Programme accreditation

Programme accreditation

Although there is variation in advanced practice itself, by accrediting advanced level programmes the Centre for Advancing Practice will consistently assure education quality.

To become Centre accredited, programmes meet standards set out in the Multi-professional framework for advanced clinical practice in England and Standards for Education and Training. We welcome diversity in programme content to cater to practitioner interests and service needs. All programmes should consistently meet the standards, put patients at the heart of what we do, and deliver a high quality academic and clinical programme.

NHS England accredited programmes will become one of the benchmark routes to recognition for practitioners. This will help to ensure a consistent level of quality across England.


Programme Accreditation Content

For education providers

When can I accredit my programme?

To be able to accredit programmes whilst maintaining high standards the Centre is taking a phased approach. Initially, current advanced practice programmes, then legacy programmes.

Since September 2020, several programmes have begun the accreditation process and gained accreditation, others are ongoing.

Find out more about the accreditation process

How do I know when my programme will be invited to submit?

The Centre is working with Regional Faculty Leads to develop a schedule for accreditation submissions that will enable support and maintain standards. Our priority is to ensure the process is efficient and appropriate while working to support education providers.

Legacy programmes

We are working through the advanced level programme in a phased approach, the accreditation of legacy programmes will follow as part of a later phase. We will provide updates when the status of this route changes. 

What is a legacy programme?

A legacy programme is the previous version of the advanced practice programme submitted to the Centre for accreditation or the previous version of an advanced practice programme that already holds NHS England Centre for Advancing Practice accreditation.

The date of Centre accreditation for a legacy programme will align to the validation date of the legacy programme, but will be no longer than five years from the validation date of the existing programme. 


Accredited Programmes

  • This regularly updated list show programmes accredited by the Centre for Advancing Practice. Education provider determine Advanced practice programme titles. As a result variance may occur within these programme titles. With some programmes aimed specifically at certain professionals and/or scopes of practice.
  • Programmes successfully accredited by the Centre for Advancing Practice have demonstrated meeting the capabilities and standards set out in:

    These set out generic advanced practice competencies and skills. As such do not necessarily confer recognition of skills specific to a scope of practice even if such is in any title.

Programme Accreditation Elements

Guidance for Education Providers