Services
Training Centers and Online Programs
Accreditation for training providers, and recognition for individual distance-learning programs, assessed against the same eight standards and scaled to what is being reviewed.
Many learners meet education through a training provider or a single online program rather than a university. HCDE offers two routes designed for them.
Two routes
Training Center Accreditation
For providers whose main activity is training, courses or short programs. The review covers the center as a provider: governance, instructors, learner support, delivery and records.
Online Program Recognition
For an individual program, or a defined group of programs, delivered mainly or wholly online. The review concentrates on the program's design, teaching, assessment, platform and records.
What is reviewed
Both routes use the HCDE standards. A review is proportionate: a short course provider is not asked for the evidence that a university would need, and a standard that does not apply is recorded as such, with the reason. The areas that usually matter most are:
- Clear information for learners before they enrol, including cost, workload and what the certificate is worth
- Learning outcomes, level and the amount of learning
- Qualified, supported instructors who respond to learners
- Assessment that is secure, fair and matched to the outcomes
- A reliable, accessible platform with protected learner data
- Accurate records and certificates that others can verify
How it works
The stages are the same as for institutions: inquiry, application, self-study, review, decision and annual monitoring. See Accreditation Process.
What you receive
- A written decision with findings against each standard
- If successful, a Training Center Accreditation certificate or an Online Program Recognition certificate, stating the scope and dates
- A public registry entry with a registration number, certificate number and QR verification
- The right to use the HCDE mark within the scope of the certificate
HCDE is a private, independent, non-governmental body. Its accreditation rests on its own published standards and does not constitute governmental recognition. Describe the accreditation accurately and no wider than your certificate.
Questions before you begin?
Write to HCDE and we will explain the route that fits your institution, program or situation.