Accreditation is based on an inspection of the full range of your institution’s provision, and we also require evidence that your management maintains acceptable standards and its legal obligations during the period of accreditation.

Prospective institutions undergo a first level of scrutiny by BAC staff through the application review stage. Once this is completed, you will receive a rigorous inspection which assesses your provision against the minimum standards set out in the relevant scheme document. A report of this inspection is then considered by the Accreditation Committee, which can then decide to award, defer or refuse accreditation based on the evidence of whether all minimum standards have been met.

Once you have read all the information on this website and in the Accreditation Handbook and scheme documents, should you still have any questions you are invited to contact our office by email or telephone. We organise regular seminars introducing prospective applicants to the principles of accreditation and exploring the process in more detail; details of forthcoming seminars are published on this website.

Whilst our inspectors and staff always attempt to offer helpful advice, you should bear in mind that we are primarily an inspection body. In applying for accreditation, you must be prepared to accept constructive criticism of your provision as well as positive comment on good practice.

Application, inspection and accreditation timings

Below is a timeline for new and re-accreditation applications for accreditation. If any cut-off date is missed for any reason, your inspection report may be submitted to the next Accreditation Committee meeting in the series. Processing an application may take up to several weeks to allow for proper scrutiny. If additional information and/or documentation are requested, please be prompt in responding in order to reduce delays in processing.

Application periodInspection byReport reviewed byAccreditation Committee Meeting
Present – 18 September 202323 November 202317 January 202425 January 2024
19 September – 6 October 202310 December 202314 February 202422 February 2024
9 October – 14 November 202317 January 202420 March 202428 March 2024
15 November – 11 December 202314 February 202417 April 202425 April 2024
12 December – 16 January 202419 March 202422 May 202430 May 2024
17 January – 13 February 202417 April 202419 June 202427 June 2024
12 February – 13 March 202415 May 202417 July 202425 July 2024

What steps are involved in the accreditation process?

  • Research and preparation by the institution.
  • The institution completes and submits its application for accreditation.
  • BAC reviews the application form and supporting documentation.
  • BAC arranges an inspection in consultation with the institution.
  • The institution completes and submits its application for accreditation.
  • The institution submits its self-evaluation documentation against defined criteria.
  • The inspection is conducted by a specialist inspection team.
  • The inspection report is submitted to BAC.
  • The inspection report is considered by the Accreditation Committee.
  • BAC notifies the institution of the Accreditation Committee’s decision.

Click her for information on Making an application