The Course Creator’s Association offers course review and certification services. Here are the criteria we use when evaluating whether a course meets our standards for accreditation:

Course Marketing

1. The course marketing communicates its value proposition. 
2. The marketing clearly defines who benefits from the course. 
3. The course marketing clearly describes what’s included. 
4. The course marketing clearly describes the delivery method. 
5. The course marketing details any required tools or materials for students before they register. 

Course Design

1. Each learning lesson or module communicates its value to students. 
2. Accommodation is provided in an effort to equalize access. 
3. Course content effectively gains and maintains attention. 
4. Course content has an optimal cognitive load. 
5. Courses have an optimal balance of tell and discovery. 
6. The course guides students using practical, real-world situations. 
7. The course gives a clear way for students to measure impact.
8. The course includes necessary support for learning and skill application.
9. The course concludes with a sense of accomplishment and clarifies the next steps. 
10. The presenter skillfully delivers content, fostering student understanding, connection, and engagement.

Course Production

1. The course registration process is clear, simple, and provides a positive start. 
2. The course platform is logically laid out, ensuring an easy start and simple navigation. 
3. Materials are optimized to ensure ease of access, readability, and value.
4. Video and audio quality contribute to an engaging learning experience.

The Course Creators Association uses a weighted rubric to determine whether a course sufficiently meets these standards and can be accredited. Based on these weighed values, it must score at least 70 percent. The Course Creators Association will review all applications for accreditation on a case-by-case basis to ensure that each course meets the highest standards of quality and effectiveness in course design and delivery.

All reviewed courses receive a written evaluation from the reviewer. If the course fails to meet the accreditation standards, this evaluation can be used to correct aspects, and the course may be re-submitted for one more review. 

Download the Standards Guide for the details.