The Process

How Certiva accredits a school

A collaborative, developmental evaluation against the AI-Ready Standard — rigorous, independent, and designed so there are no surprises in the final report.

The journey

Six phases, end to end

Application

School applies; scope confirmed; agreement signed; a lead evaluator is assigned.

Weeks 1–2

Self-assessment

The school completes the readiness audit and compiles its evidence portfolio.

Weeks 3–10

Evidence review

Evaluators review the portfolio remotely and identify lines of enquiry.

Weeks 11–14

On-site visit

Observations, interviews, verification and an exit conference at the school.

3–5 days

Decision

An independent panel reviews the recommendation; the decision and report are issued.

Weeks 15–18

Monitoring

Annual progress reports and sampling, with full re-accreditation at year five.

Ongoing

Evidence & scoring

Paper without practice does not pass

Every criterion is judged on the four-point scale, and evaluators triangulate at least two independent sources before scoring. A criterion cannot reach “Established” on documents alone — claimed practice must be corroborated in observation or interview.

📄 Documentary

AI policy, strategic plan, risk register, data-flow maps, PD records.

📊 Platform data

Certification coverage %, dashboards, certificate verification via QR.

👀 Observation

Lessons showing AI integration and human oversight in practice.

🗣️ Testimony

Interviews with leaders, teachers, students, parents and board members.

The on-site visit

What happens over 3–5 days

Classroom observations

20–40 lessons across phases and subjects.

Leadership interviews

Head, senior leaders, AI steering committee and a board representative.

Staff & student voice

Teacher groups, student groups and parent representatives.

Evidence verification

Sample certified teachers; verify certificates; inspect records.

Systems & data check

Data governance, security, safeguarding and vendor due diligence.

Exit conference

Preliminary findings shared — no surprises in the final report.

Independence you can trust

Decisions are made independently of the visit


Independent panel

A decision panel independent of the visiting team confirms, adjusts or defers every recommendation.


No conflicts

No evaluator may assess a school they have advised, been employed by, or hold an interest in.


Right of appeal

Schools may appeal decisions under the Appeals & Complaints Policy; serious breaches can lead to suspension or revocation.

Ready to begin?

We’ll confirm scope, assign a lead evaluator and prepare a tailored proposal for your school.

Request a proposal