Articles

Quality is often seen as subjective, but standards provide the structure needed to define and measure it consistently. This article explores how quality exists on a spectrum—from fast food to fine dining—and how balancing factors like accessibility, innovation, and rigor is key to setting meaningful benchmarks. In continuing education, the ANSI/IACET Standard ensures high-quality learning experiences by establishing clear criteria, accountability, and continuous improvement, making quality not just an aspiration but an achievable reality.

Accreditation enhances the credibility and quality of training programs, setting organizations apart and building trust. Whether you're an independent trainer or a global corporation, it opens new opportunities, ensures standardized excellence, and boosts reputation. More than just a credential, accreditation is a strategic investment in long-term success.

Robert Day, from Integrity Advocate, explores the challenges of maintaining the integrity of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in online learning environments governed by IACET standards. Using two real-world examples, Day uncovers how gaps in compliance measures, such as live verification and activity-based checkpoints, can be easily exploited to bypass genuine learner participation.

In this article, IACET introduces the concept of "ecosystem cartography" to illustrate our role in mapping the complex landscape of the education and training industry. We explain how accreditation, credentialing, licensing, workforce development, and data management serve as pillars of this ecosystem, ensuring quality and alignment with industry standards. By serving as the primary guide for stakeholders, we help organizations navigate emerging trends like digital credentialing and online learning, fostering collaboration and ensuring a clear path forward for providers and learners alike.

Chief Standards Officer, Sherard Jones, gives us an in-depth explanation of the various roles in education.