Application Process

Applying for Accredited Provider status gives organizations the opportunity to benchmark their operations against the ANSI/IACET Standard. You’ll get the opportunity to internally evaluate and find opportunities to strengthen every aspect of your continuing education and training operations, from learning needs and outcomes to control systems to assessment criteria.

Preparing an AP application is a highly involved and detailed process, and applicants should allocate time and resources accordingly. IACET provides a range of support to guide you along the way, including webinars and workshops. You can also access the resources used in the Standard’s development, as well as insights from experts and your peers through IACET’s monthly AP Application Assistance webinars.

IACET has made the application process as easy as possible with our online accreditation system. Once you login to iacet.org portal, click on My Accreditation to expand the menu and then choose the Application submenu item on the left as is shown in the illustration below.  You can then begin completing the online application steps starting with the Prerequisites Section. After you have purchased the Standard for the first time, all future fees can be paid through this system.

If you have any issues with our intuitive online system, contact us. Check our FAQs page too.

IACET Commission reviews the organization’s application to determines if its policies and processes are compliant with the ANSI/IACET Standard. The entire application process from receipt of application to final accreditation determination typically takes about three to four months, depending on how much, if any, additional information is requested from the applicant and the scheduling of the accreditation interview. After the initial review of the application which takes about four weeks, the Commission will either approve the applicant for an accreditation interview or request additional information.

If the Commission approves the application for an accreditation interview, the next step towards IACET AP status is a verification of the accuracy of the information provided in the application during a virtual meeting between the Site Reviewer and the organization's primary contact. The interview is a required part of the application process.

After the accreditation interview, the Commission Site Reviewer will make a recommendation to the Commission Lead Reviewer to either approve or deny the applicant. If the applicant is approved, they will be notified by IACET staff. If the applicant is denied—either in the initial review stage following multiple review cycles or after the accreditation interview—they will receive a letter from the Commission Chair notifying them of the decision and advising them of possible next steps.

If the IACET Commission denies or withdraws approval or puts an applicant on probation, the applicant can appeal the decision. A request for reconsideration must be made in writing and mailed within 30 days of the postmark date on the decision letter. The right to reconsideration will be waived if the request is not received within the 30-day period.

Appeals must show evidence of one of the following:

• The Commission committed an error or violated its procedures
• The Commission made an oversight in its decision-making process
• Matters have arisen in the activity, course or program since the accreditation interview or Commission decision that might now indicate compliance with the Standard