Independent accreditation standards for professional education and training providers

The standards and review framework of the International Professional Learning Standards Organisation establishes clear, independent benchmarks for professional learning providers and programmes. Through structured evaluation and impartial review, IPLSO ensures that accredited learning meets recognised standards of educational integrity, professional relevance, and responsible delivery across global learning contexts.

The International Professional Learning Standards Organisation (IPLSO) applies independent accreditation standards to professional learning providers, courses, and programmes. Our structured review process evaluates educational quality, professional relevance, assessment integrity, and organisational capability to ensure that accredited learning meets recognised international standards.

Courses are individual learning activities with defined learning outcomes and completion requirements.

Programmes are structured collections of related courses or modules designed to achieve broader professional learning outcomes.

What We Review and Accredit

The International Professional Learning Standards Organisation evaluates professional learning programmes delivered across a wide range of formats, including:

• Short professional courses
• Online learning programmes
• Workshops and masterclasses
• Corporate and organisational training
• Professional development seminars
• Modular and micro-learning programmes

Each provider and course submission is independently evaluated for educational integrity, professional relevance, and responsible delivery.

Professional Learning Standards

All programmes are assessed against IPLSO’s core standards framework.

1. Content Accuracy and Professional Integrity

Learning content must be factually accurate, current, and aligned with recognised professional or industry practices. Materials must demonstrate intellectual honesty, clarity, and reliability.

2. Educational Design and Learning Value

Programmes must show clear learning intent, structured outcomes, and meaningful knowledge or skill development. Content must support real learning rather than promotional or superficial instruction.

The use of artificial intelligence in course development does not change these requirements. Whether learning materials are created by people, developed with AI assistance, or produced using a combination of both, the provider remains responsible for the accuracy, depth, educational value and integrity of the final learning experience.

3. Provider and Facilitator Competence

Training providers and facilitators must demonstrate appropriate qualifications, experience, or professional standing relevant to the subject matter being delivered.

4. Assessment and Learning Evaluation

Where assessments are included, they must be appropriate to the programme level and aligned with stated learning outcomes. Assessment methods must be fair, transparent, and educationally sound.

5. Ethical and Professional Practice

Programmes must be delivered responsibly, with respect for learner wellbeing, inclusivity, transparency, and ethical knowledge transfer.

Benefits of IPLSO Accreditation

Approved providers and programmes benefit from:

• Independent accreditation against international professional learning standards
• Increased credibility with learners, organisations, and employers
• Clear quality differentiation in a crowded education market
• Permission to reference IPLSO accreditation status and display the IPLSO Accreditation Mark
• Optional inclusion in the IPLSO Accreditation Register
• Ongoing quality oversight and structured renewal

The Accreditation Process

All organisations follow a structured, multi-stage review process.

Step 1: Provider Accreditation

Organisations must first be accredited as professional learning providers.

Required submissions include:

• Organisational profile and scope of training
• Mission and educational focus
• Facilitator qualifications or experience
• Internal quality and review practices
• Proof of organisational legitimacy (where applicable)

This step confirms the provider’s credibility and capacity to deliver professional learning.

Step 2: Programme Submission

Accredited providers may submit individual programmes for review.

Submissions must include:

• Programme overview
• Intended learning outcomes
• Complete course content and learning materials
• Facilitator profile
• Assessment design (if applicable)

Step 3: Professional Review

Each programme is evaluated by:

• Subject-matter professionals
• Education and learning-design specialists

Where required, structured feedback is provided for improvement.

Step 4: Quality Assurance and Decision

Programmes are assessed against IPLSO standards and review criteria.
A formal accreditation decision is issued upon successful completion.

Step 5: Accreditation Granted

Approved programmes receive:

• Formal IPLSO Accreditation Certificate
• Authorisation to reference IPLSO accreditation
• The IPLSO Accreditation Mark for approved use
• Optional directory listing

Step 6: Annual Review

Accredited providers and accredited courses and programmes are subject to annual review to ensure continued relevance, accuracy, and compliance with IPLSO standards.

Become an IPLSO-Accredited Professional Learning Provider

The International Professional Learning Standards Organisation works with providers committed to quality, integrity, and meaningful professional education.

IPLSO accreditation provides independent recognition of your commitment to quality, integrity, and professional learning standards.

Apply for Provider Accreditation
Review Accreditation Requirements
Provider Status and Options

Quality Assurance and Review Integrity

The International Professional Learning Standards Organisation applies a structured and impartial quality assurance framework to all provider and programme reviews. This framework ensures that accredited learning meets established professional, educational, and ethical standards.

All submissions are assessed under strict confidentiality to protect intellectual property, preserve review integrity, and ensure objective decision-making free from external influence.

Accreditation is granted solely under the authority of the International Professional Learning Standards Organisation and is issued only where a provider or programme fully satisfies IPLSO’s published standards, review criteria, and quality benchmarks.

Payment of an application or review fee does not guarantee accreditation. Fees cover the evaluation process. Accreditation is granted only when the applicable IPLSO standards have been satisfied.

Where requirements are not met, IPLSO may require corrective action or improvements before accreditation is granted.