TPBC's STATEMENT ON ACCREDITATION

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TPBC Statement on Accreditation of Technology Programs

Approved by the TPBC Board June 12, 2024 and Revised October 2024.

TPBC Position on Third Party Accreditation of Technology Programs**

TPBC believes accreditation of engineering and applied science technology education programs is a necessary element of a professional regulatory framework and strongly encourages all eligible technology programs to achieve accreditation.

TPBC acknowledges Technology Accreditation Canada as the primary authority for the accreditation of engineering and applied science technology programs in BC.

What is Accreditation?

Accreditation is an audit process which measures an educational program against a recognized standard ensuring that minimum graduate competencies have been met. The process utilizes a trained, skilled audit team comprised mainly of subject matter experts.

Accreditation can be voluntary or requested or mandated by an appropriate authority, such as a professional regulatory body or government. Accreditation is a continuous quality improvement process used to demonstrate that nationally or internationally prescribed standards have been met.

In TPBC’s world this means the accreditation of engineering and applied science technology programs.

Benefits of Third Party Accreditation

Many technology educational programs subscribe to, and have achieved, accreditation.

Accreditation serves many constructive purposes:

• Stimulate and improve programming, ensuring that curriculum outcomes reflect current industry standards and that students’ career opportunities are enhanced
• Demonstrate accountability and transparency
• Demonstrate that the recognized standard has been met and that graduates of the program are suitable for recognition by the relevant professional regulatory bodies
• Reduced processing time for professional certification and registration
• Help ensure that other educational institutions approve credit transfer and the Canadian government recognizes the accredited programs as it considers foreign students 
• Showcase the program to give assurance to employers and industry who look for suitably qualified graduates
• Strengthen the case for donors wishing to sponsor bursaries and provide other supports to the program
• Strengthen the program with key partners and governments where continued funding is required 
• Strengthen the utilization of resources 
• Global recognition of graduates between signatory countries 

Technology Accreditation Canada 

Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC) delivers accreditation services for the engineering technology and applied science profession in Canada. https://www.technologyaccreditation.ca

Technology Programs Accredited by TAC

To view a listing of all currently accredited technology programs:

https://www.technologyaccreditation.ca/National-Accreditation/Nationally_Accredited_Programs

TAC Canadian Technology Standards

TAC accredits technology programs against the Canadian Technology Standards, an outline

of graduate competencies.  For the CTS:

https://www.technologyaccreditation.ca/Accreditation/National_Accreditation_Standards_-_CTAC

TAC is Recognized Internationally

TAC is recognized by two international agreements, the Dublin Accord and the Sydney Accord.  These Accords assure graduates of TAC accredited programs that their graduate credential will be recognized in other signatory countries, facilitating the movement of personnel globally. 

These accords are administered by the International Engineering Alliance, and can be viewed here:

https://www.ieagreements.org/accords/sydney/

https://www.ieagreements.org/accords/dublin/

Technology Professions BC Association

Technology Professions BC Association (TPBC) is a not-for-profit association that advocates for, and provides services to, technology professionals.

TPBC is NOT a Professional Regulatory Organization. The professional regulatory role is the purview of ASTTBC and other similar organizations. 

**Technology programs include programs leading to registration with ASTTBC as technologist, technician or technical specialist