The Educator’s Guide to CE Course Accreditation

In the previous post we discussed what Continuing Education (CE) is, the benefits of putting together your own CE course, and steps to offer your CE courses to professionals in your field. 

Creating a CE course that earns official accreditation can seem daunting, but it's a crucial step for educators and professionals aiming to deliver recognized and impactful learning experiences. 

Accreditation not only validates the quality and relevance of your course content but also enhances your credibility, allowing your offerings to count toward professional development requirements across various industries. 

This guide will demystify the CE accreditation process, providing you with clear steps and insights to navigate the journey from course conception to an accredited program. 

Whether you're a seasoned educator or new to course creation, understanding these essentials will empower you to design and deliver courses that meet established standards and make a meaningful impact in your field.​

What Does Accreditation Mean for CE Courses?

Accreditation in CE signifies that a course or program has been formally evaluated and recognized by an authorized accrediting body for meeting established quality and content standards. 

Non-accredited courses can still offer useful information, but accredited courses usually carry more weight. They're often required for maintaining a professional license or meeting job qualifications. Plus, they tend to be priced higher, and in many cases, employers will cover the cost if the course is accredited.

This recognition assures that the educational offering adheres to best practices in instructional design, content relevance, and ethical delivery.​

It's important to distinguish between accreditation and certification: accreditation pertains to the course or program, indicating its quality and compliance with specific standards, while certification relates to an individual's qualifications or competencies in a particular field.​

By understanding and obtaining accreditation, course creators can ensure their offerings are recognized, respected, and valuable to professionals seeking to advance their knowledge and maintain their credentials.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Accreditation Process

Each accrediting organization has its own process. For Continuing Legal Education (CLE), approval happens state by state, and the rules vary depending on where you’re applying. In contrast, Continuing Medical Education (CME) is approved at the national level through organizations like the ACCME.

1. Identify the Appropriate Accrediting Body

Begin by aligning your course content with the relevant accrediting organization. Here are just a few of the top accrediting bodies for each type of CE program and professional. 

Healthcare & Medical Professions

• Physicians (CME): Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME)

• Nurses: American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)

• Pharmacists: Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)

• Physician Assistants: American Academy of PAs (AAPA)

• Dentists: American Dental Association’s Continuing Education Recognition Program (ADA CERP)

• Optometrists: Council on Optometric Practitioner Education (ARBO/COPE)

• Psychologists: American Psychological Association (APA)

• Social Workers: Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)​

Legal Professionals

• Attorneys: Continuing Legal Education (CLE) requirements are typically overseen by individual state bar associations.​

Accounting & Finance

• Accountants: National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA)​

Education & Teaching

• Educators: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)​

Fitness & Wellness

• Fitness Professionals: National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)

• Wellness Coaches: International Coach Federation (ICF)​

General & Cross-Industry

• General CE Providers: International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET)

• Vocational Training: Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET)​

Many healthcare accrediting bodies, like the ACCME, let fully accredited providers offer Joint Providership to third parties. Think of it as co-sponsoring a course. It’s a great way to get started—faster and more affordable than becoming fully accredited yourself, while still keeping that option open for the future.

Joint Accreditation isn’t the same as Joint Providership. It’s a program created by several healthcare accrediting organizations, like ACCME, ADA, and APA, for providers who serve a mix of healthcare professionals. Instead of applying to each organization separately, you complete one application to get approved across all of them.

If you have additional questions, be sure to check out this step-by-step How to Get Accredited Guide that will walk you through the entire process, from application to approval, so you can confidently offer recognized and valuable CE credits to your audience.

2. Review Eligibility Requirements

Carefully examine the accrediting body's prerequisites. Some organizations, like the ANCC, require providers to have implemented their criteria for at least six months before applying. 

Ensure your organization meets all necessary conditions, such as having qualified instructors and appropriate course content, to avoid application delays or rejections.​

3. Prepare Necessary Documentation

When seeking accreditation to offer Continuing Education (CE) courses, it's essential to prepare comprehensive documentation that demonstrates your organization's compliance with the accrediting body's standards.

While specific requirements may vary, common documentation includes:​

• Organizational Information: Details about your organization's structure, mission, and legal status.​

• Course Materials: Comprehensive outlines, learning objectives, and content that align with the accrediting body's standards.​

• Instructor Qualifications: Resumes or CVs of instructors, highlighting relevant experience and credentials.​

• Evaluation Methods: Tools and processes for assessing participant learning and course effectiveness.​

• Attendance Records: Systems for tracking participant attendance and engagement.​

• Compliance Policies: Documentation of policies ensuring content integrity and independence from commercial interests.​

For example, the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) requires a self-study report, performance-in-practice documentation, and adherence to the Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. ​

Preparing thorough and accurate documentation not only facilitates the accreditation process but also underscores your commitment to delivering high-quality educational experiences.

4. Submit the Application

Follow the accrediting body's specific submission guidelines meticulously. This may involve creating an account on their portal, paying application fees, and uploading required documents. 

For instance, the Florida Bar requires CLE providers to have a portal account and provider number before applying. Adhering to deadlines and instructions is crucial for a smooth application process.​

5. Undergo Review Process

When pursuing accreditation to offer CE courses, applicants should anticipate a comprehensive review process designed to assess their organization's adherence to established standards. This typically begins with the submission of a detailed self-study report that highlights the organization's educational practices and compliance with specific criteria.

Accrediting bodies may conduct evaluations, which can include audits, site visits, or interviews, to verify the information provided and observe the organization's operations firsthand.

Throughout this process, applicants should be prepared to provide comprehensive documentation and respond to any inquiries from the accrediting body. 

Successfully navigating this rigorous evaluation not only leads to accreditation but also reinforces the organization's commitment to delivering high-quality educational experiences.​

6. Receive Accreditation Decision

After the review, you'll receive a decision outlining your accreditation status and any conditions or recommendations. 

If approved, you'll be authorized to offer accredited CE courses. Ensure you understand and comply with all ongoing requirements to maintain your accreditation status.

7. Maintain Compliance and Renew Accreditation

Continuously monitor and update your courses to align with current standards and best practices. 

Keep detailed records of course materials, attendance, and evaluations. Be aware of your accreditation's renewal timeline; for example, the ANCC requires reapplication every four years. 

Regular self-assessments can help identify areas for improvement and ensure ongoing compliance.

Conclusion

​Accrediting your Continuing Education (CE) course involves understanding the requirements, preparing thorough documentation, and committing to ongoing quality assurance. 

While the process may seem complex, achieving accreditation is a valuable step in establishing your course’s credibility and expanding its reach.​

Ready to simplify your CE accreditation journey? 

Explore how BeaconLive's expert services and all-in-one platform can streamline your process, from application to certificate delivery. Visit BeaconLive's Accreditation Services to learn more and get started today.