Pursuing IACET Accreditation in 2023?
I receive emails and phone calls every day from people in organizations that want to pursue IACET accreditation in 2023, but they have heard that the ANSI/IACET Standard for Continuing Education and Training is changing this year.
This raises questions. Should they wait until the 2023 Standard and Application is published? What happens if they purchase the current 2018 Standard and Application and cannot meet the December 31, 2023 deadline? If they do meet the deadline, will they be expected to do it all again in 2024 to meet the new 2023 Standard when it becomes available? These are all great questions, and we’ve got the answers for you!
What’s Going On?
So, in case you’re not aware, IACET is, indeed, currently reviewing and revising the Standard for Continuing Education and Training, a process that occurs every five years as part of our standards development process. After all, it makes sense that, as an accreditation body, we adhere to a set of stringent standards, as well. This fall, we will be publishing the updated 2023 Standard and Initial Application. The anticipated date for rollout is November 1, 2023. Don't Worry! If the rollout is delayed, we will still accept 2018 applications at least 60 days from the date of the rollout.
Should We Wait to Pursue Our Accreditation Until After After Rollout?
This is the most frequently asked question, and the short answer is ‘No!”. You have two ways to proceed - make sure you complete the current 2018 application before December 31, 2023, or if you aren’t able to meet that deadline, receive a complimentary 2023 application with the same original due date. Still have questions? Not to worry - here’s a step-by-step explanation:
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Once the 2023 Standard and Application is released, all applicants with an unexpired 2018 application that has not been submitted will be given a 2023 application in their portal at no additional cost.
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This courtesy 2023 application will expire on the same date as the original 2018 application that was purchased, so the applicant will still have the full year to apply.
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All applicants have one (1) year from the date of purchase to complete and submit an application.
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The deadline to submit a 2018 application is December 31, 2023. After this date, all applicants will be required to submit a 2023 version of the application.
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IMPORTANT: If you purchase or have recently purchased a 2018 Standard and Application and will be submitting it by December 31, 2023, then when you submit your first Annual Report on your accreditation anniversary date, you will need to ensure that your organization is compliant with the 2023 ANSI/IACET Standard. We will provide updated resources on the IACET website, such as the AP Periodic Review Checklist, to assist you.
Are There Resources and Tools Available to Help Complete Accreditation Applications?
Yes! To get a sneak peek into the 2018 Standard, you can join us for one of the Accreditation Assistance Webinars that we hold on the second Wednesday of every month from 1:00 to 2:00 PM ET each month, except in September, when it will be the third Wednesday due to our Annual Conference.
You can get more information, and to receive a link to the webinar that best suits your schedule, register here at no cost. We review the application process and the requirements for the various elements within the application, including policies, processes, and evidence.
Another free resource is the Accreditation Readiness Calculator, which can be used as a self-auditing tool to help you identify gaps in the documentation needed for the application.
Can We Offer Feedback Before the New Standards Are Published?
A draft of the 2023 version of the IACET Standard is currently available for viewing on our website, and we are requesting public comment until July 31, 2023.
The biggest change that I see in the Standard right now is the formatting. Here’s a quick overview:
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In the 2018 version, there are nine categories. In the 2023 version, there are seven sections, and the first four are scope, reference documents, terminology, and significance and use. The application does not begin until you get to sections five, six, and seven.
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It appears that the revisionists of the 2023 version are providing more clarity in the language and a better flow of information.
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Many of the same elements from 2018 are required in 2023, but they have been reorganized.
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There is some new terminology, and the CEU calculation is to the hundredth place instead of the tenth place.
I hope this answers any questions you may have about moving forward with your organization’s accreditation efforts. If you have any additional questions about this transition, please contact me, Karen LaMarsh, at karen.lamarsh@iacet.org or (703) 763-0705 x102.
About the Author
A staunch advocate for quality continuing and professional education, Dr. Karen LaMarsh is passionate about her role as IACET’s Director of Accreditation. Previously, she served Chair of the IACET Commission and has facilitated national workshops to help applicants establish quality practices. She earned an engineering degree from Georgia Tech and not only a Master’s but also Doctorate in Adult Education from the University of Georgia. She has held several esteemed positions in universities, boards, and committees and consulted with entities to help them offer quality education programs.