FAQs
Here are some quick answers to the most frequently asked questions about RCN accreditation.
What is the appeal of RCN accreditation to nurses?
We include a model for structured reflection which delegates use to reflect on their experiences and to capture their learning. The Nursing and Midwifery Council’s post-registration education and practice requires that nurses undertake at least five days or 35 hours of learning activity relevant to their practice during the three years prior to their renewal of registration. Certificates are available for nurses who attend RCN accredited events providing evidence of this continuing professional development. This is another reason why nurses find RCN accredited initiatives more appealing when choosing a learning initiative.
What is the appeal of RCN accreditation to employers?
RCN accreditation will ensure that learning and training initiatives appeal to nurses and managers who need to choose the most effective use of their time and money.
The RCN knows the nursing market and what is most appropriate in a learning environment for nurses and the wider health care family.
Accreditation by the RCN provides recognition by a UK-wide and internationally renowned organisation – and that gives our clients recognition in an international market place.
How do I apply for accreditation?
You can apply for accreditation online, by email or by post.
Which form you choose depends on the type of learning initiative you are looking to have accredited, and we offer clear guidance notes to assist you with your application. All application forms and guidance notes are available for download.
To be able to accredit an initiative, we need to see the detail and background information behind it, which is why we ask for supporting documentation. These supporting documents need to be submitted with your initial application, as the team cannot process your application form without them. If you are in doubt about any of the documents, contact the accreditation team.
We work to this rigorous process so we can guarantee the quality of an initiative: seeing the detail and background information behind an initiative means we are able to ensure a quality product.
How long does accreditation take once we apply?
We ask for applications to be submitted no later than four weeks before an event. Please note that longer courses can take up to two months to process.
If you wish to apply for accreditation earlier, in order to be able to advertise this on promotional material for an event, please liaise with the accreditation team so that applications can be processed up to six months in advance of events being held. In this case, once applications are acknowledged you will be at liberty to say that accreditation has been applied for on any marketing material.
We prefer to receive applications for resources when they are at a draft stage and prior to them being printed. Applications for resources can take up to three months, depending on the complexity of the resource, eg, web-based applications.
Are there standards that we need to meet?
Although educational and subject standards need to be met to qualify for accreditation, there is no prescribed format as to how an accredited initiative should be presented.
An application for accreditation is assessed on its relevance to nursing and nursing practice and that of the wider health care family and the overall quality, organisation and content of the initiative.
Full information is available in the Guidance notes (PDF 142KB) [see how to access PDF files]
Are there any suggestions on putting a course together?
As an accreditation body we must remain impartial and cannot be involved in developing material submitted for accreditation. The RCN advisers in the Nursing Department or Forum Chairs may be able to offer some independent guidance.
How do you choose your subject reviewers?
Accreditation reviewers are selected from a wide background and go through a stringent review process before they are appointed. Our reviewers cover all clinical areas and specialisms and are experts in a wide range of fields. Please note that all subject reviewers sign a confidentiality clause.
Will I have access to the RCN membership to promote our accredited initiatives?
We have around 400,000 members, all from the nursing family and we promote RCN accreditation to our members as a membership benefit. RCN accreditation informs our members that initiatives are up to date, of best practice and of the highest quality.
Any events or courses that receive RCN accreditation can be promoted free of charge on the RCN accredited events and conferences webpages.
How much does accreditation cost?
Fees for RCN accreditation vary depending on the type of initiative, with prices starting from £250 for not-for-profit organisations and £500 for commercial organisations. Any events run in conjunction with the RCN are offered at a 20% discount. See the RCN accreditation fee sheet (PDF 25KB) [see how to access PDF files].