State of the Program Department

As the Programs Department evolves to better meet the needs of our association, several key updates have been made to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and foster collaboration. Below is a summary of our recent progress and plans for the future.

Volunteer Structure

Historically, the Programs Department had specific volunteer panels dedicated to each program area: the Vendor Accreditation Panel, the Operation Accreditation Panel, and the Inspector Certification Panel. These panels operated under the Accreditation and Certification Committee, with a staff representative for oversight. As our association moves towards a more staff-driven structure, we have consolidated these panels into a single, unified group that supports all programs – known as the Program Work Group.

This transition has significantly improved efficiency, allowing for quicker decisions and project completion. It has also fostered greater interconnectedness, enabling open communication and collaboration. By bringing diverse perspectives together, we are now better equipped to advance the department’s initiatives and enhance the overall experience for our users.

Operation Accreditation

Since the 2024 Conference in Oklahoma City, we have accredited 14 new operations. Launched in July 2020, the program has now successfully accredited 36 operations, and this number is expected to grow as our marketing efforts continue to expand.

We have also identified opportunities to improve the educational resources available for this program. Over the next year, you can anticipate updated tutorials, additional support materials, and further information for prospective applicants on the ACCT website.

In addition, we are transitioning the classroom portion of the Operation Reviewer Training to the ACCT Academy. While individuals will still need to meet prerequisites before attending, this shift will streamline the process, enabling us to offer the training up to three times a year. This adjustment reflects our commitment to making our programs accessible and efficient for our members.

Click the link for more information! https://www.acctinfo.org/operation-accreditation

Inspector Certification

The Inspector Certification program has made significant strides this year. Two major highlights include the translation of certification information into multiple languages and the introduction of an on-demand Inspector Certification Exam (ICE) Prep Course.

Our website now offers Inspector Certification information in Spanish, Mayan, Korean, Hindi, and Japanese, while exams are available in Spanish and English. We are actively working to provide information and exams in additional languages, furthering our commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.

The ICE Prep Course, now available on-demand through the ACCT Academy via our Learning Management System (LMS), allows individuals to engage with the material at their own pace. This course is designed to build confidence and preparedness for exam day, offer continuing education units (CEUs), or simply serve as a valuable resource, regardless of whether the individual plans to take the exam or not. The flexible format includes downloadable materials and monthly Q&A calls to support participants.

Click the link for more information about the Inspector Certification Program: https://www.acctinfo.org/inspector-certification

Click the link to connect to the Inspector Certification Prep Course: https://www.pathlms.com/association-for-challenge-course-technology/courses/78262

Vendor Accreditation

Our Accredited Vendor (AV) program, formerly known as Professional Vendor Members (PVMs), has undergone a major update. The newly structured program, approved in July 2024, aligns with industry growth and ACCT’s commitment to quality assurance by continuously adapting and providing relevant support. 

Over the years, volunteers have dedicated time to reviewing the program’s requirements and procedures, identifying areas for improvement, and addressing feedback from vendor clients and industry stakeholders. This collaborative effort led to the development of a revised accreditation program that better serves current industry needs while incorporating structured administrative oversight.

The updated program introduces "Design" as an accredited service and now distinctly separates Installation, Inspection, and Training services. Additionally, those applying for Practitioner Certification must either be accredited or in the process of obtaining accreditation for Training.

We have also developed a comprehensive set of documents and templates to support vendors through the accreditation process, ensuring they have the tools needed for success.

Click the link for more information about the Vendor Accreditation Program: https://www.acctinfo.org/vendor-accreditation

For our final update, each program now has a new email address, ensuring messages are routed correctly for more efficient responses. We remain committed to listening to your feedback.

• Vendor Accreditation: vendor-accreditation@acctinfo.org

• Operation Accreditation: operation-accreditation@acctinfo.org

• Inspector Certification: inspector-certification@acctinfo.org

As we look forward to the year ahead, the Programs Department is dedicated to continuous improvement and adapting to the evolving needs of our members and the industry. By streamlining processes, enhancing accessibility, and expanding educational resources, we are confident that these updates will bring greater efficiency and support to our valued members and accredited vendors.