IACET vs ANCC Accreditation For Continuing Education

Continuing education (CE) is a cornerstone of professional growth, whether you’re in healthcare, business, education, or another field. For providers, gaining accreditation from a recognized body establishes credibility, ensures compliance, and makes their programs attractive to learners who need validated CEUs.

Two of the most influential accrediting bodies in continuing education are the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Both organizations uphold high standards, but they serve different audiences and purposes.

This blog post will break down the key differences between IACET and ANCC accreditation, outline their benefits, and provide guidance for CE providers looking to decide which is the right fit.

What Is IACET Accreditation?

The International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) is a global accrediting body that sets the standard for quality in continuing education and training across industries with CEU and CPE providers.

IACET is best known for developing the ANSI/IACET Standard 1-2018, which defines universal benchmarks for designing, developing, and delivering continuing education programs. Organizations accredited by IACET are authorized to issue IACET Continuing Education Units (CEUs), a widely recognized currency of professional learning.

Who It Serves

• Professional associations

• Corporations and training companies

• Colleges and universities offering non-credit courses

• Nonprofits and government agencies providing workforce development

Core Principles

IACET accreditation is rooted in instructional design best practices, learning outcome measurement, and continuous improvement. It does not focus on one profession but on the general principles of quality continuing education delivery.

What Is ANCC Accreditation?

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) is a division of the American Nurses Association (ANA). Its accreditation is the gold standard for nursing continuing professional development (NCPD).

ANCC accreditation recognizes organizations that provide evidence-based, high-quality continuing nursing education. Programs accredited by ANCC count toward state board of nursing requirements, licensure renewal, and professional development for nurses.

Who It Serves

• Hospitals and health systems

• Nursing schools and academic centers

• Professional nursing associations

• Independent CE providers offering nurse-focused education

Core Principles

ANCC focuses specifically on advancing nursing practice, patient care, and health outcomes through continuing education. It ensures CE programs are designed to meet the unique professional development needs of nurses.

Key Differences Between IACET and ANCC Accreditation

While both IACET and ANCC accredit continuing education, their missions, standards, and audiences differ.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison:

Why Choose IACET Accreditation?

IACET is the go-to accreditation for organizations that:

• Serve multiple professions. If your CE program spans industries (e.g., leadership training for business, safety training for construction, compliance training for HR), IACET accreditation ensures a recognized, standardized CEU.

• Seek international recognition. IACET-accredited CEUs are recognized worldwide, making it ideal for global corporations and associations.

• Need credibility across sectors. Many government agencies, universities, and corporations look for the IACET seal as proof of program quality.

Benefits

• Recognition as an Authorized Provider of IACET CEUs

• Assurance of compliance with internationally recognized instructional design standards

• Increased marketability to learners seeking CEUs for professional development

Why Choose ANCC Accreditation?

ANCC accreditation is the clear choice if you’re providing education for nurses and healthcare professionals.

• Nursing-specific focus. ANCC ensures CE programs align with nursing practice standards, licensure requirements, and patient care priorities.

• Direct link to licensure renewal. Nurses in the U.S. often require ANCC-accredited CE for state licensure renewal.

• Prestige in healthcare. ANCC accreditation is widely respected among hospitals, health systems, and Magnet-designated organizations.

Benefits

• Authority to award ANCC contact hours for nurses

• Recognition as a leader in advancing nursing education

• Increased attractiveness to healthcare employers seeking ANCC-accredited CE for their staff

Application and Accreditation Process

IACET Accreditation Process

1. Application Submission – Organizations apply online with documentation of policies, processes, and sample learning events.

2. Self-Study – Providers must demonstrate alignment with the ANSI/IACET Standard.

3. Peer Review – A review team assesses the documentation.

4. Site Visit (if required) – Some applicants may undergo a site audit.

5. Approval and Renewal – Accreditation lasts five years, with renewal requiring updated documentation.

ANCC Accreditation Process

1. Eligibility Check – Providers confirm they meet ANCC’s requirements (e.g., having a nurse planner).

2. Application Submission – Includes documentation of processes, needs assessments, outcomes evaluation, and program design.

3. Peer Review – Reviewers evaluate adherence to ANCC’s standards.

4. Decision – Providers receive accreditation for up to four years.

5. Renewal – Requires demonstration of continuous adherence to standards.

Costs of Accreditation

While fees vary by organization size and type, here’s a general overview:

• IACET: Application fees range from $5,000–$10,000, depending on organization size, plus renewal fees every five years.

• ANCC: Fees vary based on provider type (single-provider, multi-provider, etc.), typically $4,000–$12,000 for application and four-year accreditation.

For both, costs should be viewed as investments in quality assurance, market credibility, and learner trust.

Real-World Examples

• IACET Example: A multinational corporation offering safety and compliance training across industries pursues IACET accreditation so its courses are recognized globally and meet regulatory standards in multiple countries.

• ANCC Example: A large hospital system seeking Magnet Recognition® pursues ANCC accreditation to strengthen its nursing professional development program and ensure compliance with state CE requirements.

Which Accreditation Should You Pursue?

Choosing between IACET and ANCC depends on your audience and mission:

• If your learners are nurses or healthcare professionals, ANCC is the gold standard.

• If your organization serves multiple professions or operates globally, IACET provides the broader recognition you need.

• Some organizations may even pursue both, particularly universities or healthcare systems that provide CE for both nurses and general staff.

Final Thoughts

Both IACET and ANCC accreditation signal commitment to high-quality continuing education. While IACET ensures universal, cross-industry standards for CE programs, ANCC elevates nursing-specific education and supports professional growth in healthcare.

The right path depends on your audience, goals, and professional field. By aligning your accreditation strategy with your learners’ needs, you’ll not only meet compliance requirements but also strengthen your reputation as a trusted education provider.

Ready to elevate your continuing education program? Whether you need IACET accreditation for broad recognition or ANCC accreditation for nursing, BeaconLive provides the platform and expertise to support your success. Contact us today!