Exciting Updates to Operation Accreditation Training Requirements

For the past four years, Operation Accreditation has required that all training be conducted and documented by a Qualified Course Professional (QCP) Trainer/Tester. While this contributes to quality training, it has also presented challenges for many operations

✅ The required hours for QCP qualification exceed what might be necessary for certain types of in-house training.
✅ Many trainers meet their company’s qualifications to be considered a qualified trainer, meeting the standard requiring a qualified trainer, but may not fulfill QCP requirements.

That’s why we have made a change!
The updated requirement preserves the need for qualified trainers while providing flexibility. This change enables operations to leverage their in-house trainer qualifications to validate being qualified trainers or to establish business relationships with vendors who can offer training oversight and qualified trainers.

What This Means for You:
Operations still have the choice to use:
✔️ A vended trainer (not accredited)
✔️ An accredited vendor (accredited for training services)
✔️ A qualified in-house trainer
Regardless of the option you choose, you must have at least one person who, or a business relationship with, someone who oversees all training.
This individual must:
✅ Meet QCP requirements for Trainer/Tester 
✅ Sign the Trainer Affidavit and Checklist
✅ Ensure that all trainers conducting training are qualified
✅ Oversee the trainer qualification process

Training Oversight Requirements
🔹 Using a Non-Accredited Vendor: Submit a trainer portfolio for the lead trainer to verify they meet QCP for Trainer/Tester. The lead trainer must also complete the Training Affidavit and Checklist.
🔹 Using an Accredited Vendor: Simply submit the Trainer Affidavit signed by the lead trainer—no additional documentation is needed, as accredited vendors have already been reviewed.
🔹 Using an In-House Trainer: Submit a trainer portfolio for the individual overseeing the in-house training program to confirm they meet QCP for Trainer/Tester. This individual must also complete the Trainer Affidavit and Checklist.

Trainer Qualification Expectations
✔️ All training must be conducted by qualified trainers, with qualifications set by the operation or vendor providing the training.
✔️ Vended training providers must ensure their trainers meet company qualifications to be considered qualified for the service being provided.
✔️ Operations with in-house training must have an individual who oversees and ensures the in-house trainers meet documented internal trainer qualifications. These documents will be verified by the Operations Reviewer.
💡 You can use any combination of internal and external trainers to meet these requirements.

Why This Change Matters
🔹 Aligns with Vendor Accreditation: This change brings Operation Accreditation in line with Vendor Accreditation, where the lead staff overseeing training must meet QCP Trainer/Tester guidelines.
🔹 Expands Accessibility: It removes unnecessary barriers, allowing more operations to apply without every trainer needing to meet QCP guidelines.
🔹 Provides Flexibility for Reaccreditation: If an operation loses QCP-qualified staff due to job transitions, natural disasters, or other unforeseen challenges, they can still maintain compliance and continue training.
This update ensures that training remains consistent and properly overseen while allowing operations to customize their approach to best fit their needs.