“Time is the most valuable thing a man could spend.” - Theophratus
When looking to “better” yourself, there are steps that should be taken. One of these steps should include educating yourself in the area of interest. This can be done through working with an expert and “picking up tricks of the trade” or, through enrolling into a course/programme. When you complete a course, be it a workshop, certificate course, diploma or degree, you are expecting to receive some form of documentation to act as proof that you successfully completed.
What you want to do with that certification is vital, because the credibility of the certificate determines your path in the chosen career. One of the first steps any prospective student should take before enrolling in an institution ,college or university, is to verify whether or not the school is accredited by a recognized accrediting agency. Accreditation is a form of quality control ensuring that institutions of higher education satisfy certain standards.
On April 19th Shirlene Gabriel’s story was highlighted in Barbados Today, where she was suing a cosmetology school for monies spent on a course, after she realize the school falsely advertised itself as accredited. She went on to win the course case and is still fighting for full compensation of money spent.
This case brought awareness to others about the importance of accreditation and what it really is about. This is turn placed other institutions under scrutiny as people were starting to carry out their own research.
Can you imagine spending a minimum of three years pursuing a first degree, then when you take that certification to another country in hopes of advancing yourself, you find out it is not recognized, since the programme or Institute is not accredited or registered with a legitimate accreditation agency.
This is something that can happen to anyone at any time.
Barbados government also fell victim to accreditation fraud. In 2018 The Washington University of Barbados (WUB) was granted charter from the Barbados Ministry of Education. The university claimed to be devoted to preparing and educating students from across the globe to become professional doctors, but has been named as part of an international medical school scam. They were not accredited by any accreditation body empowered to certify medical schools in the region. This resulted to the abrupt closure of the school, students returning to their countries and the incarceration of management.
Unfortunately, not all places would be forthcoming about their status, so it is up to you the individual to do your own research. The Barbados Accreditation Council eases the process for local providers. You can go onto their website and search for providers who are registered with them. You can also see if the provider and/or programme is accredited. The Barbados Accreditation Council offers services of Recognition of Qualifications, and Recognition of Institutions or Programmes. You can consult with them on courses outside of Barbados and they would point you to the appropriate accrediting agency in the area.
Once you are providing a course and giving certificate, diploma or degree upon completion, you should find out if your course requires accreditation. Accreditation is important because it determines if an institute meets or exceeds minimum quality standards, which would assist students in continuing their study anywhere of choice since they could transfer their credits. It also aids employers in determining the validity of program of study and whether a graduate is truly qualified.
As a community lets be vigilant. In the Barbados Accreditation Council pamphlet they encourage you to use their service to STOP:
• Unqualified individuals from becoming doctors, dentists, engineers, etc.
• Individuals from presenting qualifications which they do not possess.
• The erosion of public confidence in holders of bona fi de qualifications.
• Devaluing tertiary education and training.
• Insecurities regarding public safety and well-being
Safeguard yourself, be vigilant, be knowledgeable and make the most of your TIME.
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