Equivalency or Recognition

Equivalency is an evaluation to determine the status, level and comparability of different programmes of study.

The Equivalency of Qualifications is the process of formally establishing as to whether two or more qualifications are equal or deemed to be equal or comparable in value.

APPLICATION FORM

An application form can be uplifted from the Secretariat of the National Accreditation Council (NAC), 109 Barima Avenue, Bel Air Park Georgetown or downloaded from its website at www.nac.gov.gy. A form must be accurately completed in its entirety and submitted with the relevant supporting documents for EACH qualification. ONE qualification/award shall be processed as ONE application and an applicant shall pay a separate fee for EACH qualification/award.

Multiple applications on one form shall not be entertained.

FEES
Individuals applying for a Statement on Recognition or Recognition and Equivalency, are required to pay a processing fee of GYD$5,000.

Institutions/Organisations applying for a Statement on Recognition are required to pay a processing fee of GYD $60,000.
Fees should be paid by a Manager’s cheque payable to the National Accreditation Council or to Account number 001036805012 at GUYANA BANK FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY LTD, Water Street Branch.

PROCESSING TIME
NAC will process the application in a minimum of three weeks or fifteen (15) working days. The time of processing commences when all of the required documents and other information would have been received by the Council. Should the Council require additional time to process the application, the applicant will be informed accordingly.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Applicants are asked to present the following original documents and notarised/certified copies (where applicable) when making an application submission:

Valid form of identification for applicant and proxy (if used)
Original certificate/award
Academic Transcript (Official)
Deed poll or marriage certificate if a change of name applies
Deposit slip from payment transaction
Official translation of documents to English, if written in a foreign language, from a translating agency recognised by the Council such as, Embassies and certified translators.

Additionally, applicants are required to request an official transcript from the institution which awarded the qualification. The Council reserve the right to request any additional information directly from the institution(s) the student attended or to consult with the institution(s) for any pertinent information – that may assist in the processing of the application. The applicant shall bear the cost of such activities where incurred and information shall be sent directly to:

The Executive Director
National Accreditation Council of Guyana
109 Barima Avenue
Georgetown
Guyana

For further information and clarifications before starting the application process, please contact the Council at:
Tel: (592) 223-7901/ 225-8360/ 225-9526/ 225-7662

PLEASE NOTE THAT ANY INSTANCE OF FALSIFICATION OF INFORMATION WILL BE REFERRED TO THE CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DEPARTMENT, GUYANA POLICE FORCE.

Criteria for Application for Recognition of Awarding Bodies

CRITERION 1	GOVERNANCE
Criterion Statement:	The awarding body’s corporate governance arrangements are based on robust and transparent governance, organization and management.
Standard 1.1:	The awarding body has been established in accordance with the regulatory requirements of the country of origin.
Examples of Evidence	1.1a Accreditation from an approved/recognized agency. 1.1b Recognition from a professional organization
Standard 1.2:	The awarding body assigns a single, named point of accountability for maintaining quality and standards of all qualifications.
Examples of Evidence	1.2a An identified individual or unit with responsibility for quality assurance of all qualifications. 1.2b Regular audit reports and quality checks from the individual or office responsible for quality assurance. 1.2c Documented policies on internal quality assurance
Standard 1.3:	In cases where an awarding body offers qualifications in a partnership or in consortium with other awarding bodies, there exists a clear written agreement for each organization’s responsibilities.
Examples of Evidence	1.3a Formal and legally binding agreements among organizations outlining the responsibilities and liabilities of each organisation
Standard 1.4:	There is a clear distinction between the functions of an awarding body and any other functions within or across the organization.
Examples of Evidence	1.4a An approved organizational chart which clearly demarcates the roles and responsibilities of identified units and individuals. 1.4b Job descriptions for each position identified in the organizational chart
Standard 1.5:	The awarding body has procedures, criteria and standards in place for centre registration and approval of sites offering its qualifications.
Examples of Evidence	1.5a Clearly documented procedures, criteria and standards for centre registration and approval. 1.5b Approved sites offering its qualifications have met the National Accreditation Council’s criteria for registration of a post-secondary or tertiary level institution. 1.5c Formal and legally binding agreements between the awarding body and each centre, outlining the responsibilities and possible liabilities of each organization in the delivery and assessment of the programme leading to the award of each qualification. 1.5d Reports of centre approval visits demonstrating appropriate evaluation methodology

CRITERION 2	ADMINISTRATION
Criterion Statement:	The awarding body has sufficient and committed financial, technical and staffing resources to support the range of qualifications it intends to offer for the life of its qualifications.
Standard 2.1:	The awarding body has the financial capacity to sustain its operation
Examples of Evidence	2.1a Income and expenditure statements 2.1b Budgets demonstrating commitment to developing capacity within and across the organization. 2.1c Financial statements that demonstrate financial solvency.
Standard 2.2:	The awarding body has procedures in place to ensure that its own staff and/or associates are competent and have access to appropriate training and guidance.
Examples of Evidence	2.2a Continuous professional developments for staff at all levels in the organization and across centres. 2.2b Periodic analyses of staff competencies and identification of skill gaps
Standard 2.3:	The awarding body is supported by adequate physical and information technology infrastructure
Examples of Evidence	2.3a Documented processes for acquisition, maintenance and replacement of physical resources. 2.3b Dedicated and secured information technology to support administration, client databases and monitoring and evaluation.
Standard 2.4:	The awarding body has an appropriate policy that ensures equality of opportunity for all candidates.
Examples of Evidence	2.4a Documented policies and equality of opportunity that are approved and communicated to all stakeholders.
Standard 2.5:	The awarding body has procedures for assessment that minimize the possibility of fraud.
Examples of Evidence	2.5a Comprehensive policies and procedures for maintaining security in the handling of examination and student work. 2.5b Policies that ensure the authenticity of student work and identity of candidates at the time of assessment. 2.5c Secure database of storage and reporting of student assessment.
Standard 2.6:	The awarding body provides reasonable and reliable customer service for its centre and candidates.
Examples of Evidence	2.6a A published customer service statement that communicates a commitment to ensuring client access to relevant and timely information and feedback. 2.6b A published statement on data protection and/or confidentially of customer’s personal information. 2.6c Published appeals procedures for centres and candidates. 2.6d Published policies and/or procedures for dealing with malpractice on the part of all persons and entities involved in providing the qualification.
Standard 2.7:	The awarding body has a comprehensive system for monitoring and evaluation that ensures quality and promotes continuous improvement of all aspects of its qualifications.
Examples of Evidence	2.7a Documented internal quality assurance system to monitor compliance with the criteria of the National Accreditation Council. 2.7b Self monitoring systems that allow for feedback and comment from key stakeholders, including systems to address stakeholder concerns. 2.7c Procedures to monitor the administration of centres, with the option of taking appropriate actions to maintain the integrity of accredited qualifications. 2.7d Databases for the collation of data about centres, candidates and qualifications for monitoring purposes.

CRITERION 3	PLAN AND PROVISION
Criterion Statement:	The awarding body has an appropriate plan for development and accreditation of new qualifications, amendment of existing qualifications, and withdrawal of accredited qualifications.
Standard 3.1:	The awarding body has clear, well-articulated procedures and processes for the development of new qualifications.
Examples of Evidence	3.1a Documented procedures and processes for the development of new qualifications. 3.1b Documented process for the approval of each new qualification by an appointed unit/committee. 3.1c Minutes from meetings of the approval unit/committee reviewing new qualifications.
Standard 3.2:	The awarding body is committed to reviewing its existing qualifications to determine continued relevance and fitness for purpose
Examples of Evidence	3.2a Documented review process which entails collaboration with and feedback from key stakeholders. 3.2b Reports of qualification review findings.
Standard 3.3:	The awarding body is committed to continued growth in the range of qualifications it offers so as to meet the education and training needs in the country in which it offers its qualifications.
Examples of Evidence	3.3a A documented system for scanning the labour market to identify current and future skill requirements. 3.3b Reports of consultations with national stakeholders as part of its overall qualifications development process.

Equivalency or Recognition Documents

Application Form for Determination of Recognition and Equivalency of Qualifications

Application Form – Statement of Recognition

Application Form – Recognition of Awarding Bodies

Equivalency or Recognition

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