The ACS Division of Education is proud to present the Standards for Accredited Education Institutes, which define the essential components of high-quality, simulation-based surgical education. These standards are organized into five core domains:
This comprehensive manual serves as the cornerstone for developing and sustaining a robust surgical simulation program. It offers clear guidance for education centers striving to elevate the quality and impact of their training initiatives.
There are two levels of accreditation available: Comprehensive and Focused. While Comprehensive AEIs must meet more extensive requirements, both categories are held to rigorous standards and undergo a thorough, multi-tiered review process. Detailed distinctions between the two accreditation levels are outlined in the Standards Manual.
Centers must meet all standards and intend to actively pursue accreditation for the designation level sought—Comprehensive or Focused—prior to submitting a pre-application.
Apply TodayDuring the 5-year accreditation cycle, existing Accredited Education Institutes (AEI) are required on a yearly basis to keep documentation/evidence of compliance and more.
Learn MoreThe AEI application process is organized into two annual cycles—June and December.
See Timelines