---
title: 'Seven stages'
url: 'https://jessica.digital/projects/online-accreditation/stages'
markdown: 'https://jessica.digital/projects/online-accreditation/stages.md'
date: '2026-10-28'
description: "Seven stages with two gates. Don't start detailed mapping until the PSRB confirms your route, and don't submit until internal approval is complete."
---

[ Projects](https://jessica.digital/projects)

Practical guide · Online higher education

# Online Accreditation Guide

A structured approach for academics and faculty teams, whether you are extending an on-campus accreditation or making a new submission.

Section 3 of 10

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## A staged approach

There are seven stages to applying for accreditation from a professional, statutory or regulatory body (PSRB). Don't start detailed mapping until the PSRB confirms your route, and don't submit until internal approval is complete, as later changes will delay the process.

Durations vary by PSRB cycle, so build your timeline backwards from the PSRB's submission window. Select a stage to see what it involves.

  Stage 1 of 7 
### Scope and early PSRB contact

Read the PSRB handbook in full. List every difference from any accredited parent programme. Write to the PSRB asking which route applies and what evidence it expects.

- Keep the PSRB’s reply: you will quote it to faculty management
- Ask about submission windows and fees at the same time

Gate: route confirmed by the PSRB

 Stage 2 of 7 
### Internal case and decisions

Take a one-page case to faculty management. Secure decisions on staffing, intake pattern, timing and resource.

- Brief your faculty quality lead first
- Ask for a decision to proceed, not sign-off of detail

 Stage 3 of 7 
### Design and mapping

Map PSRB competences to modules and assessments. Fix the delivery and assessment model and confirm who will design learning activities, and who will teach.

- Give module leaders a pre-filled mapping template
- Modules need to cover all accreditation-prescribed content, though there may be flexibility in approach

 Stage 4 of 7 
### Internal approval

Take the programme or modification through your approval or validation route, aligned to the PSRB’s criteria so one set of documents serves both.

- Invite a panel member with PSRB experience
- Resolve conditions before submitting externally – they are likely to be accreditation concerns too

Gate: institutional approval in place

 Stage 5 of 7 
### Submission

Assemble documents from one shared project plan. Check the specification, handbook and marketing are consistent.

- Set internal deadlines to provide sufficient time for review
- Have someone outside the team read the narrative to identify inconsistencies or gaps

 Stage 6 of 7 
### Panel or visit

Rehearse with the full team. Prepare a live walkthrough of the online learning environment. Brief students and academics who will meet the panel.

- Show a real module, not a demo shell. This could be from another similar online programme
- Make sure online tutors are visible in the process; they are a key element of the student journey

 Stage 7 of 7 
### Outcome and conditions

Respond to conditions on time. Update student information to reflect accredited status. Build accreditation into annual monitoring and reaccreditation planning.

- Ensure any conditions are reflected in the core set of documents
- Record what the panel asked, to anticipate questions in the next review cycle

This guide is based on my professional experience taking online programmes through the accreditation process at a range of higher education providers. Make sure to consult your institution's regulations and the PSRB accreditation handbook for subject specifics.

---

## Navigation

- Parent: [Online Accreditation Guide](https://jessica.digital/projects/online-accreditation.md)
- Previous: [Key decisions](https://jessica.digital/projects/online-accreditation/decisions.md)
- Next: [Timing and schedule](https://jessica.digital/projects/online-accreditation/timing.md)