Accreditation and Recognition
Accreditation and recognition is an extremely complex issue, given that there are hundreds (if not thousands) of accreditation bodies around the world, and no course is ever going to be accredited or recognised everywhere. The important thing is that you choose education that is going to be meaningful for what you need.
FORMAL RECOGNITION
ACS has been established since 1979, and has established a high level of respect in academic circles within a range of disciplines in the UK, Australia and beyond. Staff include world renowned academics from several countries, and it maintains active partnerships with respected institutions in several countries including Ireland, Australia and Singapore. Many of these affiliates are formally recognised by government education authorities in their respective countries.
The school’s credentials include:
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International Accreditation and Recognition Council (IARC)
ACS is recognised by the International Accreditation and Recognition Council (IARC). Most ACS courses (Certificate and higher) are accredited by IARC.
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Institute of Certified Bookkeepers
Accredited Training Centre with the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers.
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Accreditation Board of the Maldives
ACS is accredited by the Accreditation Board of the Maldives
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Institute of Horticulture (UK) Careers Advisory Board
ACS is a member of the Institute of Horticulture (UK) Careers Advisory Board.
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Royal Horticutural Society
ACS conducts RHS qualifications, including Certificate II to M.Hort. qualifications, which are awarded by the RHS after passing RHS conducted examinations. These awards include ones accredited through the Qualifications Curriculum Authority.
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Complementary Medicine Association
College Member of Complementary Medicine Association assessed to teach a range of areas including Counselling, Nutrition, Natural Therapies.
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Recognised Health Organisations
Selected Health Science courses articulate into Diploma and Degree level qualifications at government recognised Australian institutions. |
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Association of Coaching (U.K.)
Life Coaching is accredited through the Association of Coaching (U.K.)
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ACS Global Partners Network
Member of ACS Global Partners Network – committed to Ethical Education
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ACS and its staff are members of many UK and overseas Industry bodies, including:
- Alternative Technology Association
- Permaculture Association (UK)
- Australian Nursery Industry Association
- British Institute for Learning and Development
- Complimentary Medicine Association (UK)
- Gold Coast Education Network (foundation member)
- Institute of Horticulture
- International Herb Association
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The ACS course Life Coaching is the only course in Australia to be recognised by the Association for Coaching (UK), and ACS Distance Education is the FIRST DISTANCE LEARNING ORGANISATION to be awarded course recognition status by the Association for Coaching (UK).
Articulation Arrangements
ACS has established articulation and partnerships with various other highly credible institutions. Through these formal arrangements graduates may obtain various types of formal recognition and accreditation for studies undertaken through ACS, and advance standing in selected courses at vocational or higher education levels that directly or indirectly are accredited through various industry or government bodies in a range of countries.
These articulation arrangements are varied from course to course and can be investigated in more specific detail by contacting the school.
For example, Graduates in the ACS foundation diploma in Natural health are afforded significant credits and advance standing in a range of Australian accredited Advanced Diplomas offered through Health Schools Australia.
Fitness Leaders Certificate articulates into nationally accredited fitness leader qualifications with one of our affiliates (i.e. graduates can undertake a small amount of further studies, plus a review of assessments to obtain Certificates II and III in Fitness.
Professional & Industry Associations
Joining a Professional or Industry organisation is a very real way of benefiting your career.
How memberships may benefit you:
- Provides additional credentials. Often membership is only open to people who meet certain criteria, such as an approved qualification.
- Often allows you to put additional letters after your name.
- Provides networking opportunities.
- Provides business opportunities.
- Gives you a say in development of an industry (e.g. such bodies are often given opportunities to input into government).
- Information or advisory services.
Note: Every organisation has its own distinct purpose and mix of services that are provided to the membership. Some are geared to support their members businesses more than others. Others may focus more strongly on professional development opportunities.
A range of professional bodies accept ACS students (from appropriate courses) as members.
ACS encourages students to join and become active (where relevant) with the following organisations:
