IQN Learning Programme Certification
LEAD Standards
IQN’s Proprietary LEAD Standards for Learning Programme Certification include: (1) Legal Compliance, (2) Educational Excellence, (3) Accountability & Transparency, and (4) Development & Impact
LEAD - Legal Compliance
1.1 Registered Entity
The programme provider must be a legally recognised entity, such as a sole proprietorship, non-profit organisation, company, partnership, government body, or any other legally registered form.
Indicative Evidence: The provider must submit proof of legal recognition, such as a certificate of incorporation, registration document, or equivalent licence. If the document is in a language other than English, a translated version must be provided along with digital copies of the original.
1.2 Regulatory Permissions
The provider must have the necessary permissions from relevant local authorities to offer the programme.
Indicative Evidence: The provider should submit approval documents from the relevant authority. If government approval is not required, the provider must submit a signed declaration confirming that the programme is not subject to local regulatory approval. A sample declaration below which may be used as supporting evidence for this sub-criterion. The following is a sample declaration that may be adapted as supporting evidence for this sub-criterion.
LEAD - Educational Excellence
2.1 Programme Specification
The provider must have a syllabus, curriculum, or programme outline. At a minimum, this must include the programme’s aim and intended learning outcomes.
Indicative Evidence: The provider should submit the programme specification/ outline/ syllabus/ curriculum for each learning programme. This document should include the programme’s aim, intended learning outcomes, and an overview of topics / modules / subject areas covered. The provider may use a template given below.
2.2 Qualified Educator/Trainer/Instructor
The programme must be delivered by a qualified educator / trainer / instructor / facilitator who possesses relevant experience, competence, and an appropriate educational or professional background to effectively deliver the programme.
Indicative Evidence: The provider should submit CVs/ professional profiles of educators/ trainers/ instructors/ facilitators, highlighting their qualifications, relevant experience, and areas of competence. A sample template below can be used by the provider.
LEAD - Accountability & Transparency
3.1 Learner Guidance & Support
Learners enrolled in the programme must receive clear and relevant guidelines to support a smooth and successful learning experience.
Indicative Evidence: Depending on the scope and nature of the learning programme, the provider may submit one or more of the following documents: a student handbook / learner guide / class rules / online platform guide / orientation materials, or any similar documents prepared for enrolled learners or registered participants. A sample template is provided below.
3.2 Appeal and Complaint Policy & Procedure
The provider must have clear, transparent, and accessible policies and procedures in place to address appeals and complaints raised by learners or their representatives. These policies and procedures must ensure fairness, confidentiality, and consistency in their application.
Indicative Evidence: The provider should submit their current Appeals and Complaints Policies and Procedures document. A sample policy and procedure template is available below, which providers can customise as appropriate to suit their specific circumstances.
LEAD - Development & Impact
4.1 Learner Feedback
The provider must have a structured system in place to collect feedback from learners or, where applicable, from their representatives, about the programme. This feedback process should provide opportunities to identify areas for improvement, recognise strengths, and observe trends that contribute to programme enhancement.
Indicative Evidence: The provider should submit examples of feedback forms/surveys/records of learner input. Feedback may be collected through online or offline methods. If a feedback system is already in place, the provider needs to demonstrate how feedback has been utilised for programme development and/or increasing learner satisfaction. A sample format below can be used by providers .
4.2 Evaluation of Learning Outcomes
The provider must have a system in place to determine whether learners have achieved the intended learning outcomes of the programme. This may involve formal assessments (such as exams) or informal methods (such as observation), depending on the programme's objectives.
Indicative Evidence: For programmes with formal assessments, the provider should submit a sample assessment linked to the learning outcomes. For programmes without formal assessments, the provider should provide an explanation or supporting documents outlining how they ensure that learners have achieved the intended learning outcomes. If such a document is not already in place, the customisable template below is provided for providers to adapt according to the requirements of their learning programme.