Accredited Training Centre (ATC)

An education institution may apply to become an Accredited Training Centre (ATC) to offer Certified Member of the Society of Internet Professionals (CMSIP) courses or courses approved for CMSIP exemptions. Institutions are selected on the basis of their resources, qualification of their instructors and experience with such programmes (further details are given in the attached "What is an Accredited Training Centre").

SIP will provide the following upon accreditation of the training institution/courses.

• Competency outline for an appropriate Certified Member of the Society of Internet Professionals course and others when available
• Occasional speakers and trainers from SIP
• Help with the development of Certified Member of the Society of Internet Professionals courses and curriculum
• Access to the SIP-U Online for students in the accredited courses (for a nominal access fee)
• Co-ordination with Certified Member of the Society of Internet Professionals examinations and students applications
• Facilitation in becoming an authorized testing Centre for Certified Member of the Society of Internet Professionals exams

The fee to become an ATC is $5,000 (US$3700). Renewal fees also apply in subsequent years.
To Apply and Pay Online

Participating as an ATC

An ATC is expected to participate in the following manner:

• Update and development of current and future Certified Member of the Society of Internet Professionals standards
• Part of Standards and Certification Board
• Update and development of examinations for Certified Member of the Society of Internet Professionals courses

Marketing Benefits for an ATC

An ATC also enjoys all the benefits of a SIP Corporate member.

• Promotion and partnering opportunities at events
• Use of special SIP ATC logo on your stationery and Website
• Listing of your company in our Membership Directory and Website
• Link from SIP Website to your organization's Website
• Preference and discounts at our annual conferences

What is an Accredited Training Centre (ATC)

Accreditation is a process that gives public recognition to institutions or specific courses that meet certain standards. It provides an assurance to the student that they will receive the quality of education the institution claims to provide, and that the institution operates on a sound financial basis, has an approved program of study, qualified instructors, adequate facilities and equipment, approved recruitment, admission and refund policies, and advertises its courses truthfully. In particular it is an assurance that the program of study will provide the instruction necessary to achieve the certification standards claimed by the institute.

The Society of Internet Professionals accreditation is an institution-wide source of accreditation that covers on-line and classroom study courses that relate to enhancing skills and professionalism in the development and use of the Internet. Accreditation is predicated on instructional content and delivery not on the level of educational or subject matter discipline. It covers all programs that claim to teach students to a specified certification standard.

Accreditation Process for an ATC

1. A bona-fide training or educational institution voluntarily sends an "Application for Accreditation" to SIP
2. The review process includes writing an in-depth self-evaluation report; review of the courses by subject matter experts; survey of students, graduates, provincial departments of education and any other relevant agencies such as the Better Business Bureau or other official bodies
3. An on-site inspection to verify information
4. The SIP Accreditation Committee (SAC) reviews all reports, surveys in terms of the required standards, and determines whether or not to recommend accreditation. (The fee will returned after deducting 10% administration and consulting charges, if the application was declined)
5. The SIP Standards & Certification Board (SCB) reviews and approves, or rejects, the recommendation of the Accreditation Committee. The SCB is also responsible for handling any written requests for clarification or disagreements from an institution.
6. It has qualified facilitators and Instructors and has at least one with CIP designation.
7. Undertake to abide by SIP Code of Ethics.
8. The status may be withdrawn if deemed necessary.
9. It does not conflict with activities or mandate of SIP.
   

If an institution is accredited, it must conform to all educational and business standards of the SCB, submit annual reports, and be re-examined every five years. In addition, any new course developed by an institution must be sent to the SIP Accreditation Committee for review by subject matter experts, and subsequently given approval by the SCB.

Institutions with less than two years of operating experience can apply for provisional accreditation status.

The SIP Standards and Certification Board consists of a representative cross-section of public and private agency representatives.

SIP accreditation is not a guarantee that credit will transfer between accredited institutions.

Inquiries

For inquires please click here