NASRHP Self-Regulating Health Profession Certifying Entity Membership Standards (Australia) S12: Standard 12: Run independent, consistent program accreditation at AQF 7 or above

Program accreditation procedures must be nationally consistent and run by an external entity or a committee or council independent of the board, which only approves decisions and does not interfere with outcomes unless processes were departed from. A separate committee needs terms of reference (reporting structure, decision making, accreditation team requirements), a transparent and equitable appeals process with timelines and profession or stakeholder representation; all models need conflict of interest policies and a documented, consulted review of accreditation standards. Where an external entity is used the member must evidence how it meets the standards, how professional standards inform accreditation and how it monitors changes, give at least three years notice if ending the arrangement, and have a legal memorandum of understanding and an appeals process. Eligibility must be defined at AQF Level 7 or above and outcome categories must at least include qualifying (pre-accreditation) status for new programs, with graduates of qualifying programs possibly certified case by case, and accredited status for programs meeting the standards.