Recognition of the quality system behind professional learning
Institutional accreditation evaluates whether an eligible organization has functioning governance and quality controls capable of designing, delivering, assessing and improving professional learning within an approved scope.
Eligible Institutions
Training providers and professional institutes
Corporate academies
Colleges and university units
Consulting and training firms
Nonprofit learning organizations
Government or sector training entities
Other legally established learning organizations within CISCM's remit
Institutional Categories
| Category | Intended use | Typical approved scope |
|---|---|---|
| CISCM Accredited Training Institution | Established multi-program organization with documented quality systems | Named sites, delivery modes, territories and subject domains |
| CISCM Accredited Corporate Academy | Internal academy serving employees or approved ecosystem participants | Defined workforce, business units and corporate programs |
| CISCM Approved Training Provider | Provider authorized to deliver defined CISCM or recognized programs | Named programs, trainers, locations and modes |
| CISCM Approved Delivery Centre | Site operating under an accountable parent or provider | Named location and defined administrative and delivery authority |
Twelve Institutional Standards
Legal identity and integrity
Registration, ownership, licensing where applicable, accurate claims, continuity and disclosure.
Governance and leadership
Accountability, delegated authority, committees, strategy, risk, ethics and management review.
Quality management
Controlled policies, internal review, complaints, corrective action, performance data and improvement.
Program governance
Approval, review, change, closure, teach-out and occupational relevance.
Learner lifecycle
Entry, admissions, induction, support, accessibility, progress, completion and records.
Trainers and staff
Role criteria, verified competence, induction, observation, CPD, workload and succession.
Learning resources
Facilities, platforms, materials, technology support, accessibility and continuity.
Assessment integrity
Blueprinting, authenticity, security, marking, moderation, adjustments, results and appeal.
Certification and records
Authorized issue, identity, unique identifiers, replacements, retention and verification.
Partnership control
Due diligence, contracts, monitoring, branding, data, subcontracting and learner protection.
Data and technology
Privacy, cybersecurity, access, backup, retention, incident response and responsible AI.
Outcomes and improvement
Completion, achievement, impact, complaints, equity, feedback, trends and action.
Evidence Portfolio
Applicants should prepare a controlled index covering legal and ownership records; governance; quality and risk; program files; learner records; staff competence; facilities and systems; assessment samples; certification records; partner files; complaints; outcomes and improvement.
Policies alone are insufficient. Evidence should show that the policy operates consistently across the requested scope.
Validation Activity
Depending on risk and scope, CISCM may interview leaders, staff, trainers, learners and partners; trace learner journeys; review governance and assessment; demonstrate systems; inspect facilities; observe delivery; sample records; and compare public claims with actual authority.
Decision and Validity
The recommended standard approval period is three years with annual surveillance. A shorter period or additional monitoring may apply where risk, conditions or recent change justify it. Final validity must be confirmed in the approval letter and register.
Benefits
Scope-specific accreditation decision and controlled certificate
Verification register entry
Authorized accreditation statement and mark
Independent findings and improvement priorities
Eligibility for related partner, provider, trainer, resource or development opportunities as published
Apply for Institutional Accreditation
Ready to align your training institution, corporate academy, or delivery centre under CISCM's recognized governance framework? Start your application today.
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