Accreditation

Summary of Accreditation

Accreditation states that a provider meets ODLQC Standards.

To achieve accreditation, a provider must submit to regular assessment by ODLQC, and show that the education or training offered meets those Standards. Once achieved, accreditation offers proof of quality, reassuring the learner, and bestowing marketing advantage and other benefits on the provider.

Assessment

Assessment is a dialogue between the provider and ODLQC through which the provision can be assessed and where possible improved. Providers are evaluated against both their own stated objectives and the Standards. The process normally takes between one and three months.

Accredited providers can use the ODLQC Quality Mark to show their achievement.  Any well-run, ethical organisation is capable of meeting the Standards. If problems arise, the Council works with the provider to help them reach the standard required.

Assessment looks at the full service offered to learners, from enrolment to course completion. Full assessment needs some learners to have completed some self-contained aspect of the provision.

Providers new to open and distance modes of delivery can apply for accreditation at any stage.

If at the time of application they are not yet ready for full assessment, their application will remain open until full assessment has taken place, up to a maximum of two years. During this time, they must show that their provision is compatible with accreditation, and that they are committed to achieving this.