How Distance TESOL Providers become Accredited Members of ACTDEC

Any reputable TESOL distance learning provider can apply to become an applicant member of ACTDEC. They are then given 12 months in which to apply for formal accreditation. The accreditation panel is completely independent but works to an approved set of syllabus specifications and requirements originally drawn up by Dr W.R. Lee, founder of IATEFL and ACTDEC's first Chair. The accreditation process is based on the ACTDEC Code of Practice.

ACTDEC Membership and Accreditation

ACTDEC was established to advance professionalism by maintaining and also improving on standards of distance learning and training in the field of teaching English to speakers of other languages.

Whilst ACTDEC recognises the importance of observed teaching practice in training programmes it is also aware that each year many hundreds of teachers find ELT posts in various parts of the world often without undertaking a course which includes observed teaching practice. The result is an ever growing demand for free-standing TESOL distance programmes. This demand has resulted in a proliferation of TEFL/TESOL distance course providers raising considerable concern about the quality and level of many of these non-accredited courses.

Membership of ACTDEC

A two-tier ACTDEC membership scheme is open to reputable teacher-training institutions offering free-standing (or hybrid) TESOL distance-training programmes.

Non-accredited members agreeing to abide by the ACTDEC code of practice, and who are actively preparing for accreditation of one or more courses, are allowed to use the ACTDEC Applicant Membership logo (see below). Applicant (non-accredited) members have twelve months in which to achieve ACTDEC accreditation for a specified distance-training course (or courses) at one or more or the four ACTDEC levels.

Applicant Membership of ACTDEC registers intent on the part of the institution, to seek accreditation for a specific course (or courses) and, by implication, signals a willingness on the part of the institution to adhere to the high standards set out on the code of practice.
Members with courses that have been accredited are eligible to display the ACTDEC symbol of quality assurance and statement with regard to each specifically accredited course, e.g. course level 1 or course level 4, etc. Please see symbols below:

You can view a list of Applicant Members and Full Accredited Members of ACTDEC.

ACTDEC support for applicants

The primary aim of the Accreditation Panel is to recommend accreditation based on the evidence and submission made by the provider. However, where there are discrepancies, the panel offers friendly advice that will help enable successful re-submission. The aim is to maintain high standards and a level playing field. The ACTDEC website carries a thorough guide to accreditation in this section (see "Becoming Accredited" menu).

Code of Practice

The ACTDEC Code of Practice covers twelve main areas. These include publicity, advertising and pre-course information; selection and admission of participants; statement of purpose; course process; course structure and content; progress and assessment; course administration; staffing; facilities and resources for teaching and learning; communication with sponsors; welfare; course evaluation and quality assurance. View the full Code of Practice.

Funding

ACTDEC, which is a non-profit making organisation, receives no support, funding or grants from any organisation and is completely self-supporting.

All funds generated by ACTDEC are used solely to further promote ACTDEC, its work in general and in developing its accreditation aims, professional standards and excellence in TESOL distance learning.