At its April 2023 meeting, the Accrediting Commission of the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET) conducted a review of the COVID-19 Temporary Flexibilities that the Commission had previously approved. With the anticipated conclusion of the national COVID-19 emergency on May 11, 2023, the Commission voted to terminate the temporary flexibilities on September 1, 2023, to return to normal operations, with a grace period extending until October 1, 2023.

This guidance is relevant to all ACCET member institutions still operating under the temporary flexibilities, including:

• Temporary closure
• Temporary relocation (IEP)
• Temporary interactive distance learning (IDL)
• Externships (rescheduled, capstone course in lieu of externship)
• Labs (rescheduled, simulated, didactic classes instead of labs)
• Verification of high school completion status
• Leave of absence (waive written LOA request)

Institutions that wish to pursue final approval for IDL methodology are advised to submit a program application as soon as possible to ensure no interruption to the online delivery of programs.

Click here to view the full April 29, 2023 update to ACCET guidance on COVID-19 temporary flexibilities.

The Accrediting Commission of the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET) recently reviewed the continuing challenges of COVID-19 and revised the guidance following the December 2020, April 2021, and August 2021 Commission meetings. Upon additional consideration of the emerging challenges and significant impact of COVID-19, the Accrediting Commission voted to keep the temporary flexibilities in place until they are affirmatively rescinded but no later than 180 days following the date on which the COVID-19 national emergency declaration is rescinded. In extending these temporary flexibilities, ACCET
follows the guidance of the U.S. Department of Education and the Student Exchange Visitors Program (SEVP), including the period for temporary flexibilities due to COVID-19.

Click here to view the full September 15, 2022 update to ACCET guidance on COVID-19 temporary flexibilities.

Click here to view the Updated Guidance (constantcontact.com) official message to the membership.