The standard
Eight clauses. Published, so you can argue with them.
ACQS v4.2
ACQS-01
Curriculum integrity
Every module is mapped to stated learning outcomes with declared contact hours, and the module hours reconcile with the total course duration. Advertised content must match what is delivered.
ACQS-02
Occupational competence of trainers
The named trainer must evidence qualifications and current practice in the subject. Level 5 and above requires a minimum of five years of relevant occupational experience.
ACQS-03
Assessment and moderation
A documented assessment strategy is required, with evidence that results are internally moderated by someone other than the assessing trainer, and that learners can appeal.
ACQS-04
Learner protection
Clear pricing, refund terms, complaints route and reasonable-adjustment policy must be published to learners before enrolment.
ACQS-05
Delivery environment
Physical venues and virtual classrooms must be fit for the stated cohort size, with health, safety and accessibility provisions in place.
ACQS-06
Evidence of delivery
Before certificates are issued, the provider must produce evidence that the approved trainer personally delivered the sessions, together with an attendance-reconciled learner roster.
ACQS-07
Continuing surveillance
Certified courses are subject to unannounced observation. Material change to the trainer, curriculum or venue must be notified within 20 working days. Where the approved trainer is found not to be delivering, certificates already issued under that course are withdrawn.
ACQS-08
Truthful representation
The ADRIG mark may only be used on the specific certified course, quoting its approval number. Blanket claims of certification are grounds for withdrawal.
What each level demands
Open any level inside a category for the full breakdown.
| Level | Learner can | Hours | Trainer | Assessed by |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L1Awareness | Follow a defined procedure with support | 4–15 hours | 1+ yrs | Attendance plus a short knowledge check |
| L2Foundation | Complete routine tasks with occasional help | 8–30 hours | 2+ yrs | Practical task plus a knowledge check |
| L3Intermediate | Work unsupervised on familiar problems | 20–60 hours | 3+ yrs | Graded practical work, internally moderated |
| L4Practitioner | Solve new problems and justify the approach | 40–320 hours | 4+ yrs | Portfolio or project, moderated on a sample |
| L5Advanced | Lead work with competing constraints | 40–200 hours | 5+ yrs | Project plus a practical viva |
| L6Expert | Evaluate competing methods and choose | 60–300 hours | 5+ yrs | Substantial project, two-assessor review |
| L7Strategic | Design strategy and carry accountability | 80–400 hours | 5+ yrs | Strategic project defended to a panel |
How a decision gets made
- 1
Provider verified
Legal entity checked.
2–5 days
- 2
Completeness
All four documents present.
2 days
- 3
Assessment
Clause by clause, named assessor.
5 days
- 4
Decision
Approval number, or a correction list.
3 days on resubmit
- 5
Surveillance
Unannounced, for the whole term.
Appeals
- · 30 days to appeal any decision
- · Heard by an independently chaired council
- · No member of the assessing team takes part
- · No fee
Using the mark
- · Only on the certified course
- · Always with its approval number
- · Never across an unassessed catalogue
- · Removed within 5 days of expiry or withdrawal