Don’t put off accreditation – by 2012 it may be too late to apply.
Recently the ESSA National Board approved changes to the AEP application requirements. If you are considering applying for AEP, or have let your accreditation lapse, it’s really important that you consider applying before 31st December 2011, as the new changes may affect your ability to successfully apply, and be accredited in the future.
| Implementation Date | Change to individual AEP accreditation criteria |
|---|---|
| January 1, 2012 | Individual AEP applicants must demonstrate that all knowledge criteria are met through formal university study*. It will no longer be possible for applicants to meet these criteria through continuing education and work experience. |
| January 1, 2013 | Individual AEP applicants must demonstrate that all application/skill criteria are met through formal university study* and/or approved practicum experience*.
Where an application/skill criterion is met through formal university study, the applicant must provide evidence that the specific criterion was assessed as part of the study (e.g. copy of course outline or description of assessment piece). Where an application/skill criterion is met through approved practicum experience, the applicant must provide evidence that the specific criterion was formally assessed by the practicum supervisor*. From this date, individual AEP applicants must ensure that all practicum experience has been gained during, or following, their course of study. It is expected that applicants will have undertaken relevant prerequisite units of study (e.g. exercise prescription) prior to undertaking supervised practicum experience (except observational experience). Experience gained prior to undertaking formal university study will not be recognised as approved practicum experience. |
| January 1, 2014 | AEP applications will only be accepted from graduates of NUCAP approved courses. As part of NUCAP approval, all knowledge and skills criteria and practicum experience requirements must be met through the accredited university course. |
*Notes and definitions: Formal university study includes coursework completed at undergraduate or postgraduate level. Approved practicum experience includes work experience, paid or unpaid, that is appropriately supervised. Formal assessment of application criteria may be undertaken by the university unit or the practicum supervisor. To facilitate assessments undertaken by practicum supervisors, ESSA intends to develop and release a practicum supervisor’s assessment tool by January 2012.
| Additional Resources |
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| Frequently Asked Questions |
| Printable accreditation roadmap |