Accreditation Standards and Criteria

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The ACS Division of Education is pleased to introduce the Standards for Accredited Education Institutes. These standards outline the key elements of simulation-based surgical education and training across five key areas:

Personnel
Governance
Learners and Educational Resources
Educational Methodology
Advancement of the Field

This standards manual serves as the foundation for a robust surgical simulation program, providing essential guidance for surgical education centers that aim to enhance quality and achieve excellence in their training programs.

There are two categories of accreditation available: Comprehensive and Focused. The requirements for Comprehensive Accredited Education Institutes (AEIs) are more stringent than those for Focused AEIs; however, both must meet rigorous accreditation standards and undergo a thorough multi-level review process. The distinctions between the two levels of accreditation are detailed in our Standards Manual.

Download Standards Manual

Apply for Accreditation

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.

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Maintaining Accreditation

During the 5-year accreditation cycle, existing Accredited Education Institutes (AEI) are required on a yearly basis to keep documentation/evidence of compliance and more.

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Accreditation Timelines

The AEI application process is organized into two annual cycles—June and December.

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Accredited Education Institutes

View a searchable list of all of our AEIs. Use the dropdown to select Education Centers.

Not Just Standards, the Highest Standards

We ensure the highest-quality surgical education

Apply for Accreditation

Maintaining Accreditation

Accreditation Timelines

Accredited Education Institutes

Fellowship Program Accreditation