Accreditation Process

The process is the same for every applicant. You are told at each stage what is expected, and what happens next.

The six stages

1. Inquiry

   You tell HCDE about your institution, training center or program and what you want accredited. HCDE explains the standards, the route and the fee structure, and says whether you appear eligible.

   You provide: a short description of the organisation and of what you want accredited. HCDE provides: information and a recommendation on the route.

2. Application

   You submit the application with the supporting documents: legal status, ownership, authorisation to operate, and a description of the programs and delivery model. HCDE checks it for completeness and confirms the scope of the review and the fees.

   You provide: the application and documents; the Application Checklist lists them. HCDE provides: written confirmation that the application is accepted, and the scope.

3. Self-Study

   You assess yourself against each of the eight standards, with evidence. A good self-study names weaknesses and says what you will do about them.

   You provide: the self-study and the evidence it refers to; the Self-Study Guide explains how. HCDE provides: the template and answers to questions.

4. Review

   A review team, free of conflicts of interest, examines the self-study and the evidence. It may ask for more, meet staff and learners, and test samples of records. It reports its findings against each standard, and you see the report and can respond to it.

   You provide: access to evidence and people. HCDE provides: a draft report for your comment before it goes to the committee.

5. Decision

   The Accreditation Committee considers the report and your response and decides. The decision is sent in writing with its reasons, and, if accreditation is granted, a certificate and a registry entry are issued. The possible decisions are on the Decisions and Status page.

   You can appeal. See Appeals and Complaints.

6. Annual Monitoring

   Each year an accredited body sends HCDE a short annual report. HCDE reviews it, follows up on any recommendations or conditions, and records any change in status. Significant changes must be reported when they happen.

   See Annual Review.

Timing

How long each stage takes depends on the size and scope of the review and on how quickly evidence is ready. HCDE gives each applicant an indicative timetable when the application is accepted and tells them if it changes.

Ready to start?

Start an application or inquiry