Annual Renewal & Re-Accreditation of Training Organizations
When an ISSSP Accredited Training Organization (ATO) completes the annual renewal or four year re-accreditation offers the organization the opportunity to improve processes and training practices to keep up with other quality Six Sigma certification providers. There are many benefits for maintaining your ATO status, such as the use of the ATO Badge and Box on your certificates, websites, and marketing materials per the latest Intellectual Property Guidelines. When you renew or complete your re-accreditation your Organizational Membership page will indicate your ATO status, as well as being listed as an ATO on the ISSSP Website. You will also have the benefit of showing credibility as a Lean Six Sigma training provider that cares about quality, providing students with real skills, and upholding a high standard for certification, which is a competitive edge in a marketplace that is inundated by certificate mills.
Your accreditation with ISSSP sets you apart from other Six Sigma certification and training providers. It is a sign of your commitment to consistency, excellence and integrity in an unregulated field.
Completing the ATO Yearly Renewal Process
The ATO Yearly Renewal Process is used to examine modifications within your Six Sigma Training and Certification Programs. It is a way to ensure you are meeting all of the latest ISSSP Standards, ATO Terms & Conditions, Minimum ATO Requirements, and Day Equivalents Training Requirements, as well as abiding by the Intellectual Property Guide. The Yearly Renewal Process is completed online by submitting the ATO annual Checklist with your ATO annual fee of $550. This fee is in addition to your annual ISSSP Organizational membership.
Preparing for Your Annual Renewal
Step 1: Ensure that your ISSSP Organizational Membership is current. You may not renew your ATO status, if your membership is in default.
Step 2: Review the latest ISSSP Standards, Minimum ATO Requirements, and Day Equivalents documentation.
Step 3: Complete the Annual Checklist.
Step 4: Pay annual renewal fee of $550.
Step 5: Wait for the checklist to be reviewed by the ISSSP Accreditation Representative and forwarded to the Accreditation Advisory Committee for approval, denial, or a request for additional information. Your payment will be processed, when you submit the Annual Checklist.
Step 6: Receive an email from an ISSSP Accreditation Representative with the AAC's decision. This process may take up to two weeks. In most cases, you will receive copy of your new certificate and a link to your updated Organizational Membership page. (On some rare occasions, the ISSSP Accreditation Advisory Committee may request additional information, if so a ISSSP Accreditation Representative will forward an email with any items listed. If the AAC denies, your application you will receive notification that includes the reason. You may appeal the decision within 10 business days.)
Why Do You Do the Application Process Every 4 Years?
To ensure that your organization continues to meet the standards of quality for Six Sigma certification and training programs, ISSSP requires that ATOs reapply for accreditation every four years. ISSSP aims to ensure that all ATOs remain current and consistent with the latest versions of the Minimum ATO Requirements, Day Equivalents, ATO Terms & Conditions, Intellectual Property Guide, and ISSSP Standards, as well as any other upgrades that may be added to ensure only respected, quality organizations receive ATO status. Remember as an ATO, you must also maintain your ISSSP Organizational membership and be paid in full prior to your annual renewal/re-accreditation.
However, re-accreditation is about more than maintaining ATO status. The application process itself enhances an organization’s capacity for continuous improvement.
What Happens When You’re Up for Your 4 Year Renewal
ISSSP will send an electronic re-accreditation notification letter approximately six months and three months prior to the organization’s fourth year expiration date. In order for the ISSSP Accreditation Representative and the ISSSP Accreditation Advisory Committee (AAC), to process the application before the accreditation lapses, the applicant must obtain and complete the ATO application and submit it to ISSSP at least three weeks prior to the ATO expiration date. Your 4-year renewal will be based on the same application process. Failure to submit your application within that time period will result in the removal of your organization from the ISSSP website's ATO list, the removal of your ATO tab on your Organizational Membership page, and your discontinued authorization to use the ISSSP ATO credentials, as well as logos, badges, etc. In addition, failure to maintain your ISSSP Organizational membership by paying annual dues or violating the Terms & Conditions of membership will result in your ATO status being removed. No refunds will be provided to organizations that have had their membership or ATO status revoked.
Preparing for Your 4-Year Renewal
Step 1: Ensure that your ISSSP Organizational Membership is current. You may not apply to continue your ATO status, if your membership is in default.
Step 2: Take advantage of the resources available to help you prepare a successful application:
Step 3:Review the latest ISSSP Standards, Minimum ATO Requirements, and Days Equivalent documentation.
Step 4: Begin the online ATO Application, which includes the latest ATO Terms & Conditions, Intellectual Property Guide, and ISSSP Standards. You may save your application and come back to it.
Step 4: Use the Annual Checklist from your last annual renewal to assess your Six Sigma certification and training programs and ensure you have the required policies, processes, and record-keeping in place for a successful program and the renewal of your ATO accreditation.
Step 5: Complete and submit the application with your payment of $750* at least three weeks prior to your expiration date to allow the ISSSP Accreditation Representative and Accreditation Advisory Committee time to process your renewal application without a lapse in your ATO accreditation. You will have 30 days to finish and submit your application with payment. Before the 30 days expires you should complete the ATO application and electronically sign the latest agreement.
Step 6: The process for investigation will be the same as the initial ATO Application Process.
Step 7: Remember to send any requested information within 10 business days from the time you receive an email notification. Failure to send in the information on time could result in a denial and forfeit of your re-accreditation fee.
Step 8: If you appeal a denial or your application is referred to the Accreditation Advisory Committee (AAC), because the Accreditation Specialist feels their review is necessary, you may be required to participate in a GoToWebinar meeting, have an onsite visit, or some other requirement(s) that the AAC feels are necessary to determine your organization meets our ATO requirements.
Budgeting for ISSSP Re-accreditation
The ISSSP organization re-accreditation costs $750* and includes the current years annual dues. The annual dues will be $550 for years two through three. In addition, your organization will need to maintain an ISSSP Organizational membership. The annual fee will vary depending on the organizational membership you choose. Please note that you must choose the Organizational membership that fits your business model. Failure to choose the correct Organizational membership may result in a revocation of your membership and/or ATO status.
*Additional fees (including travel expenses) may be required, if your organization requires vetting beyond the standard, such as onsite visits, etc. You will be notified of the the costs and may choose to forfeit your application fee, if you do not want to pay the additional charges.
Maintaining Accreditation - ISSSP Accredited Training Organizations / ATO Six Sigma Providers
The benefits of ISSSP Accredited Training Organization (ATO) recognition are immense, and there are responsibilities that are required of our ATOs. This is a vital part of maintaining the credibility of ISSSP.
As an ISSSP ATO, you are responsible for ensuring that the process for development and delivery of training activities, courses and programs meet all of the ISSSP Standards, Minimum ATO Requirements, Days Equivalent Training Requirements, and Intellectual Property Guide. You are also responsible for maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction. Accredited Training Organizations that receive too many complaints or have a low Better Business Bureau score may lose accreditation or be put on probation at the ISSSP Accreditation Advisory Committee’s discretion.
ISSSP's Commitment to Excellence
As an ISSSP ATO Six Sigma provider, you are obligated to:
- Maintain an ISSSP Organizational membership with annual fees paid in full.
- Pay an annual ATO renewal fee
- Maintain the policies and processes described in your ATO application
- Keep current with the latest versions and changes to the ISSSP Standards, Minimum ATO Requirements, Days Equivalent Training Requirements, and Intellectual Property Guide
- Be accredited every 4 years
- Maintain a positive reputation among the Six Sigma industry and the business community
ISSSP makes the requirements and application process for organizations to qualify available to not just the entities applying, but also the general public. Please feel free to open any of the links listed above. Only the ATO Application and ATO Annual Checklist are restricted to ISSSP Organizational members.