Accreditation Requirements

Accreditation requirements document and compliance checklist on a professional desk, illustrating CPD accreditation criteria, evaluation processes, and verification standards.

Accreditation Requirements

IPLSO accreditation is awarded only to providers and courses that demonstrate genuine professional quality, ethical practice, meaningful learning outcomes, and effective quality assurance. These requirements are designed to protect learners, support employers, and maintain confidence in the value of IPLSO-accredited learning.

Before applying for IPLSO Accreditation, every provider and every course must meet the minimum standards described below.

These requirements ensure that accredited providers and accredited courses consistently demonstrate professional quality, learner protection, assessment integrity, and industry relevance.

These requirements form part of the IPLSO Professional Learning Accreditation Framework and apply to all providers and courses seeking accreditation.

1. Provider Requirements

Every organisation applying for IPLSO accreditation must demonstrate legitimacy, professional governance, and the capacity to deliver high-quality education or training.

1.1 Legal and Administrative Requirements

Providers must demonstrate the following:

  • A registered business or organisation with valid documentation
  • A clear organisational structure with a designated individual responsible for training quality
  • A professional and current website that accurately reflects the organisation and its courses
  • A valid business email address and reliable communication channels for learner support

1.2 Policies and Governance

Every provider must maintain the following organisational policies. These documents ensure transparent operations, fair assessment practices, learner protection, and consistent training quality.

Quality Management Policy
Describes how the provider maintains training standards and ensures continuous improvement.

Assessment Policy
Outlines the design, administration, and marking of assessments to ensure fairness and alignment with learning outcomes.

Moderation Policy
Explains how assessment results are reviewed and verified for accuracy, consistency, and integrity.

Learner Support Policy
Details support systems available to learners, including communication methods and response time expectations.

Complaints and Appeals Policy
Provides a transparent process for resolving learner complaints and assessment appeals.

Refund Policy
States the conditions, timelines, and procedures under which refunds may or may not be issued.

Copyright and Intellectual Property Policy
Confirms that all course material is original, licensed, or used with documented permission, and outlines how intellectual property is protected.

Data Protection and Privacy Policy
Explains how personal and learner information is collected, stored, and protected in compliance with relevant legislation.

Code of Conduct for Trainers and Assessors
Defines expected professional behaviour, ethical standards, and responsibilities of all individuals delivering or assessing training.

Disciplinary Policy
(or Code of Conduct with Disciplinary Procedures)
Sets out actions and consequences for misconduct, breaches of ethics, academic dishonesty, or policy violations.

A separate policy document is not required if disciplinary procedures are clearly included within the main Code of Conduct.

Health and Safety Policy

Required only for providers offering any form of in-person training.
Ensures safe learning environments and compliance with relevant safety regulations.

Note: Templates may be used when developing policies only if they are appropriately adapted to reflect the organisation’s actual operations. Generic or irrelevant documents will not be accepted.

1.3 Trainer and Assessor Requirements

Providers must demonstrate that staff involved in training and assessment meet the following minimum criteria:

  • Trainers are appropriately qualified in the subject area they teach
  • Trainers can demonstrate relevant practical or professional experience
  • Trainers are competent in their mode of delivery (online, blended, or in-person)
  • Assessors are qualified, objective, and familiar with professional assessment principles

1.4 Organisational Capacity

PProviders must have:

• Systems for managing learner enrolments, progress tracking, and assessment records
• Secure and confidential storage of learner documentation
• The ability to respond to learner queries within reasonable timeframes
• A demonstrated history of delivering training

Providers applying as new organisations must submit a development portfolio showing readiness and course development progress.

2. Course Requirements

Each course submitted for IPLSO accreditation must individually meet all academic, structural, and quality criteria listed below.

2.1 Course Structure

CCourses must include the following and must be submitted in full for accreditation review:

• A clear course title and professional description
• Learning objectives stated in measurable terms
• A defined target audience and any applicable entry requirements
• Stated course duration in hours
• A structured outline of modules or lessons
• The complete course content, including all modules, lessons, activities, and assessments
• Accurate and up-to-date references where applicable

This allows reviewers to evaluate accuracy, depth, instructional quality, and educational relevance.

2.2 Academic and Content Standards

Courses must demonstrate:

• Accuracy and relevance to recognised professional or academic standards
• Freedom from unsupported claims, pseudoscience, or harmful practices
• Content depth appropriate for the stated course duration
• Proper licensing and originality of all included content

2.2.1 Use of AI in Course Development

IPLSO does not prohibit the responsible use of artificial intelligence in course development.

However, the use of AI does not reduce the provider’s responsibility for the quality, accuracy and integrity of the learning submitted for accreditation.

Where AI has been used to assist with course content, learning activities, assessments or other learning materials, the provider remains responsible for ensuring that the final course:

  • is accurate and appropriate for the subject;
  • has sufficient depth for the stated learning outcomes and course duration;
  • does not contain fabricated, misleading or unsupported information;
  • includes appropriate learning activities and practical application where required;
  • uses assessments that genuinely align with the stated learning outcomes; and
  • meets all other applicable IPLSO accreditation requirements.

IPLSO evaluates the completed learning and the evidence supporting it, regardless of the tools used during development.

AI-generated or AI-assisted material will not receive a lower or higher standard of review. Accreditation is awarded only when the final course meets the required IPLSO standards.

2.3 Instructional Quality

Instructional methods must be appropriate for the course and may include video, text, audio, blended, or in-person delivery.

The following elements are expected:

• Clear, structured teaching suitable for the subject
• Activities that support understanding (examples, case studies, reflection, practice tasks)
• Clear instructions throughout the learning process
• Reasonable accessibility considerations for diverse learners

2.4 Assessment Requirements

(Required for all courses claiming more than 2 CPD hours.)

Assessments must:

  • Align with the stated learning objectives
  • Be appropriate to the level and scope of the course
  • Include clear marking guidelines, rubrics, or model answers
  • Provide meaningful feedback to learners

2.5 Evidence of Learning

Courses must provide verifiable evidence that the learner engaged with the material.

Acceptable examples include:

• Quiz completions
• Submission of practical or reflective tasks
• Progress tracking within a learning management system
• Attendance verification for live or in-person sessions

2.6 Instructional Hours vs Total Learning Time

Providers must state the estimated instructional hours and the total learning time required to complete the course.

Instructional hours refer only to structured learning activities such as modules, lessons, readings, or guided instruction.

Total learning time may include:

• instructional learning
• assessments
• applied practice tasks
• reflection or independent study

This distinction ensures transparency regarding the expected workload of the course.

2.7 Certification Standards

Providers must issue certificates that include:

• Learner’s full name
• Course title
• Completion date
• Provider details
• A unique certificate number or verification method

Providers must retain records of issued certificates for a minimum of five years.

2.8 Periodic Quality Reviews

IPLSO conducts periodic quality reviews to ensure that accredited providers continue to meet all required standards of instructional quality, assessment integrity, professional conduct, and compliance with approved organisational policies.

These reviews form part of the IPLSO Quality Assurance Framework and help maintain the credibility of the IPLSO Accreditation Mark.

2.8.1 Review Notification

Providers will receive formal email notification when a periodic quality review is scheduled.

The notification will include:

• the purpose and scope of the review
• required documentation and evidence
• submission deadlines
• secure upload instructions

All communication regarding reviews is conducted by email.

2.8.2 Submission of Evidence

Providers must submit required documentation through the designated secure document upload system.

Email attachments are generally not accepted unless authorised under exceptional circumstances.

Required evidence may include:

• updated course materials
• trainer qualifications and professional records
• assessment instruments and learner evidence
• certificates issued and attendance registers
• learner feedback summaries
• internal quality assurance records
• updated organisational policies

2.8.3 Review Process

IPLSO reviewers may use one or more of the following methods:

• desk-based evaluation of submitted material
• sampling of learner evidence and assessment outcomes
• verification of instructional hours and learning time calculations
• review of internal quality assurance procedures
• requests for clarification or additional evidence

2.8.4 Corrective Actions

If areas of non-compliance or quality concerns are identified, the provider will receive:

  • a written corrective action request
  • details of required improvements
  • instructions for resubmission
  • a timeframe for completion

Failure to comply within the specified timeframe may result in:

  • temporary suspension of accreditation
  • withdrawal of course accreditation
  • withdrawal of provider accreditation

2.8.5 Confirmation of Compliance

Upon successful completion of the review, providers will receive a formal Confirmation of Compliance letter.

This letter will:

• be placed in the provider’s designated Accreditation Communication Folder within the secure document upload system, and
• be accompanied by an email notification informing the provider that the letter is available for download.

This process ensures accurate record-keeping and maintains a clear audit trail for all accreditation-related communication.

The confirmation may include:

• confirmation or update of the provider’s and course’s accreditation status
• recommendations for continuous improvement
• the timeline for the next scheduled review letter will be:

  • placed in the provider’s designated Accreditation Communication Folder within the secure upload system, and
  • accompanied by an email notification informing the provider that the letter is available for download.

This process ensures accurate record-keeping and a clear audit trail for all accreditation-related communication.

The confirmation may include:

  • updated accreditation status
  • recommendations for continuous improvement
  • the timeline for the next scheduled review

The provider is responsible for downloading, reviewing, and retaining all official correspondence placed in their Accreditation Communication Folder.

2.8.6 Cooperation Requirement

Accredited providers must fully cooperate with all IPLSO quality reviews.

Providers are required to supply all requested documentation, evidence, and clarification within the specified review timeframe.

Failure to provide the required information, or failure to engage in the review process, constitutes non-compliance and may affect the provider or course accreditation status.

2.8.7 Review Frequency and Selection

IPLSO conducts periodic reviews using a structured and fair selection process designed to ensure ongoing quality and compliance.

Review Frequency

Annual Review
All accredited providers may be subject to an annual review to verify continued compliance with IPLSO standards.

Mid-Cycle Review (at IPLSO’s discretion)
Additional reviews may be conducted every 6–12 months for providers who:

  • offer a large portfolio of accredited courses and programmes
  • have significantly expanded their accredited training portfolio
  • are newly accredited within their first review cycle

Ad-Hoc Review
IPLSO may conduct a review at any time if:

• a formal complaint or concern is received
• discrepancies appear in submitted documentation
• courses undergo major revision or structural change
• concerns arise regarding assessment integrity or learner protection

Selection Method

Providers may be selected for review through one or more of the following methods:

Scheduled Review Cycle
Most reviews occur during the provider’s scheduled review period.

Random Sampling
IPLSO may conduct random sampling reviews to maintain impartial oversight and uphold industry standards.

Risk-Based Selection
Providers may be prioritised for review if their activities indicate increased risk, including:

• rapid course expansion
• inconsistent record-keeping
• learner complaints
• previous corrective actions
• concerns regarding assessment integrity

Trigger-Based Selection
Reviews may also be triggered by:

• significant course updates
• instructor or trainer changes
• new delivery methods (such as conversion to online learning)
• certificate verification or authenticity concerns

3. Required Documents for Application

When submitting a course for accreditation, providers must upload:

• Full course outline
• Sample module or chapter
• Sample assessments
• Trainer qualifications
• All required organisational policies
• Example certificate
• Website link to the course or upcoming course page
• Any additional documents requested during review

4. Pre-Application Checklist

Before applying, confirm that:

• The provider meets all organisational requirements
• The course content is complete and professionally presented
• All required policies are in place and adapted to the organisation
• Assessments align with learning outcomes
• Course duration is realistic and supported by the material
• The certificate meets recognition standards
• All documentation is ready for upload

5. Providers Not Eligible for Accreditation

IPLSO will not accredit:

• Courses promoting unverified, unsafe, or non-evidence-based practices
• Providers with unresolved misconduct, legal disputes, or unethical behaviour
• Courses designed primarily for marketing or recruitment funnels
• Providers unable to demonstrate ownership or proper licensing of course content

6. Ready to Apply?

If your organisation and course meet all requirements, you may proceed to the Accreditation Application page.

Pre-Review Consultation (Optional Paid Service)

Providers uncertain about their readiness may request a Pre-Review Consultation.

This service includes a written review of:

• course outline
• learning objectives
• assessment structure
• organisational policies
• website presentation
• alignment with IPLSO standards

All communication is conducted via email and document submission only.

IPLSO does not offer video calls, phone calls, or live meetings.

This service is designed to identify gaps early, reduce the risk of rejection, and support a smoother accreditation process.

To begin your application, continue to the detailed Accreditation Application.