• Authorized Provider Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Continuing Education Unit (CEU) FAQs  
• Authorized Provider (AP) Workshop FAQs 
• Individual Membership FAQs 

Authorized Provider Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. How can our organization become approved to award IACET CEUs?

In order to award IACET CEUs, an organization must become an IACET Authorized Provider (AP). During the Authorized Provider application process, the organization provides evidence that it meets American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/IACET Standards for Continuing Education and Training. The organization’s policies, procedures, processes, and supporting documentation are reviewed for compliance with ANSI/IACET Standards, and the applicant agrees to a site visit to verify the contents of the written application.

Q. Can an individual become an Authorized Provider?

Only organizations that are chartered, incorporated, governmental units or legally recognized sole proprietorships may become Authorized Providers.

Q. How many years does our organization need to have been in business to become an Authorized Provider?

An applicant organization must have been in business—and operating under the conditions described in the application—for at least one year in order to become approved as an Authorized Provider.

Q. How long does it take to be approved as an Authorized Provider?

Generally, the review process takes three to four months. The length of time varies depending on whether the IACET Commission needs additional information from your organization and when a site visit can be scheduled.

Q. How much does it cost to become an Authorized Provider?

The cost of the Standards and application is $450. At the time of application submission, you are required to submit a non-refundable application fee of $2,800, which includes administrative costs, site-visit expenses, and honoraria. After approval, an organization pays yearly membership dues of $750.

Q. Can our organization get a single course or learning event approved without becoming an Authorized Provider?

IACET does not approve courses or learning events. IACET approves organizations that provide continuing education and training and that can show, through the application review process, that its policies, procedures, and processes comply with ANSI/IACET Standards. Only Authorized Providers may award IACET CEUs.

Q. How long is Authorized Provider status valid?

Authorized Provider status is conferred on an organization for five years. During your fifth year, you must re-apply to renew your Authorized Provider status.

Q. What is the purpose of the site visit?

The purpose of the site visit is to verify that all of the information contained in your application is correct. The site visitor may ask you questions about specific items on your application and ask you to confirm responses with evidence. The site visitor will also review additional course materials and other documents that you have been asked to provide during the site visit.

Q. What if our organization creates new programs while we are already approved as an Authorized Provider. Do we need to submit all new activity, course, or program materials to you?

No. Authorized Provider status is approval of your organization and its policies, procedures, and processes, not individual programs. Among the requirements for your organization to be approved is that you have an internal review process to make sure all of your current and any new programs for which you award the IACET CEU meet the ANSI/IACET Standards.

Q. Once our organization is an Authorized Provider, can we co-sponsor CEU activities, courses, or programs with other organizations and award the IACET CEU?

Only an Authorized Provider may use the IACET AP logo and offer IACET CEUs. If your organization is awarding the IACET CEU under your name at an event, and if you are responsible for ensuring that the activities, courses, or programs presented meet all of the ANSI/IACET Standards, then you may offer IACET CEUs. However, you cannot authorize another organization to offer IACET CEUs.

Q: Would it be permissible to award IACET CEUs retroactively if the Authorized Provider Commission approves the course of study?

No, IACET CEUs cannot be awarded retroactively. A determination has to be made before the activity is conducted that it meets ANSI/IACET Standards and has been approved by the provider’s internal review process.

Q: Can an Authorized Provider offer IACET CEUs for courses it purchases from another provider?

Yes, but only if the Authorized Provider ensures that the content of the courses purchased fully meets ANSI/IACET Standards, just as you would if you developed the courses internally. For example, you must conduct a needs analysis and review the materials before purchasing them; ensure that appropriate learning outcomes are incorporated into course design, development, delivery, and assessment; verify that qualified personnel instruct the courses; ensure that effective methodology is employed in delivery; and ensure that the program is comprehensively evaluated, with the results of the evaluation used for continuous improvement of the program. In other words, the purchased courses must undergo the same policies, procedures, and processes described in the AP application and used on courses your organization develops itself.

Q. Can our organization get a sample of a completed Authorized Provider application?

Unfortunately, due to the wide variety of learning events and the confidential nature of the information in each Authorized Provider application, we do not have a sample that potential Authorized Providers can review. We recommend that you attend one of our “How to Become an Authorized Provider” workshops if you have questions about completing the application. For information about upcoming workshops, please click here.

Q. Who can use the AP logo?

The IACET Authorized Provider logo and approved statement is reserved for use only by the IACET Authorized Providers. The logo may not be used by individual members or those outside of IACET (i.e., non-members).

Q. What role does the IACET staff play in the application process?

IACET staff performs an initial review of each new application to check for completeness before sending the application to the IACET Commissioners who will review it and conduct the site visit. In addition, staff tracks the status of applications, handles billing, and answers general questions.

Q. How will our organization be notified of changes to the ANSI/IACET Standards?

IACET members will be notified via e-mail about any changes or upcoming changes to the ANSI/IACET Standards. Notification will also be posted on the IACET website, at www.iacet.org.

Q. How does our organization know if it has the most current AP application?

The most current application will always be available to download from the IACET website. Any changes to the application will also be posted online, with a new revision number and date, so be sure to check the site regularly for updates.

Q. Can an Authorized Provider use non-employee instructors to deliver courses?

Yes, as long as the same procedures described in your application for selecting, monitoring, and evaluating employee instructors are also used for non-employee instructors.

Q. Our company has several subsidiaries. If the training department of one becomes an Authorized Provider, can the others be considered APs also since they are part of the same parent organization?

Large organizations in which continuing education and training is administered and conducted by various parts of the organization must seek approval for each part, depending on their governance.  Because by their nature most subsidiaries are controlled independently of the parent organization, the various parts cannot issue IACET CEUs under their parent company name.  They must submit their own applications and become Authorized Providers in order to offer IACET CEUs.