Accreditation Standards

The standards are published in full so that an institution can prepare honestly, and so that the public can see what an HCDE accreditation is measured against.

Mission and Governance

A clear mission, accountable governance and transparent ownership.

Read the standard 02

Academic Integrity

Honest admissions, fair assessment and real protection against misconduct.

Read the standard 03

Programs and Learning Outcomes

Programs with defined outcomes, level and credit that mean what they say.

Read the standard 04

Faculty and Instructors

Qualified teaching staff who are supported, supervised and evaluated.

Read the standard 05

Learner Support

Guidance, access and fair treatment from first enquiry to completion.

Read the standard 06

Technology and Delivery

Reliable platforms, protected data and accessible online delivery.

Read the standard 07

Assessment and Records

Secure assessment, and accurate records of achievement that can be verified.

Read the standard 08

Continuous Improvement

Evidence-led review, with a plan that changes what needs changing.

Read the standard

How the standards are used

By applicants to prepare the self-study and to find gaps before the review.
By reviewers to structure their examination of the evidence and to write their findings.
By the Accreditation Committee to judge whether the standards are met.
By the public to understand what an accreditation does, and does not, say.

Scale and scope

The standards apply to every applicant, but a review is proportionate. What counts as enough evidence for a small training provider differs from what a multi-program institution would be expected to show. Where a standard does not apply to an applicant's kind of provision, the review report says so and why.

The Standards Handbook summarises all eight on one page. The Self-Study Guide shows how to prepare your evidence.