Operation Accreditation is a review process administered by ACCT recognizing, challenge courses, aerial adventure/trekking parks, zip lines and canopy tour sites (referred to as courses) that meet the procedural and standard compliance requirements established by ACCT. The accreditation is conferred on one site which has demonstrated compliance with the ACCT Standards through inspection, training documentation and a detailed onsite operation review. Organizations having multiple sites will require a separate review process for each location. Oversight of Accreditation will be provided by the ACCT Staff and with the advisement and support of Accreditation and Certification Committee. All Operation Accreditation site visits will be provided by a Reviewer meeting the ACCT Operational Reviewer qualifications and approved by ACCT Staff.

The Operation Reviewer, their organization, and their organization’s owner(s) shall not be directly involved in the operation of the site. The Operation Reviewer, their organization, and their organization’s owner(s) shall not have a financial interest in the operation seeking accreditation through ownership, employment, or investment. Conflicts, or perceptions of conflicts related to the accreditation process shall be addressed by the Operation Accreditation Panel. Reviewers will complete an ACCT Site Visit report form. Applicants will complete an application and will forward the required documents and fees to ACCT Staff.

The purpose of Operation Accreditation is to identify challenge course, aerial adventure/trekking park course, zipline and canopy tour organizations that serve the general public through a commitment to quality, professional conduct/business practices and ongoing use and adherence to industry standards. Organizations will be required to demonstrate compliance with all accreditation requirements and in compliance with the current ANSI/ACCT standards. Operation Accreditation benefits the industry, organization and staff being reviewed, and the end user by: 

• Elevating professionalism 
• Providing accountability of the organization through ongoing quality review 
• Identifying a list of accredited organizations 
• Recognizing the commitment of accredited organizations towards industry excellence 
• Creating a benchmark for Authorities Having Jurisdiction regarding operation quality 
• Providing awareness of ACCT and its services

The following requirements must be met by each operation site, and are necessary in order to move forward in the accreditation process. Organizations seeking Operation Accreditation shall submit adequate documentation (for each program/site) to demonstrate compliance with all requirements on the application. Those requirements are outlined below. More detail will be provided for each of these areas in Section IV: OA Application Process. 

Checklist:

• Proof of course program delivery for a minimum of one (1) year. 
• Insurance Requirement: 

• For U.S. based organizations proof of adequate insurance coverage to include commercial general liability, property insurance, workers’ compensation, comprehensive business automobile. U.S. based companies must have ACCT listed and a certificate holder with 30-day cancelation notice. 

• Non-U.S. based operations shall submit a signed letter or waiver outlining the insurance requirements of their jurisdiction. Proof of appropriate insurance shall be submitted showing they meet the jurisdictional requirements. 

• Course Inspection performed in accordance to the Original Equipment Manufacturer requirements and in compliance with the current ANSI/ACCT Standards. Report must have an ACCT Inspection Cover Sheet. 
• Inspections may be performed by an ACCT PVM inspector, an ACCT certified Professional Inspector, or licensed professional engineer within the last 365 days. 
• Proof of training for all current staff documented with an ACCT Training Affidavit. Trainings shall meet Chapter 3 Training Standards of the ANSI/ANSI Standards. 
• Provide proof of skills verification and/or certification processes for facilitators/guides if it is requested. 
• Certificate of Good Standing (or equivalent) within the jurisdiction of operation. (If available in jurisdiction) 
• Operation Accreditation Agreement

An operation that desires Accreditation will contact the ACCT website to learn the following: 

• Cost 
• Eligibility 
• Accreditation Process Description ● Sample forms 
• List of individuals approved to complete Operation Reviews The operation will then contract with qualified and approved persons to schedule and complete the following services. It is recommended that the Approved Operation Reviewer be an individual from an entity outside the normal vendor relationship. 
• ACCT Professional Inspection using the ACCT Inspection Cover Sheet 
• Operational Review completing the ACCT Operation Review Report The site will also assure that trainings are documented with ACCT Training Affidavits by qualified trainers. The operation will then collect the reports and complete the ACCT Accreditation Application. 

This packet with payment, is submitted to the ACCT Program Manager for review and approval. If the documents are acceptable, then the site will receive the following: 

• Certificate of Accreditation 
• Print Ready ACCT Accreditation Logo files 
• Annual reporting requirements 
• Publication of status on ACCT Website. 

Prior To Applying for Operation Accreditation

It is recommended that Operations carefully review the requirements and begin organizing their documentation. 

Sites are encouraged to use ANSI/ACCT Chapter 2 Operation Standards and the Operation Reviewer Report as a blueprint to conduct an internal audit of program operations and documentations prior to beginning the process.