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Accreditation authorities

Accreditation authorities ensure individuals seeking registration as a health practitioner have the knowledge, skills and professional attributes necessary to safely and competently practise their profession in Australia

Learn more about our accreditation process review

Accreditation authorities’ roles

Accreditation authorities have an essential role in the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (the National Scheme) including to:

  • develop accreditation standards for a National Board’s approval
  • accredit education providers and programs of study to ensure they meet approved accreditation standards
  • assess overseas-qualified practitioners and assessing authorities in other countries
  • provide advice to the National Boards about these functions.

Multiple accreditation authorities, including specialist medical colleges, are responsible for undertaking the National Scheme’s accreditation functions. The accreditation process varies by health profession.

Types of accreditation authorities

There are two types of accreditation authorities in the National Scheme: external accreditation entities and committees established by the National Boards.

Some accreditation authorities also have arrangements with other entities, such as specialist medical colleges, to perform certain accreditation functions. This can include accrediting training sites and assessing the qualifications of overseas-trained practitioners.

External accreditation authorities

External accreditation authorities work with the relevant National Board to deliver specified accreditation functions under a formal agreement with Ahpra on the Board’s behalf. There are 10 external accreditation entities.

Committees established by the National Boards

Committees established by the National Boards work with the National Board based on the committee’s terms of reference. There are five accreditation committees.

  • The National Scheme

    Learn more about how Australia’s health practitioners are regulated.

  • Ahpra and the National Boards

    Find out more about the role the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) and the 15 National Boards play in how the National Scheme works.

  • Accreditation processes review

    Find out more about our review of existing processes and procedures of accreditation authorities in the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme.

  • Accreditation complaints

    Find out more about what to expect when our office accepts accreditation-related complaints.

  • Ombudsman complaints

    Find out more about the complaints we assist with.

Make a complaint

Find out more about how to make a complaint to the Ombudsman or Commissioner.

Accreditation authorities: Accreditation committees and other bodies involved in accreditation

Accreditation authorities: specialist colleges

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