Accreditation of Prior Achievement

Membership of the Institute of Sport and Recreation Management by Accreditation of Prior Achievement

Until recently individual membership of the ISRM was only open to those who qualified through the ISRM examinations, however we have now introduced a new membership criteria to recognise accreditation of prior achievement (APA) entry.

This information is for those persons wishing to join the ISRM through the accreditation of prior achievement route. This APA route is only accessible to sport and recreation professionals managing sports facilities and services who have achieved the right to be called ISRM members through their experience, position, and commitment to professional development.

THE SCHEME

The accreditation of prior achievement route to membership of the ISRM is not an initial entry route into a career in the sport and recreation industry. Rather it is a route intended to provide access to the network and the information and services that the ISRM provides for senior sport and recreation professionals who are well established in their careers.

Membership through APA is based on applicants achieving a minimum level in three competency areas. Candidates will have to demonstrate clear evidence of:

Accreditation of Prior Achievement - A person in a suitably senior position with an appropriate period of time in the industry. This would mean someone who can demonstrate a minimum of 5 years experience as a Sport and Recreation Manager. Naturally there will have to be a level of discretion as structures and organisations vary.

Accreditation of Prior Learning - A person who already possesses a certificate of an academic standard equal to or higher than the ISRM Sport and Recreation Management Certificate. This would for example include a Degree, Masters Degree, DMS, HND or MBA.

Continuous Professional Development - A person must be able to demonstrate a continuing commitment to the maintenance and development of professional competence. This would mean providing details of training courses, seminars, conferences etc. The undertaking of projects, research or the introduction of new programmes or schemes in their workplace which require a currency of knowledge. In the very least candidates should be able to demonstrate a continued learning programme equitable to the Institute’s own CPD programme.

It should be emphasised that a minimum requirement must be achieved in all three competency areas and clearly evidenced to the satisfaction of those receiving the application. Those individuals who demonstrate achievement at or beyond the minimum levels specified in all three categories will be accepted as full and equal members of the Institute.

THE PROCEDURE

The procedure will be as follows:

1. Completion and return of the application form and evidence of appropriate achievements classified in the three key areas.

2. A signed endorsement of the validity of the information supplied by two appropriate people who could be officials from the applicant’s organisation or members of the ISRM.

3. Applicants will be notified in writing of the decision of the Membership Management Board. There is no right of appeal but this does not preclude someone from reapplying at a later date.

Download membership information pack including APA application details (PDF format)

Adobe Acrobat help page