Partners in Learning | ICAG

About the Scheme

A structured partnership between ICAG and tuition providers to improve professional education delivery.

The scheme gives training organisations access to ICAG so they can deliver effective tuition and promote consistently high-quality training. Through closer collaboration and open communication, students benefit as they prepare for their professional careers.

The scheme was originally introduced in stages: an initial registration phase followed by a grading system designed to differentiate tuition organisations according to defined standards.

Benefits to Tuition Providers

Recognised Partners in Learning enjoy closer contact with ICAG and access to institutional support.

01

Learning Support

Library copies of learning materials for the tuition provider’s use.

02

Events & Engagement

Invitations to ICAG student and trainer events.

03

Recognition

A Partners in Learning certificate recognising the training centre’s status.

04

Website Visibility

Opportunity to appear on the recognised Partners in Learning list on the ICAG website.

05

Dedicated Contact

Access to a dedicated manager at ICAG.

06

Information Access

Access to student/member magazines, marketing materials and published student results.

Registration

Information required from organisations applying to participate in the scheme.

Organisations may register with ICAG for the Partners in Learning Scheme using the prescribed application form. Information supplied may be published in the Partners in Learning section of the ICAG website.

Key ICAG Contact
Mr Alhassan Yusif Trawule

Information to provide

Organisation

Name of organisation and location of classes.

Courses

Courses offered, including full-time, part-time and levels.

Lecturers

List of lecturers and relevant contact details.

Website

Website link and relevant organisational contact information.

Provider Summary

A brief summary of courses and why students may choose the provider, up to 200 words.

Core Principles

Confirmation that the organisation complies with the scheme’s core principles.

Important: Failure to comply with ICAG core principles may result in immediate termination of registration.

Grading

How ICAG differentiates recognised tuition providers according to quality and compliance.

ICAG extended the registration scheme into a formal grading system. Colleges may be assessed as Bronze, Silver or Gold depending on their compliance with the Core Principles and the additional quality features applicable to each grade.

All registered tuition providers are expected to comply with the Core Principles at all times.

Core Principles

Every registered tuition provider is expected to comply with these fundamental requirements.

Courses are developed and continually monitored to meet market and stakeholder needs, based on appropriate research.
Courses are realistic and deliverable, and are presented by experienced, appropriately qualified tutors.
Courses are delivered in compliance with all Ghanaian laws and regulations.
Regular, open communication is maintained with ICAG and all stakeholders.
The PiL endeavours to ensure that all students have purchased or have access to official ICAG learning materials.
Tutorial staff undertake continuing professional development, and their development needs are reviewed regularly.

Best Practice Indicators

Guidance on how an organisation may demonstrate compliance with the Core Principles.

1. Status of Tuition Provider
  • Premises comply with relevant health, safety and Ghanaian legal requirements.
  • Premises are secure, safely located and reasonably accessible.
  • Presentation equipment is appropriate for room size and course content.
  • Class sizes and facilities provide a reasonable level of comfort.
  • Tutorial staff hold appropriate qualifications and comply with CPD and ethical requirements.
  • Tutorial staff have access to ongoing training to remain current in their subject areas.
  • The organisation demonstrates financial stability and experience in professional education.
  • Employees and job applicants are treated fairly and equally.
2. Developing a Tuition Provider
  • Market research is undertaken in each locality and tuition is tailored to local needs.
  • Each exam subject is assigned to a specific tutor responsible for detailed teaching plans and tutor support.
  • Promotional materials comply with local standards, laws, ICAG guidelines and ethical principles.
  • The provider website contains full and current course information.
3. Developing a Tuition Programme
  • Student and employer contact data is kept current and stored securely.
  • Students receive clear joining instructions.
  • Students have access to tutor and administrative contact information.
  • Student attendance is recorded daily.
  • Student performance reports are available to employers on request.
  • At least two weeks’ notice is given for cancellations or timetable changes.
  • Courses already started are not cancelled unless acceptable alternatives are provided.
  • Students have access to relevant ICAG learning materials.
  • Progress tests and course exams are marked and returned within 20 working days.
  • Student feedback is sought regularly.
4. Assessment
  • Students are reminded to submit exam applications before the deadline.
  • Final mock exams are marked and returned before the real examination.
  • Tutors direct students to ICAG where examination advice is required.
  • Pass rates should remain reasonably consistent with ICAG pass rates.
  • Significant negative variations are investigated and corrective action taken.
5. Working with ICAG
  • A senior tutorial staff member is nominated as the organisation’s main point of contact with ICAG.
  • Relevant senior staff attend meetings with ICAG when required.
  • Requests for visits by ICAG staff are accommodated wherever possible.
  • An official ICAG questionnaire is distributed to students on request.
  • Copies of ICAG student material are available at the premises.
  • Feedback on learning materials and examinations is provided within prescribed timelines.

Grading Status

Recognition levels available to qualifying tuition providers.

Bronze Status
The organisation must satisfy all Core Principles. Where several sites operate, each location must satisfy the Core Principles.
Silver Status
The organisation must satisfy the Core Principles and the key additional quality features identified for Silver status.
Gold Status
The organisation must satisfy the Core Principles plus the additional quality features identified for Gold status.
ICAG reserves the right to reduce or withdraw a grading status if the circumstances of a college change, following engagement with the provider.

Silver & Gold Criteria

Indicative standards considered by ICAG when assessing higher grading categories.

Criteria Silver Gold
Courses
Course coverage Full range of Level 1 and 2 courses at least once a year Level 1, 2 and 3 courses at both sittings
Revision courses Available for all Level 1 and 2 courses at least once a year Available for all Level 1, 2 and 3 courses at both sittings
Progress tests & mock exams Returned within 10 days Returned within 7 days
Student feedback Sought and acted upon for all courses Sought, acted upon and properly documented
Lecturing Staff
Qualifications More than 75% of teaching staff are ICAG or IFAC qualified, excluding specialist subjects More than 90% of teaching staff are ICAG or IFAC qualified, excluding specialist subjects
Teaching experience & employment A range of teaching experience is maintained within the team As for Silver, plus at least 5 years’ teaching experience and more than 40% of teaching staff employed full-time
Tutorial CPD Average teaching experience of the team should be at least 2 years and comply with ICAG requirements Comply with ICAG requirements, with evidence of relevant tutorial training for subjects taught
Tuition Centre
Centre Building of adequate quality As for Silver, with easy access for many students
Student facilities Some recreational facilities Student common room, restaurant and, exceptionally, student accommodation
Average class size Under 75 Under 45
Air conditioning / fans Working fans Good-quality functioning air conditioning
Desks Good-quality school-style desks and chairs Good-quality conference-style desks and chairs with good space ratio
Sight lines Reasonable, with some disruption possible Excellent full sight lines to screen
Whiteboards In every teaching room In every room
Data projectors At least one projector In every room
Results
Average pass rates Paper-by-paper average in excess of 10% of average Paper-by-paper average at least 20% in excess of average

Partner in Learning Registration

Applicants must confirm that they have read and understood the Partners in Learning terms and conditions, comply with the Core Principles, and agree to an inspection visit. New providers must also submit a business case showing how they meet the best practice indicators and core principles.

Download

Once an application is received, ICAG states that it will respond within 15 working days and may arrange a visit to the applicant’s premises.