Accreditation Requirements

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

Accreditation Requirements

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

These requirements ensure that recognised training reflects professional quality, accuracy, learner protection, appropriate assessment practices, and industry relevance.

1. Provider Requirements

Every organisation applying for IPLSO accreditation or course endorsement 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 or endorsement 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

2.3 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 recognised 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 accreditation and endorsement marks.

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 or endorsement
  • withdrawal of course recognition
  • 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 leUpon successful completion of a quality review, the provider 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 accreditation or course endorsement status
• recommendations for continuous improvement
• the timeline for the next scheduled reviewtter 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 and endorsed course 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’s accreditation or course endorsement status.

2.8.7 Review Frequency and Selection

CPD Accreditors International 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 high number of recognised courses
• have multiple accredited programmes
• have recently expanded or updated their 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 or endorsement, 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 or endorse:

    • 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.