Applying for RCN accreditation

Categories of accreditation

  1. Fast-track - for conferences, study days, meetings and short events
  2. Short courses and modules
  3. Resources and e-learning (including learning packs, USB sticks, DVDs, e-learning packages etc).

We are unable to accredit websites, but learning hosted on a website can be considered.

Duration of accreditation

Accreditation for events and courses can be granted for either one occurrence (for example, a one-day conference) or for a year for multiple events. This can then be renewed for a further two years, totalling three years in all. Accreditation for resources is granted for three years. 

Online promotion

All learning and training initiatives that receive RCN accreditation can be promoted on our website free of charge. You will be offered this opportunity once you have received confirmation of accreditation. 

Before you apply for accreditation

Please be aware that the following areas are not being considered at present for accreditation:

  • manual handling
  • control and restraint
  • the use of dermal fillers and medical aesthetics
  • applications for dissemination within the UK that do not comply with recognised UK practice and/or language style.

Please refer to the Guidance notes (PDF 76KB) [see how to access PDF files] before submitting your application.

1) Fast-track accreditation for conferences, study days, meetings and short events

Please allow up to four weeks for the accreditation process. This may take longer if further information is required from applicants. 

Download the fast-track application form (Word 157KB) and email it to us complete with any supporting material attached.

2) Accreditation of short courses and modules (up to five days)

Longer courses with many modules may require an application form per module - please contact the accreditation unit to confirm this before completing the form.

Download the short courses application form (Word 147KB) and email it to us complete with any supporting material attached.

3) Accreditation of resources and e-learning (including learning packs, USB sticks, DVDs, e-learning packages etc.)

Applications should be submitted at draft stage if possible as revisions may be required to meet the accreditation standards. Please allow up to three months for processing when submitting large resources.

Download the resources application form (Word 141KB) and email it to us complete with any supporting material attached.

Acknowledgement of your application

An email receipt is sent when an application is received by the accreditation unit, this is followed by a formal email acknowledgment giving an event reference number and details of the accreditation fee. If you have not had a response from the unit within five working days after sending your application, please contact us.

Fees

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 accreditation at a 20 per cent discount.

See fee sheet (PDF 19.4KB) [how to access PDF files].

Useful information

Please find below the RCN code of practice and samples of forms that may be distributed to delegates.

[see how to access PDF files].

Not sure which application?

Please contact us if you have any questions about the application process. If your training does not fit neatly into an existing category we would be happy to talk through your specific requirements.