JUNE 9, 2021 marks World Accreditation Day- a global initiative established by the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) to promote the value of accreditation. This year’s theme is Accreditation: Supporting the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs are at the core of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, a plan of action with the overarching objective of leaving no one behind. Accreditation, in collaboration with other quality infrastructure institutions, provides the technical foundations that are critical to the functioning of developed and developing societies, a release stated.

In recognition of World Accreditation Day, the National Accreditation Board (NAB) takes this opportunity to remind the general public of its mission to provide a robust quality assurance system through registration, accreditation and related services.

Due to the COVID-19 restrictions and limitations arising from the volcanic eruptions, we have opted to use this medium to commemorate the day by highlighting the services of the National Accreditation Board and the Accreditation Unit.

Verification of credentials is a service offered by the National Accreditation Board to allow our clients the privilege of using copies of their qualifications in lieu of their original documents. Once the NAB is satisfied with the institution’s legitimacy, the NAB will contact that institution for affirmation of the issuance of the

credential presented by the client.

The National Accreditation Board provides a Statement on Recognition on the registration or accreditation status of post-secondary and tertiary level institutions locally, regionally or internationally. The public is encouraged to utilise this service before pursuing any course of study, whether online or face to face.

Registration is mandatory for any institution offering academic services throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines in accordance with the Further and Higher Education (Accreditation) Act No. 35 of 2006. Registered status indicates that an institution has met or exceeded the minimum standards as prescribed by the Board.

Accreditation of an academic service takes several years and follows the successful registration of the institution.

An invitation is extended to all to visit the Accreditation Unit on World Accreditation Day 2021.

The unit is located on the 1st Floor of the Medix Building, Grenville Street, Kingstown. The email address is svgnab@yahoo. com, the telephone number is 451-2420 and the website is www.nabsvg. gov.vc