IP3 Accreditation Program

Since the IP3 professional standard will be awarded by individual national bodies, the quality and consistency of standards will be heavily dependent on the processes by which those bodies are accredited. Applicants for accreditation will be required to demonstrate that they meet IP3 requirements in respect of: 

• Skills and competence
• Body of knowledge
• Continuing professional development
• Codes of conduct and ethics
• Organizational capability and maturity 

The purpose of the IP3 assessment process is to determine whether: 

• The organization has in place a coherent set of documented standards that meet the requirements specified by IP3;
• Those standards are supported by properly documented  policies and processes;
• Those policies and processes are applied effectively in practice;
• The organization has the maturity and viability required to sustain an effective professional organization and to maintain the required standards over the longer term. 

The IP3 aim is not to build a fully formed international profession, but to build a framework that will facilitate the development of such a profession through action by member societies.

Accreditation Principles

• avoid over-prescription - build locally as far as possible, engaging national bodies;
• Aim for an inclusive profession in which both the traditional and the new IT communities feel comfortable;
• Do not reinvent the wheel - build on existing standards and support frameworks;
• Provide clear advice and guidance in respect of the required standards;
• Build frameworks within which individual national bodies can develop incrementally to international standards;
• Provide mentoring and support from those that have achieved the required level for those aspiring to do so;
• Build rigorous processes for assuring international consistency;
• Provide additional resource and assistance for member societies in developing countries.

IP3 complements and supports the activities of its member bodies. Under no circumstances will it compete with member bodies.

The framework for the international profession has been build on the principle of subsidiarity with building blocks at 3 levels:

Level 1: A set of definitions to ensure a consistent base of common understanding. Only those items that are essential to providing a solid foundation for an international profession are included at this level.

Level 2: Intended to cover the other essential and some advisable ingredients for an effective profession in terms of both standards and governance processes - within this it is the intention is to allow national bodies maximum freedom within to develop in a way that best fits their local needs.

Level 3: Includes the standards and processes necessary to ensure a consistent international standard for both national institutions and for individual practitioners.