The Rigor Should Be in the Requirements, Not the Process: How IACET Makes Accreditation Easy
A friend recently moved to another state and had to update his driver’s license and car registration. He’s the kind of person who does his homework—he read every word on the DMV’s website, gathered all the required documents, and even went overboard by bringing extras from each list “just in case.” One from column A, three from column B, and a few bonus items for peace of mind.
Despite his preparation, he hit a wall when he arrived at his appointment. There was an unexpected requirement—something not listed anywhere on the official site—and without that one missing piece, he had to leave, reschedule, and start all over again.
That moment stuck with me. Not just because I felt bad for my friend (and I did), but because it reminded me of something I see far too often in accreditation: organizations doing everything right, only to get tripped up by a confusing or inconsistent process.
At IACET, we believe the rigor should be in the requirements, not the process. Providers shouldn’t be penalized for failing to read minds. They should be evaluated based on whether they meet high standards of quality, and not whether they can navigate a maze of hidden steps and unspoken expectations.
What Does That Mean?
When organizations seek accreditation, they should be challenged to demonstrate excellence. The standards should ask tough, thoughtful questions: Do you have sound policies? Are learners achieving outcomes? Is quality embedded into your operations? That’s the kind of rigor that makes accreditation meaningful.
But too often, accreditation bodies make the process the mountain to climb. They bury providers under bureaucracy, vague instructions, and a never-ending list of supporting documents. It becomes less about proving quality and more about decoding what the reviewers want.
That’s not our style.
How IACET Makes It Easier
At IACET, we’ve designed our accreditation process to be:
- Transparent. You don’t have to guess what we’re looking for. Our accreditation handbook, workshops, and resource guides lay out what’s expected. We even include examples of common missteps so you can avoid them.
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Supportive. Our staff and commissioners are here to help, not gatekeep. We respond to questions, offer feedback, and provide workshops and webinars tailored to where you are in your accreditation journey. We’re not here to trick you—we’re here to help you succ
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.
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