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Accreditation

How ICPA
accreditation
works.

A rigorous, transparent, evidence-based pathway designed to evaluate competence, impartiality, and operational integrity.

Independent Recognition

What is ICPA
accreditation?

Accreditation by ICPA is independent third-party recognition that an organization conforms to the requirements of the ICPA Professional Standards Framework (PSF). It is granted only after a formal assessment by qualified, independent assessors and a peer-review decision by the ICPA Accreditation Council.

Eligibility

Who can
apply?

Certification Bodies

Organizations that develop, deliver, and award professional certifications to individuals — including industry-aligned exam bodies and professional institutes.

Training Providers

Organizations delivering structured professional training and continuing development programs — including accredited training organizations and learning partners.

Education Institutions

Higher education institutions and vocational education providers offering professionally-aligned programs leading to industry-recognized credentials.

The Process

Five-stage
accreditation pathway.

Each stage produces specific outputs and decision artifacts. Full pathway typically takes 6 – 12 months depending on complexity and applicant readiness.

1

Application & Eligibility Screening

2–4 weeks

The applicant submits a formal application including organizational governance, scope of activities, and self-attestation of baseline conformity. ICPA screens for completeness and core eligibility.

Stage Outputs

  • Eligibility determination letter
  • Confirmed scope statement
  • Assessment quote
2

Documentation Review

6–10 weeks

A documentation team conducts a detailed off-site review of the applicant's quality manual, scheme documents, examination policies, decision procedures, ethics framework, and supporting records.

Stage Outputs

  • Documentation conformity report
  • List of clarifications required
  • Provisional findings
3

On-Site / Remote Assessment

4–8 weeks

An assessment team of qualified independent assessors conducts the operational assessment — verifying that documented practice corresponds to actual operations, including witness assessments of certification and training activities.

Stage Outputs

  • Assessment report
  • Findings (nonconformities, observations, opportunities)
  • Corrective-action requests
4

Decision Panel

6–8 weeks

A peer-review decision panel drawn from the Accreditation Council reviews the complete assessment file. Panel members are recused from cases with conflicts of interest. Decisions are: Grant, Grant with conditions, Defer pending corrective action, or Decline.

Stage Outputs

  • Accreditation decision
  • Decision rationale document
  • Certificate of accreditation (if granted)
5

Surveillance & Reaccreditation

Ongoing

Granted accreditation is maintained through annual surveillance activities and a full reassessment every six years. Surveillance is risk-based and may include focused audits in response to changes, complaints, or surveillance findings.

Stage Outputs

  • Annual surveillance report
  • Risk classification update
  • Reaccreditation decision (every 6 years)

Accreditation Levels

Tiered
recognition framework.

Gold

Demonstrated conformity over multiple cycles, sector-leading practice, and active contribution to ICPA standards development.

Silver

Full conformity with ICPA Professional Standards Framework and stable operational record across at least one full surveillance cycle.

Bronze

Initial full accreditation following first successful assessment cycle. Most newly accredited bodies start here.

Provisional

Conditional accreditation granted for a limited period pending verification of specific operational milestones.

Ready to
begin?

Submit your accreditation application and start your journey toward globally-recognized credentials.

Apply for AccreditationView Standards Framework