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Q. Does DETC accredit certification credentials awarded by DETC institutions, such as “Certified Human Resource Manager” or “The Certified Wedding Consultant"?
A. No. DETC Business Standard I.B.2. states “The word ‘accredited’ may not be used in conjunction with certification programs.” DETC reviews and approves the curricula of an institution leading to a credential, but it does not accredit the certification credential itself.
Q. May we advertise “accredited certified professional _____?”
A. No. This violates the standard cited above.
Q. May we advertise and offer a certification service?
A. Yes, but any promotion of such service may not imply that such a designation or credential has been approved or accredited by DETC. If such a certification credential is offered, the institution should offer a clearly worded and conspicuously placed disclaimer that advises that DETC accreditation does not cover such certification.
Q. What characterizes a legitimate certification assessment service?
A. Generally speaking, such programs are available to any properly qualified individual who wishes to take the assessment(s) leading to the award of the credential. They are not offered exclusively to the students of the awarding institution, but open to all qualified candidates. Typically, certifications are administered by an independent third party that is external to an educational institution that provides preparatory training for sitting for the assessment leading to a certification.
Q. May we offer CEUs?
A. Yes, so long as the CEU measurement is consistent with generally accepted definitions of a CEU: “A statistic that represents ten contact hours of participation in an organized educational experience under responsible sponsorship, capable direction, and qualified instruction. A decimal fraction or a unit may be awarded for participation of shorter duration, e.g., 6.5 CEUs. For further information on CEUs, consult the International Association for Continuing Education and Training's information on continuing education units.
Prepared March 22, 2010.
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