What is Accreditation?
Accreditation is the formal review process and recognition by the ESD Credentialing Committee, an independent and authorized body, to determine if an ESD instructor training and certifying program aligns to defined universal standards of quality. Accreditation ensures the program meets industry-specific criteria and recognized benchmarks of excellence. Accredited programs demonstrate adherence to industry guidelines and ethics, have competent trainers and effective curricula, and adequately prepare individuals to become experts in the field of ESD.
Why become Accredited through the IAESDP?
The IAESDP is the only organization that offers Accreditation to ALL ESD certificate programs, no matter what form of ESD they teach or their historical or current affiliations. Accreditation with the IAESDP is for both new and established certificate programs that offer comprehensive instructor training. Becoming Accredited ensures quality, enhances reputation, and increases opportunities. Accreditation signals an entity’s trustworthiness, commitment to excellence, and adherence to industry standards. This assurance can attract more trainees and clients, build trust with partners, and generate more revenue.
Accreditation with the IAESDP does not dictate an ESD instructor’s curriculum or training procedures, and the IAESDP rigorously protects the intellectual property of all applicants. IAESDP Accredited Programs are only obligated to abide by the Association Code of Ethics and to provide ESD training that meets international standards while adjusting for cultural, legal, and regional differences.
Eligibility
Programs should meet these baselines before applying:
- The organization or individual is a “Legal Entity,” meaning they are a registered organization, business, or independent contractor able to enter into contracts and are in current compliance with local laws and regulations.
- The entity currently provides ESD training, and ESD is directly related to their mission.
- The program has trained at least one cohort, or they will be applying with materials/evidence from their first cohort.
- The entity can provide class plans and curriculum for the same or similar ESD workshops instructors will be teaching upon completing their certificate. This curriculum should meet common ESD standards including physical and verbal skills education and trauma-informed facilitation.
- The entity has a documented training process with clear and feasible benchmarks, and a measurable assessment to determine quality and achievement.
Application Process
The Accreditation process is rigorous and transparent and may take three to six months to complete. The process is as follows:
- Complete a self-assessment by reviewing accreditation program materials, talking to IAESDP staff, and conducting an internal audit to determine readiness to apply.
- Complete the “Intent to Apply” form.
- An IAESDP staff member will review the "Intent to Apply" form and determine if you are eligible for the Accreditation program at this time.
- Upon acceptance to the Accreditation program, you will be provided with a sample copy of the application and program timeline. Your goal is to gather needed application materials completely before beginning the application.
- After you have gathered all the necessary documents and materials, fill out the “Full Application” form.
Pricing
Pricing tiers have been set to make sure this program is accessible and affordable to lower-income programs.
Tier 6: Annual Revenue Below USD$100,000: USD $300
Tier 5: Annual Revenue USD$100,000-250,000: USD $500
Tier 4: Annual Revenue USD$250,000-500,000: USD $800
Tier 3: Annual Revenue USD$500,000-750,000: USD $1,200
Tier 2: Annual Revenue USD$750,000-1M: USD $1,800
Tier 1: Annual Revenue USD $1M+: USD $2,500.00
Evaluation Process
The IAESDP is dedicated to processes that are transparent, ethical, and done with integrity. Accreditation review will be conducted by the independent ECC committee, made of ESD professionals and members of the public. They will use global standards to evaluate certificate programs in the following areas:
Legal and Business Practices
Demonstrates legal and sustainable business practices
Development and Evaluation
Trainees leave program competent and satisfied; program is effective; dedication to improvement
Ethical Standards
Practices are ethical, transparent and fair
ESD Principles
Demonstrates cultural competency, trauma-awareness, inclusive and intersectional practices
Training Process and Assessments
Demonstrates competency and quality; alignment of training with documented outcomes
Interviews and Video Reviews
Trained instructors demonstrate strong ESD teaching skills; trainers show comprehensive ESD knowledge
Get your questions answered
Meet with a staff member
Email credentials@esdprofessionals.org to set up a meeting