New Standards for ACSEP Accredited Training Sites (AATS)

Along with other Specialist Medical Colleges, ACSEP is moving to a new standard model for Training Site Accreditation.
Site Accreditation is an important part of how ACSEP assures that our registrars receive the best possible training. We have always worked hard to make sure our accreditation process reflected best practice in Sports & Exercise Medicine as well as our own high standards.

What are the new standards?

The following framework will be used in the new model:

Domain	The type of matter addressed by the standards.
Standard	The outcome that must be achieved.
Criterion	The measurable component of a standard.
College-specific Requirements (CSR)	Requirements that are specific to each college and training program that supplement a criterion.

The full Accreditation Standards can be found here.
The full Accreditation Process can be found here.

What is changing?

Due to our existing rigour and quality standards for accreditation, the requirements for training sites are not very different in practice. There will be differences in the organisation and sequencing of criteria, minor procedural adjustments, and unified terminology which align with other colleges.

When are the standards changing?

The ACSEP Board officially approved the newly drafted standards in February 2026.

ACSEP has already adopted several procedural changes to site accreditation and will transition fully to the new standards as of 1 July 2026.

Sites due for reaccreditation and sites that apply for new accreditation in the 2-3 months before the July transition will be given the opportunity to opt to be assessed against the new standards if they wish.

Sites due for reaccreditation after July 2025 will be given sufficient notice to be appropriately prepared.

Why are the standards changing?

In response to a report from the National Health Practitioner Ombudsman (NHPO), Health Ministers issued a policy direction for the AMC to consult with specialist colleges regarding training accreditation. The aim was to reform and standardise accreditation standards across all specialist medical colleges. Extensive consultations were conducted, and a model set of accreditation standards were developed.

The AMC has mandated the rollout of these standards to all specialist medical colleges between 2026 and 2028.

To learn more about the reports and process, please refer to the links below:

FAQ

Do the changes also apply to training in Aotearoa New Zealand?

Yes, this model will be applied to all training sites accredited by ACSEP. Te Kaunihera Rata o Aotearoa| Medical Council of New Zealand has endorsed the AMC's model standards and procedures for use in Aotearoa New Zealand.

What about currently accredited training sites?

All accredited sites will retain their current accreditation status. We encourage all accredited sites to review the new standards for reference before their next accreditation.

Will this change influence Registrar placement availability?

It is our belief that these new standards offer the same or better opportunities for sites to gain accreditation. Placement availability will not be negatively impacted by the changes.

Can I skip accreditation if my training site has been accredited by another specialist college?

No. All colleges must accredit their own training sites. Any sites wishing to train ACSEP Registrars must be accredited by ACSEP. However, you will be better prepared for the process and requirements if the site has been accredited by another college.