So what if you aren’t accredited?
Triple E Training is not an accrediting body and cannot assist with accrediting any other providers, but because we receive many requests via our website and Facebook regarding the ABET/AET accreditation process, and specifically the process that ABET/AET Providers need to follow, we are hereby outlining a few guidelines. Four ABET/AET Providers, including Triple E Training, have been awarded the 7 year accreditation by Umalusi.
So what if you aren’t Accredited for ABET/AET?
While Umalusi should be consulted immediately by all ABET/AET providers for this, it may be useful to do some research and read this outline of the ABET/AET Accreditation process beforehand. The policy for the quality assurance of private adult learning centre, private Further Education and Training colleges and the accreditation of Private assessment bodies is available on Umalusi’s website: www.umalusi.org.za. Umalusi was granted the legal basis to grant accreditation, with the approval of this policy.
All ABET/AET Providers have been previously given one of the following ABET/AET accreditation statuses:
- Confirmed as accreditation candidate
- Recommended as accreditation candidate
- One year provisional accreditation with condition
From June 2013 private institutions should apply for accreditation in line with the new ABET/AET accreditation process. Unaccredited ABET/AET institutions or those ABET/AET centres whose accreditation has lapsed, were required to apply for ABET/AET accreditation before October 2013, or do so now and thereby join a later cycle of accreditation.
Umalusi now awards the current accreditation status to ABET/AET Providers:
- 7 year accreditation (Fully accredited) OR
- Confirmed Candidate (I year).
https://eee.co.za/accreditation/umalusi-accredited-colleges-and-providers
Umalusi accreditation requirements are detailed on-line, user-friendly. Umalusi accredited Colleges and Providers will attest to the fact that the accreditation process is truly developmental for all institutions.
A list of all Umalusi accredited colleges is available on the Umalusi website. It is worthwhile doing a thorough background check on all Colleges and Providers before awarding contracts, tenders or choosing Training Providers.
http://www.umalusi.org.za/services.php?cat=Accreditation
Some Tips for Accreditation
Our perspective is that there are a few realties to consider the criteria for ABET/AET before seeking accreditation as an ABET/AET Provider.
1. Illiteracy and innumeracy are still key development issues in South Africa. Becoming accredited as an ABET/AET Provider will thus demand that you are a dynamic, completely flexible provider that is willing to adopt often.
2. This constant change can be frustrating and therefore your passion for ABET/AET and the development of adult learners must be massive! If you’re not passionate about ABET/AET, don’t take another step…
3. ABET/AET educators must be effectively trained. Earlier research and studies revealed that the ABET/AET educator is undoubtedly the most important factor in the success of the ABET/AET programme.
a. See more details in “A literacy development strategy for South Africa: Possibilities and limitations. HSRC.” Wydeman, JL and Kamper, GD. 1990.
b. And “The Training of educators for adult basic education in South Africa – some current issues and policy implications.” (Paper prepared by NEPI ABE sub-group) Motala,S. 1992.
4. The skills and qualifications required by ABET/AET educators are available on SAQA website: www.saqa.org.za
http://regqs.saqa.org.za/showQualification.php?id=71751
5. ABET/AET Providers who are private must have money to fund the ABET/AET Programme and indeed ABET/AET accreditation at the outset. There is little funding for such programmes and when you are starting out. Careful planning is required.
6. The list of policies you need seems endless. But the broad categories for ABET/AET accreditation are:
i. Mission directed leadership & management
ii. Teaching and training
iii. Learning and assessment
iv. Learner support
v. Institutional performance evaluation & review.
Planning and accurate design and implementation of your company’s processes and policies is essential for Accreditation
ABET/AET Accreditation is not the end of the process. It’s only the beginning. Be sure you are offering all ABET/AET learners the most excellent opportunities. You need to maintain your quality in your ABET/AET learning guides, your ABET/AET educators, quality management systems and your methodologies. Accreditation is a status given to Private Providers as a result of a quality assurance process. It confirms the quality of provision offered. It will indicate excellence.
