Applying for RCN accreditation
Some links on this page are to PDF files - see how to access PDF files.Categories and duration of accreditation
There are currently three categories:
- conferences, study days, meetings etc
- courses.
Accreditation can be granted for either one occurrence (eg a one-off course), or for a year if it is intended to deliver repeated courses. These can be renewed for a further two years totalling three years in all.
- Resources and e-learning
These include learning packs, USB sticks, DVDs, e-learning packages etc, where accreditation is granted for three years.
Before you complete your application
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.
Promotion on the RCN website
Any conference or course that receives accreditation can be promoted on our website free of charge. You will be offered this opportunity once your training has been accredited. We will also be offering this facility for resources and e-learning later in the year.
Application form for conferences, study days and meetings etc
Please allow four weeks for the accreditation process. This may take longer if further information is required from applicants. You can currently apply online at the following link:
Or download the following application form to be completed and returned by email or post:
- Application form - Accreditation of conferences, study days and meetings etc (Word 143K)
- Guidance notes (PDF 142KB)
Application forms can be completed electronically and returned by email, or printed out and returned by post. All supporting documents and payment should be sent by post. Our contact details
Application forms for courses, resources and e-learning
The online facility is not currently available, but please download and complete the relevant form below:
- Application form - Accreditation of an event or course (Word 143K)
- Application form - Accreditation of e-learning or resource (Word 129K)
- Guidance notes (PDF 142KB)
Application forms can be completed electronically and returned by email, or printed out and returned by post. All supporting documents and payment should be sent by post. Our contact details
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 25KB)
Useful information
Please find below the RCN code of practice, sample forms that may be distributed to delegates and information about paying by credit and debit card.
- RCN AU code of practice (PDF 33 KB)
- Framework for reflection (PDF 131 KB)
- Evaluation form (PDF 145KB)
- Paying by credit or debit card (PDF 145KB)
Not sure which application?
Please contact us if you have any questions about the application process. If your training does not neatly fit into an existing category we would be happy to talk through your specific requirements.
Accreditation for nurse practitioner programmes
The RCN has been the leader in establishing the competences for advanced nurse practitioner practice and developing standards for programmes of preparation for advanced nurse practitioners.
RCN accreditation is available to higher education institutions providing advanced nurse practitioner education and under this model; students will be graduates of an RCN accredited advanced nurse practitioner programme.
- Advanced Nurse Practitioner Guidance (Word 83K)
- Application form - Advanced Nurse Practitioner Programmes (Word 73K)
- An RCN Guide to the Advanced Nurse Practitioner role, competences and programme accreditation (1.50 MB)
Please contact us if you have any questions about the nurse programme accreditation

