What are the benefits of becoming an accredited post-secondary institution?

When a post-secondary education institution is accredited, there are benefits for both the institution and its students, including:

• Students can be confident that the credits they have earned are transferable to institutions in other jurisdictions
• Recognition that the programs offered at the institution have gone through a quality assurance process and met territorial standards that support the labor market needs
• Creates a territorial post-secondary education system that adheres to consistent standards, creating confidence for employers
• Students attending accredited institutions can be eligible for student financial assistance
• Allows institutions from other jurisdictions to provide programming in the NWT that has been reviewed and accredited
• Institutions can work towards becoming a Designated Learning Institution, making them eligible to accept international students
   

What is accreditation?

Accreditation means that a post-secondary education institution or program has had a formal, independent review and that it meets established quality standards.
 

If my organization becomes accredited as a Private Training Institution (PTI), can I later become accredited as a college or university?

Institutions that currently hold a certificate of registration identifying them as a PTI may apply to become a college or university.  The institution would submit the request to the Minister’s office for review and the Minister would refer the request to the appropriate designated quality assurance body for review.
 

What is the difference between certification and accreditation?

Certificate of Registration is the term used in the Act, however it means that an institution is accredited.
 

Once my institution is accredited, do I receive anything to indicate this status?

Yes. A Certificate of Registration and/or authorization to operate will be issued and the institution will be provided with an electronic stamp of approval, a renewal date, and a schedule of terms and conditions. ECE will also update its listing of accredited institutions.  

When you become an accredited institution, it gives prospective students confidence that the institution has met territorial standards, which in turn will be recognized by employers. It is also beneficial in the recruitment and retention of instructors and professors.
 

What does it mean for students if a post-secondary education institution becomes accredited part-way through their education?

The student should not notice any differences in their studies.  The student may have more options open up for them, such as transferability to other institutions locally or across jurisdictions.  Employment opportunities may increase as employers become more confident in the skills and abilities being developed through the programs.
 

What does the Post-Secondary Education Act and Regulations mean?

This legislation ensures that institutions are properly governed and programs, courses and the institutions themselves are meeting quality assurance processes. This legislation will also provide consumer protection for students and employers. The Act and regulations ensure that institutions are providing the appropriate types and levels of education and training that meets the needs of NWT students and labour market, and will be recognized outside of the NWT.