You have decided that accreditation is right for your training organization. Now comes the practical question: What is the actual process to get your training center accredited?
This guide walks you through every step of the AAA Training & Education Providers Accreditation (TEPA) process from initial inquiry to maintaining your accredited status. Follow these steps, and you will have a clear roadmap to earning and displaying the AAA seal of approval.
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility and Readiness
Before applying, confirm that your training center meets AAA’s basic requirements for training centers accreditation:
Your organization has been operating for at least 12 months or newly start-up
You offer structured certificate programs or standalone classes
You have documented learning objectives and assessment methods
You can provide participant completion and performance records
Step 2: Submit Your Initial Application
Visit the TEPA pillar page at aaa-accreditation.org/training-education-providers-accreditation/ and complete the online application form. You will provide:
Legal business name, and physical address
Primary contact information for your accreditation coordinator
A list of certificate programs you intend to accredit (start with 1–3 flagship programs)
Your current annual training volume (learners served)
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Step 3: Prepare Your Documentation
This is the most time-intensive step—plan for 1–3 weeks depending on your organization’s size.
You will need to produce evidence for four domains:
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| Domain | What to Prepare
| Program Design | Learning objectives mapped to job tasks; prerequisite structure; program length and delivery method
| Assessment | Pre/post tests, practical exams, or portfolio rubrics with passing score criteria
| Instruction | Instructor CVs, teaching assignments, professional development records
| Quality Management | Course evaluation forms, complaint handling policy, records retention schedule
Common mistake: Submitting policies that are not actually followed. AAA may request student records or instructor files to verify implementation.
Step 4: Submit for Document Review
Upload your complete application package to AAA’s secure accreditation portal. A trained assessor will review your documentation and requirements within 15 business days.
Possible outcomes:
Approve: Your documentation meets all criteria. Proceed to Step 5.
Conditional approval: Minor gaps identified. You have 30 days to submit revised documents.
Defer: Significant gaps require major revisions.
Step 5: Host the Virtual Assessment
For most training centers, AAA conducts a half-day or full-day virtual assessment using document camera and screen share. Large or international providers may request an on-site visit (travel billed separately).
The assessor will:
Review your program director, instructors, and administrative staff
Review original student records (redacted for privacy)
Observe a live or recorded training session
Verify that your actual operations match your submitted documentation
Preparation checklist:
Schedule 2–3 hours of uninterrupted staff time
Have sample student files ready (assignments, assessments, completion certificates)
Prepare a quiet room with reliable internet for a virtual assessment
Step 6: Respond to the Assessment Report
Within 10 business days after the assessment, AAA will issue a detailed report listing any non-conformities (gaps) or opportunities for improvement.
Major non-conformity: Must be corrected and re-verified within 60 days. May require a follow-up assessment
Minor non-conformity: Must submit a corrective action plan within 90 days; follow-up is usually desk-review only.
Step 7: Receive Accreditation Decision
Once you have closed all non-conformities, AAA’s Accreditation Committee will issue a final decision:
Granted: Your training center is accredited for three years.
Deferred: Additional evidence or corrective action required (rare).
Denied: Significant systemic issues. You may reapply after 12 months.
Upon granting, you will receive:
Digital AAA accreditation seal for your website and marketing materials
Official certificate suitable for framing
Listing in AAA’s public directory of accredited providers
Step 8: Launch Your Accredited Programs (and Your Marketing)
Accreditation is worthless if no one knows about it. Immediately upon receiving your decision:
Add the AAA seal to your course catalog, registration page, and email signatures
Issue a press release (AAA can provide boilerplate language)
Notify current and past students of your new accredited status
Update your LinkedIn company page and Google Business Profile
How Long Does the Entire Process Take?
|
| Phase | Typical Duration
| Application & document prep | 1 week
| Document review | 2 weeks
| Correcting gaps | 1–2 weeks
| Assessment scheduling | 1 week
| Post-assessment corrections | 4–8 weeks
| Total (first-time applicant) | 6–8 Weeks
Expedited reviews are available for an additional fee if you have a regulatory deadline.