Trainer accreditation tiers

How tiers work

The four-tier system signals to candidates and employers how deeply ADP has reviewed each trainer’s evidence base — not which trainer is “best” overall. A new trainer with strong pedagogy and clear preparation legitimately starts at Standard or Bronze; a senior trainer with years of SIPC-aligned delivery and a published track record applies for Silver or Gold from the start.

All four tiers carry the same right to use ADP-licensed training materials and the same right to prepare candidates for the SIPC exam. The visible difference is the badge on the profile, the placement in directory results, and the review depth that earned the tier.

Tier criteria are published openly so candidates know what each badge means — and so trainers know exactly what evidence to build for the next tier.

Gold

The Gold tier recognises senior trainers with substantial SIPC-aligned delivery experience, a published or otherwise verifiable track record, and active contribution to the trainer community.

Indicative criteria:

• Holds the SIPC credential.
• At least three years of facilitating training in social innovation, programme design, or directly adjacent disciplines.
• Verifiable delivery of at least 60 candidates through SIPC-aligned preparation (post-launch; equivalent prior experience accepted for first-cohort applicants).
• Pedagogical evidence — referenceable trainees, a recorded session, or a published curriculum.
• Active contribution to the trainer community — case-sharing, peer review, mentoring of newer trainers, or contribution to the Practice Guide editorial cycle.
• Two reviewer interviews with the accreditation committee.

Review: in-depth, including interviews and material review. Typical review time: four to six weeks.

Silver

The Silver tier recognises trainers with demonstrated SIPC delivery and strong pedagogical evidence.

Indicative criteria:

• Holds the SIPC credential.
• Verifiable delivery of at least 20 candidates through SIPC-aligned preparation (equivalent prior experience accepted at first launch).
• Pedagogical evidence — referenceable trainees, recorded sample, or published curriculum.
• One reviewer interview with the accreditation committee.

Review: standard, with interview. Typical review time: three to four weeks.

Bronze

The Bronze tier recognises trainers with verified SIPC competence, prior teaching experience in any field, and a credible plan to deliver SIPC training.

Indicative criteria:

• Holds the SIPC credential (or commits to passing within an agreed window).
• Documented prior training delivery in any field — facilitation, teaching, corporate training, or equivalent.
• A delivery plan — who you will train, in what format, in what timeframe.
• Reviewer reads application and may request a short interview if evidence is borderline.

Review: application-based, interview if needed. Typical review time: two to three weeks.

Standard

The Standard tier is the entry point for new trainers entering the directory.

Indicative criteria:

• Holds the SIPC credential.
• Has a credible delivery format and capacity.
• Operational basics in place (professional presence, reachability, time commitment).

Review: application-based. Typical review time: two to three weeks.

Standard-tier trainers receive the same materials and rights as higher tiers. The directory lists them under the Standard banner and they progress to Bronze (or higher) once the activity and evidence accrue.

Tier progression

Tier is not fixed. Once a year — or at any natural milestone — a trainer can apply for promotion to a higher tier by submitting the evidence the higher tier requires. The accreditation committee reviews against the same published criteria as for new applicants at that tier.

Progression is the same path as initial accreditation — evidence in, review, decision with feedback. A successful promotion takes effect at the next renewal point.

Tiers can also be reviewed downward if sustained inactivity, evidence gaps, or substantiated complaints suggest the trainer no longer meets the tier criteria. Downward review uses the same process and is always preceded by written notice and a chance to respond.

For the application form itself, see Apply.