consultancy to applicants or to bodies it is reviewing.
- Reviewed in the open. The Council approves the fee schedule, and any change is published here before it takes effect.
Membership
Membership is optional and separate from accreditation. An accredited body is not required to join, and joining does not affect a review, a decision or a status. Membership gives access to the member services HCDE offers from time to time, which are described when they are available. A year of membership is credited once against a first review fee for a body that goes on to apply.
If you would like a quotation for your own situation before applying, begin with an inquiry. It carries no commitment.
Questions before you begin?
Write to HCDE and we will explain the route that fits your institution, program or situation.