ACCREDITATION PROGRAM

THE NEW TREND TOWARD QUALITY

With the major trend toward non-traditional and innovative training and development, accreditors should not look at the easily assessable quantitative factors (participant : trainer ratio, classroom size, etc.) but the more important qualitative factors such as:

• Trainer competency level
• Performance support system
• Participant competency level
• Success rate at the workplace
• Return of Investment (ROI)
• Value of Investment (VOI)
• Praxis relevance
• Employer satisfaction

In other words, the focus should not only be on the inputs but primarily on the outcomes. The question is: Can training professionals document the achievements of their participants?

VISION I MISSION I GOALS

Vision
The Accrediting Alliance for Training and Development (AATD) is the internationally recognized accrediting agency for standards and authorization in the human resource development field.

Mission
To foster quality, integrity and excellence in training and development worldwide through research, education, competency-based quality standards and criteria and guidelines for assessing educational effectiveness.

Goals

• To refine and provide criteria, standards and procedures expressively designed for evaluation and optimization of training and development activities
• To publish and distribute research-based educational materials related to training and development
• To sponsor research projects focused on furthering excellence in training and development
• To promote the Competency Performance Unit (CPU)^TM and to authorize training providers to award CPUs^TM based on AATD criteria

WHAT IS AATD ACCREDITATION?

AATD Accreditation is the validation by an independent, unbiased group of experts in the training and development field. It is not a replacement for governmental regulation or a license from the government to do business. AATD Accreditation is a quality statement that shows the public that the trainer or consultant has been thoroughly investigated, meets the standards of the organization and therefore found worthy of accreditation.

What are the benefits of accreditation?

• Proven advantages in the very competitive educational market.
• High acceptance through self-evaluation and the peer review process.
• Actively adds to the quality of structure, process and outcome.
• Professional competence and service quality will be evaluated and certified.

What will Accredited Members receive?

Accredited members receive a certificate of accreditation and a quality seal which can be used on websites, brochures and other advertising materials.

THE ACCREDITATION PROCESS

STEP 1: SELF-ASSESSMENT
After AATD receives the Application for Accreditation, it sends out a Competency Self-Assessment to the organization or individual. The purpose of these assessment is to get an overview about the applicants compliance with the current standards of excellence.

STEP 2: ASSESSMENT REVIEW
Compliance is determined by evaluation of the Competency Self-Assessment provided by the organization or individual. Evaluations are carried out by a team of three board members who are qualified by training and experience.

STEP 3: COMPLIANCE CHECK
AATD does not conduct On-Site Assessments, because they are time consuming, not cost effective and can easily be replaced by document effidence.

STEP 4: REVIEW AND DECISION
Accreditation is awarded after successful documentation of compliance with AATD Standards. The Commission awards accreditation for a three year period.

STEP 5: REACCREDITATION
After the three-year accreditation cycle the Commission asks for a new Competency Self-Assessment and depending on the changes (improvements) for additional document effidence.