IASE Africa CPD Accreditation Policy

IASE CPD Accreditation Policy defines the scope, principles, and governance framework under which IASE Africa recognises CPD providers and approves CPD programmes and professional learning activities.

Cover of IASE Africa CPD Accreditation Policy

Purpose of This Policy

The purpose of this policy is to protect the credibility of CPD accreditation in Africa by setting clear boundaries and consistent decision standards for:

  • CPD Provider Recognition

  • CPD Programme / Activity Approval

  • CPD points allocation and learning effort verification

  • Governance, monitoring, and compliance expectations

This policy applies to all organisations seeking CPD accreditation through IASE Africa.

Authority and Mandate

IASE Africa administers CPD accreditation under delegated authority from IASE Global, the international standards-setting body responsible for ESG competency frameworks, certification standards, curriculum requirements, and board examinations.

IASE Africa implements CPD accreditation in a regionally appropriate manner while remaining aligned with global principles, professional best practice, and the requirements of this policy.

Why a Formal CPD Accreditation Policy Matters

CPD accreditation is not simply a marketing badge. It is a governance function that protects learners, employers, and stakeholders.

A clear policy:

  • Sets expectations upfront

  • Prevents misuse or misrepresentation of accreditation

  • Ensures fair and consistent decision-making

  • Protects both providers and IASE Africa from ambiguity

What are CPD Approved Courses and Training e1768760846244

What IASE Africa Accredits

IASE Africa accredits professional learning quality and outcomes, not academic qualifications or statutory licences.

Accreditation focuses on:

  • Organisational governance and ethical standards

  • Capability to deliver structured professional learning

  • Learning design, engagement, and assessment quality

  • ESG-aligned professional competence outcomes

  • Verified learning effort used for CPD point allocation

What IASE Africa Does Not Accredit

IASE Africa does not:

  • Replace statutory or academic accreditation bodies

  • License professionals to practise in regulated professions

  • Approve course content as transferable intellectual property

  • Guarantee learner outcomes, regulatory acceptance, or commercial success

The Two-Tier CPD Accreditation Model

1) CPD Provider Recognition

H3: 1) CPD Provider Recognition

Provider Recognition assesses whether an organisation is fit and ready to deliver professional learning. It focuses on governance, quality assurance, trainer competence, ethical standards, and learner record systems.

Provider Recognition is a gateway status and does not approve individual courses.

2) CPD Program / Activity Approval

Program approval applies to a specific learning activity as delivered by a Recognised CPD Provider. Approval confirms learning outcomes, ESG-aligned professional relevance, delivery integrity, engagement, and suitability for CPD point allocation.

Programme approval cannot exist independently of active Provider Recognition.

How CPD Points Are Interpreted

CPD points represent verified learning effort, not subject-matter licensure. CPD points are allocated based on evidence of:

  • Guided learning time

  • Structured self-study (where applicable)

  • Assessment and/or reflective components

  • Learning design and engagement intensity

How CPD Points Are Allocated for Courses and Training

CPD Approval Credits (Where Applicable)

IASE Africa may offer Pre-Purchased CPD Approval Credits to Recognised CPD Providers.

CPD Credits:

  • Represent pre-purchased administrative review capacity
  • Do not guarantee or influence approval outcomes
  • Are deducted as Programs are submitted for approval
  • Are entity-specific, time-limited, non-transferable, and non-refundable once activated
CPD Provider Accreditation in Africa

The ESG ASCEND Framework

The ESG ASCEND™ Framework is an IASE-developed and governed professional quality and relevance framework and does not replace statutory or discipline-specific validation.

All CPD assessments are guided by this Framework, which evaluates:

  • Engagement and learning design

  • Sustainability and governance relevance

  • Accessibility and inclusion

  • Scientific rigour and content quality

  • Evaluation, feedback, and professional impact

Governance, Monitoring, and Compliance

To protect CPD integrity, IASE Africa may:

  • Conduct risk-based reviews or audits

  • Consider substantiated complaints or external feedback

  • Require disclosure of material organisational or programme changes

  • Suspend accreditation pending investigation or corrective action

IASE Africa may impose conditions, enhanced monitoring, or probationary approval periods where risk profiles warrant.

The CPD accreditation framework may evolve over time and may, subject to governance approval, incorporate optional enhancements without altering the core two-tier accreditation model.

Non-Transferability of Accreditation

To prevent misuse and protect learners:

  • CPD Provider Recognition applies only to the legal entity assessed

  • Recognition does not extend to parent companies, subsidiaries, or affiliates without review

  • Accreditation is non-transferable in cases of merger, acquisition, or restructuring without prior approval

Programme approval:

  • Is linked to the approved provider and delivery context

  • Cannot be sold, licensed, or transferred to third parties

  • Automatically lapses if Provider Recognition lapses, is suspended, or withdrawn

Use of IASE Designations and Logos

Approved providers and programmes may use IASE CPD designations only in accordance with official brand usage guidelines. Unauthorised or misleading use may result in corrective action, suspension, or withdrawal of accreditation.

CPD Recognised Provider Badge

Download the Full CPD Accreditation Policy (PDF)

This page provides an overview only. CPD accreditation is governed exclusively by the CPD Accreditation Policy in force at the time of application.

The full policy provides detailed definitions, eligibility rules, renewal provisions, and enforcement mechanisms.

Complete the short form below to download the policy PDF.

Cover of IASE Africa CPD Accreditation Policy
Download CPD Provider Policy

Frequently Asked Questions

CPD Provider Accreditation Policy

  • What is the IASE CPD Accreditation Policy?

    The IASE CPD Accreditation Policy defines the scope and governance framework for CPD Provider Recognition and CPD Programme / Activity Approval administered by IASE Africa.

  • Does IASE Africa accredit all types of training content?

    IASE Africa accredits professional learning activities that demonstrate ESG-aligned professional competence outcomes. Activities with no plausible ESG-aligned professional outcomes fall outside scope. 

  • What is the difference between CPD Provider Recognition and Programme Approval?

    Provider Recognition confirms the organisation’s governance and capability to deliver professional learning. Programme Approval applies to a specific activity and confirms learning design, outcomes, and suitability for CPD points. 

  • How are CPD points allocated if IASE Africa is not licensing subject-matter content?

    CPD points represent verified learning effort and structured professional development value. Points are allocated based on evidence of learning time, engagement intensity, and assessment/reflection design. 

  • Can an approved programme be sold or licensed to another organisation?

    No. Programme approval is non-transferable and linked to the Recognised CPD Provider and delivery context. If the programme moves to another entity, it must be resubmitted by a Recognised CPD Provider. 

  • What happens if a provider changes ownership or delivery model?

    Providers must disclose material changes. IASE Africa may require review, impose conditions, suspend, or withdraw accreditation where the basis for approval is affected. 

  • Can IASE Africa suspend or withdraw accreditation?

    Yes. Where there is evidence of non-compliance or pending clarification, IASE Africa may suspend accreditation. Misuse of designations or failure to disclose material changes may lead to withdrawal.