Three Accreditations, One Strategy: How IACET, ICE 1100, and NCCA Work Together
Organizations offering professional development, certificates, and certifications often face a deceptively complex challenge: how to ensure quality and clarity across all your learning and credentialing products.
To do this well, a one-size-fits-all approach to accreditation won’t cut it. Instead, it takes a strategic blend of three complementary accreditations:
- IACET (for continuing education and CEUs)
- ICE 1100 (for assessment-based certificate programs)
- NCCA (for certification programs)
But before you pursue accreditation, it's essential to understand the differences between these types of learning experiences, especially when they all might result in a “certificate” of some kind.
Definitions: Certificate vs. Certification vs. CEUs
Let’s start by defining terms that are often (and incorrectly) used interchangeably:
| Term | What It Is | Common Outcome | Accreditor |
|---|---|---|---|
| CEU-Bearing Course | A structured learning event with defined learning outcomes, qualified instructors, and learner assessment, offered under responsible sponsorship and capable direction. | CEUs + certificate of completion | IACET |
| Assessment-Based Certificate Program (ABC) | A sequenced program of instruction tied to specific learning outcomes, culminating in an assessment that determines successful completion. | Certificate (but not a professional title) | ICE 1100 |
| Certification Program | A legally defensible credential awarded based on meeting eligibility criteria and passing an independent exam. | Professional title or designation (e.g., “Certified XYZ”) | NCCA |
Here’s the key difference:
- IACET CEUs track the learning time and verify that an assessment is in place to measure the achievement of the intended learning outcomes.
- ABCs evaluate mastery of content at the end of a structured program and award a certificate.
- Certifications measure competence independently of a specific training program and award a designation.
1. IACET Accreditation: Institutional Quality for Learning
The International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) accredits organizations that deliver high-quality instructional events. This is an institutional accreditation, meaning it scrutinizes the policies and processes an organization uses throughout its entire instructional design, development, and delivery process, not just a single course.
Providers accredited by IACET must:
- Follow a rigorous instructional design process
- Assess learners for understanding
- Use qualified instructors
- Evaluate learning effectiveness
When these criteria are met, learners may receive accredited Continuing Education Units (CEUs). They also often receive a certificate of completion, but that does not make it a certificate program, such as an ICE 1100 program. The CEU certificate documents structured participation in a high-quality learning experience with defined outcomes and assessment, but it is not intended to serve as a formal credential or professional designation.
2. ICE 1100: Standard for Assessment-Based Certificate (ABC) Programs
Offered by the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (I.C.E.), ICE 1100 applies to Assessment-Based Certificate Programs—that is, programs that:
- Are developed in response to a documented needs analysis, based on input from industry, employers, or learners
- Are built around specific learning objectives
- Have a defined curriculum
- Include a summative assessment
- Award a certificate only upon successful demonstration of learning
These are typically short-term programs that are valuable in workforce development and upskilling. Importantly, ABCs are not certifications. They do not confer a designation or imply ongoing competence, nor do they require renewal or recertification. Organizations seeking ICE 1100 accreditation must demonstrate that the certificate awarded reflects measured achievement—not just attendance or participation—and that the program structure supports valid and reliable evaluation of learning outcomes.
3. NCCA Accreditation: Gold Standard for Certification Programs
The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) evaluates certification programs, which differ fundamentally from both CEU-bearing learning events and ABCs.
A certification program:
- Sets eligibility requirements (e.g., experience, education)
- Uses a psychometrically valid, independent exam to assess competence
- Confers a designation or title upon passing (e.g., “Certified Project Manager”)
- Requires renewal (typically through continuing education or re-examination)
NCCA requires strict separation between the training and testing functions, often referred to as the “firewall,” to protect the integrity of the certification process and avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest.
Where IACET Fits: Before, After, and Beyond Credentials
Organizations can use IACET accreditation strategically:
- Before Certification: Use CEU-bearing courses to prepare learners for exams. These can award CEUs and completion certificates, but must not be marketed as certification.
- For ABCs: If your program qualifies under ICE 1100, you can still be IACET-accredited and award CEUs in addition to the certificate.
- After Certification: IACET-accredited learning events can fulfill continuing education requirements for certification renewal or professional licenses.
Summary Table: Quick Comparison
| Feature | IACET CEU Program | ABCP (ICE 1100) | Certification (NCCA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Document structured learning time | Confirm mastery of content in a program | Certify competence to the public |
| Assessment | Required (formative/summative) | Required (summative) | Required (high-stakes exam) |
| Credential | CEU + completion certificate | Certificate | Professional designation |
| Renewal Required? | No | No | Yes |
| Accreditor | IACET | I.C.E. (ICE 1100) | NCCA (under I.C.E.) |
Why a Combination of All Three May Be Needed
If your organization delivers learning events, certificate programs, and/or certifications, it’s worth considering a multi-pronged accreditation strategy by pursuing a combination of the three accreditations:
- IACET ensures instructional excellence of all your learning events, both those that may or may not lead to certificates and credentials.
- ICE 1100 gives credibility to your assessment-based certificate programs.
- NCCA validates your certification program’s rigor and independence.
Each serves a distinct audience and purpose, but together they signal comprehensive quality and operational maturity.
Final Thought
Offering a training program with assessments and a certificate does not automatically make it a certificate program eligible for accreditation under ICE 1100. Likewise, awarding CEUs for exam prep does not mean you’ve issued a certification.
Clear definitions, strong governance, and the right accreditation framework protect learners, safeguard your reputation, and ensure alignment with national and international best practices.
Don’t just select an accreditor; develop a multi-pronged accreditation strategy that reflects the true purpose of your program.
Note: ICE 1100 Standards and NCCA Standards are both proprietary standards that are owned by the Institute for Credentialing Excellence.
IACET is grateful for I.C.E’s collaboration on this blog post. More information is available at https://www.credentialingexcellence.org/.
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.