Myth of Accreditation: It's Just Paperwork

One of the biggest myths about accreditation is that it’s primarily about paperwork—filling out forms, compiling reports, and checking boxes.

But that’s like saying an IT engineer’s job is just about writing documentation or an A/V technician only plugs in cables. In reality, accreditation is about how well a learning system functions—how policies, processes, platforms, and people come together to create meaningful, high-quality learning experiences.

When discussing accreditation, we’re talking about system integration—ensuring that governance structures, operational workflows, educational technology, and talent work together seamlessly. Like any well-engineered system, everything needs to be connected, tested, and optimized to deliver the intended outcome. Just as an IT infrastructure must support security, scalability, and efficiency, an accredited learning system must support responsible sponsorship, capable direction, and qualified instruction—the three pillars that define a continuing education unit (CEU).

• Responsible sponsorship means the organization is accountable for the integrity and quality of the learning experience. Policies and governance structures set expectations, define responsibilities, and ensure compliance with industry standards.
• Capable direction ensures organizations design and deliver effective learning experiences. Operational workflows, standard operating procedures, and learning management systems (LMS) provide the framework for content delivery, assessments, and student engagement.
• Qualified instruction ensures that the people facilitating learning—whether instructors, subject matter experts, or support staff—have the expertise and resources they need to do their jobs well. Talent management systems, professional development, and feedback loops support this pillar.

Documentation is not the goal—it’s the byproduct of a well-functioning system. It captures how these systems are integrated, highlights gaps and redundancies, and provides a roadmap for continuous improvement. And let’s be clear—not all redundancies are bad. Any good system, whether in IT, manufacturing, or education, has intentional fail-safes to prevent things from slipping through the cracks. Documentation helps diagnose the issue if something breaks down, allowing the system to be refined and strengthened.

Accreditation isn’t about the paperwork. It’s about ensuring that the learning experience is structured, supported, and sustainable—so every CEU awarded carries real value. The paperwork is just proof the system is working as it should.

• Accreditation isn't about paperwork. It's about integrating governance, processes, platforms, and people to create high-quality learning experiences. The paperwork is just proof that the system works.

• A CEU is built on responsible sponsorship, capable direction, and qualified instruction. Accreditation ensures these pillars stand strong—not with paperwork but with well-integrated systems that support learning.

• In IT and engineering, system integration is key—ensuring everything works together seamlessly. Accreditation does the same for learning: aligning policies, processes, platforms, and people to create educational value.

• Not all redundancies are bad. Effective systems have built-in fail-safes to prevent things from slipping through the cracks. Accreditation isn’t about creating paperwork; it’s about building lasting learning systems.

• Accreditation is about structure, support, and sustainability. When things go wrong, documentation helps diagnose the issue—not as busywork but as a roadmap for continuous improvement.

Post 1

Too often, people think accreditation is just a paperwork exercise—forms, reports, and checklists, but that’s like saying an IT engineer’s job is just documentation. In reality, accreditation is about system integration: governance, processes, technology, and talent working together to create high-quality learning experiences.

Like any well-engineered system, accreditation ensures responsible sponsorship, capable direction, and qualified instruction—the foundation of a legitimate CEU. The paperwork isn’t the goal; it’s the evidence the system is functioning as it should.

Accreditation doesn’t exist to generate paperwork. It exists to ensure learning systems are structured, supported, and sustainable.

[Link to Blog]

Post 2

In IT and engineering, redundancy isn’t always a bad thing. A well-built system has intentional fail-safes to prevent breakdowns. The same applies to accreditation.

Accreditation isn’t just about compliance—it’s about ensuring that governance, operational workflows, learning management systems, and instructional talent work together seamlessly. These systems support responsible sponsorship, capable direction, and qualified instruction—the foundation of a continuing education unit (CEU).

Documentation helps diagnose the issue, refine the system, and improve outcomes when something goes wrong. Accreditation isn’t about paperwork. It’s about building a learning system that works.

[Link to blog]

Post 3

System engineers don’t just install hardware. A/V techs don’t just plug in cables. And accreditation isn’t just paperwork.

It’s about integrating policies, processes, learning platforms, and instructional teams to support real learning. A CEU isn’t just a certificate—it represents responsible sponsorship, capable direction, and qualified instruction. Accreditation ensures those pillars hold strong.

When done right, accreditation isn’t about bureaucracy—it’s about engineering a system that delivers sustainable, high-quality education. The paperwork is only a byproduct of a system that works.

About the Author

Randy is a seasoned executive leader currently serving as the President and CEO of IACET, a non-profit accrediting body in the continuing education and training sector. With a focus on strategic vision and operational excellence, he effectively leads the organization to achieve its mission and goals.

With over two decades of experience in various leadership roles, Randy has a proven track record of driving organizational success. His expertise lies in aligning technological solutions with strategic objectives, ensuring operational efficiency and sustainable growth.