Does training need to be accredited?

Training can be accredited or non-accredited, with accreditation often essential for formal qualifications, regulated fields (like healthcare, finance, safety), federal aid, and career pathways, while non-accredited training suits general skill-building or internal development where formal recognition isn't required. Accreditation ensures quality and standards, making certificates valuable to employers and licensing boards, but it's not universally mandatory, depending on your goals and industry regulations.

What is the difference between training and accreditation?

ACCREDITED COURSES

The essential difference between accredited training and non-accredited training is that the completion of an accredited course means you are issued with a nationally recognised qualification.

What makes training accredited?

Accredited training refers to educational training programs and courses that have undergone a rigorous evaluation process by an accrediting body. These bodies assess various aspects such as curriculum quality, faculty qualifications, facilities, and student support services.

What is the difference between accredited and non-accredited training?

Accredited training is nationally recognised and taught up to a quality-assured standard approved by the ASQA. Non-accredited courses aren't regulated, meaning quality and consistency can vary. Accredited training courses count as recognised qualifications on your CV.

Is accreditation or certification mandatory?

Voluntary vs. Mandatory: Accreditation is often voluntary, although it may be required by regulatory authorities or industry associations in certain sectors. Certification, while also voluntary, may be necessary for regulatory compliance, contractual obligations, or market competitiveness.

Understanding Training Packages and Accredited courses

Do courses need to be accredited?

You shouldn't be concerned about the quality of a course just because it isn't accredited – not all degree courses are. Accredited courses are only really necessary if there is a professional qualification in the industry you plan to work in – where they can help you to get ahead in your chosen career.

What happens if a program is not accredited?

Once a school loses accreditation, it becomes ineligible for federal financial aid, and degrees earned may not be recognized by employers or graduate programs.

How to be accredited as a training provider?

The Accreditation Process Flow

1. Provider submits Letter of Intent for Accreditation to QCTO.
2. Provider obtains referral letter from QCTO and forward it to MICT SETA.
3. Provider submits PoE to MICT SETA as per requirements.
4. MICT SETA evaluates PoE (if compliant)

Can a college operate without accreditation?

State approval to operate signifies that institutions have satisfied certain minimum requirements established by a state. Accreditation signifies that an institution has attained a threshold level of academic quality. In most states, approval to operate does not require accreditation.

What is the difference between an accredited course and a training package?

Accredited courses are developed to fill skills and knowledge gaps that are not covered by training packages. You cannot accredit a course to address an outcome that can be achieved through a training package. Both accredited courses and training packages are nationally recognised.

How do I get my training accredited?

Once you're confident in the quality of your course, you can apply for accreditation through a recognised body like the CPD Accreditation Service Providers listed on our site. You'll need to provide detailed information about your course, including its content, delivery method, and assessment procedures.

What are the three types of accreditation?

The three main types of accreditation are Regional, National, and Programmatic (or Specialized), which validate the quality of entire institutions (regional/national) or specific programs (programmatic) like nursing or engineering, with regional often seen as the "gold standard" for traditional universities, national focusing on career/vocational schools, and programmatic certifying individual departments within a larger school.
 

What is a training certification?

A certification verifies that a professional has met a certain set of criteria for a skill or job as measured by a third-party assessment. A license is verification by a government agency that a professional is able to perform a particular occupation in a particular location, such as a certain state.

What are the three types of certification?

The three main types of professional certifications are Corporate (Internal), which are company-specific; Product-Specific, focusing on particular software or tools; and Industry-Wide, recognized across an entire field for broader career advancement, with examples including PMP for project management or AWS for cloud skills. Other categorizations exist, like those based on validation (first, second, third-party) or certificate vs certification, but the corporate, product, and industry split is common for professional development. 

How to check if a training centre is accredited?

If you want to check on a provider accredited by QCTO or a SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority) go to the website of the South African Qualifications Authority at www.saqa.org.za and click on the links with the various SETAs where you can access lists of accredited providers.

Are training and certification the same?

Purpose and Focus: Training is primarily about acquiring or enhancing skills, focusing on practical application and immediate job performance improvement. Certification, however, aims to validate one's expertise and proficiency in a specific area, often following a standardized assessment.

Is it bad if a college is not accredited?

Yes, non-accredited schools are generally considered "bad" for most people because their diplomas often lack credibility with employers and other academic institutions, leading to difficulty finding jobs, transferring credits, or qualifying for professional licenses, though some niche, legitimate programs exist but require careful vetting. Accreditation ensures quality standards, so non-accredited degrees are often seen as worthless or risky, potentially causing job loss if discovered later. 

How to check if a program is accredited?

How to Check if a School or Program Is Accredited

1. Review the school's website. Most accredited colleges and universities include a link to their accreditation details on their “About Us” page or a dedicated “Accreditation” page. ...
2. Cross-check against the accreditor's directory. ...
3. Verify the accreditor's legitimacy.

What happens if my degree is not accredited?

If your degree is not officially recognised, employers or universities might not accept it. Not all colleges that teach degrees can award them. Your degree might be awarded by a higher education institution that's different from the place you're studying.

What is an approved training provider?

An Approved Training Provider has been officially recognised for meeting rigorous standards set by an approval body, ensuring their CPD activities align with industry benchmarks and professional development requirements.

How much does it cost for accreditation?

How much you need to pay depends on the type of employer accreditation you need. Standard accreditation — for businesses hiring up to 5 migrants — is NZD $775. High-volume accreditation — for businesses hiring 6 or more migrants — is NZD $1,280.

Is it worth doing a non-accredited course?

Accredited and unaccredited courses both have their place. If you're learning for fun or to gain extra skills, an unaccredited course might be fine. But if you need a qualification to progress in your career, access further education, or meet industry standards, always check for accreditation before you enrol.

What's the difference between accredited and non-accredited?

When an institution is non-accredited, however, there is no way to verify the quality of their education or their integrity. Because of this, students attending the school aren't eligible for student aid because the federal government only grants funds to accredited institutions.

Are unaccredited degrees legal?

Generally speaking, within academic and government circles, such degrees are rejected, but within the business world, they may be acceptable for certain purposes. Using a diploma from an unrecognized institution to obtain employment or for any other purpose is illegal in some states.