Myths of Accreditation: It's a Wall, Not a Welcome Mat
For years, I’ve heard a common misconception floating around about accreditation:
“Accreditation is just a barrier to entry. It’s too complicated and expensive, making it harder for new and small training programs or institutions to get started.”
I get it. On the surface, accreditation can seem like a daunting process, designed to keep new providers out and protect the established dominance of the existing providers. But the truth? Accreditation isn’t a roadblock—it’s an on-ramp. It’s a structured pathway that helps organizations deliver high-quality training that makes a measurable impact.
Let me share a story that illustrates this perfectly.
From Expert to Educator: The Journey of a Subject Matter Expert
I met a seasoned professional a few years ago—we’ll call him Jake. Jake had spent over two decades in his industry and had built a stellar reputation as a subject matter expert (SME). He knew his field inside and out, and when he started offering training programs, he figured it would be easy. After all, he had years of hands-on experience and countless real-world examples to share.
But something was missing.
His training sessions were chock full of information, sure, but they lacked structure. Some learners walked away energized, while others felt overwhelmed. He struggled to measure whether his students retained and applied the knowledge he was sharing. Worse yet, he started getting feedback that his courses were inconsistent—some great, some not.
That’s when he started looking into accreditation.
At first, Jake was hesitant. “Isn’t that for universities and big institutions?” he asked. “I’m just a small training provider.” As he dug deeper, he realized something crucial: Accreditation wasn’t there to shut people like him out; it was there to help him become a better trainer.
Accreditation as an On-Ramp to Excellence
When Jake decided to pursue accreditation, he quickly saw the value it provided:
- Understanding the Science of Adult Learning: Jake knew his industry but didn’t fully grasp how adults learn best. Accreditation helped him align his courses with research-backed instructional design principles.
- Building a Training Program with Structure: Instead of relying on intuition alone, Jake learned how to create clear learning objectives, develop assessments that measured knowledge retention, and structure his courses for maximum impact.
- Following Best Practices: Accreditation provided a framework that helped Jake ensure his training wasn’t just engaging but also effective, repeatable, and scalable.
- Continuous Improvement: Rather than creating a one-and-done program, accreditation encouraged Jake to evaluate and refine his courses regularly. He started collecting meaningful feedback and making data-driven improvements.
Within a year, Jake’s training program had transformed. Learner engagement and retention improved. His courses had a reputation for being high-quality and well-structured, and because of that, his business grew.
Breaking the Myth: Accreditation is NOT a Barrier
The idea that accreditation is just another hurdle is a misunderstanding. In reality, it’s a tool for improvement—especially for SMEs-turned-trainers who need guidance on how to structure their knowledge to benefit learners.
Instead of being an obstacle that holds organizations back, accreditation:
- Levels the playing field: New training providers can compete with more established organizations by demonstrating a commitment to quality. Accreditation provides transparent, well-defined standards and a structured process, ensuring all applicants—established or burgeoning—are evaluated fairly by unbiased, trained reviewers. This accreditation process means success isn’t about who you know or how long you’ve been in the industry: it’s about meeting clear, measurable criteria that elevate learning quality.
- Ensures credibility: Accreditation isn’t just a stamp of approval; it signals learners and stakeholders that your training meets rigorous standards.
- Helps trainers grow: Even the most experienced professionals aren’t necessarily natural educators. Accreditation provides the structure needed to translate expertise into effective training.
Rather than being a gatekeeper, accreditation is a mentor—guiding training providers toward excellence, helping them avoid common pitfalls, and ensuring they deliver the best possible learning experiences.
The Path Forward
If you’re an SME-turned-trainer or a new educational institution considering accreditation, I encourage you to shift your perspective. Instead of seeing accreditation as a bureaucratic burden, view it as an opportunity that can elevate your training, increase your credibility, and ultimately help your learners succeed.
Accreditation isn’t about exclusion. It’s about empowerment.
About the Author
Randy is a seasoned executive leader currently serving as the President and CEO of IACET, a non-profit accrediting body in the continuing education and training sector. With a focus on strategic vision and operational excellence, he effectively leads the organization to achieve its mission and goals.
With over two decades of experience in various leadership roles, Randy has a proven track record of driving organizational success. His expertise lies in aligning technological solutions with strategic objectives, ensuring operational efficiency and sustainable growth.