Your Organization Is Either Built for Evaluation — Or It Isn't.
The Kirkpatrick Learning and Performance Center of Excellence Accreditation is the global standard for organizations that have embedded the Kirkpatrick Four Levels® into how they actually operate — not just how they train.
This is not a course. It is not a certification for individuals. It is organizational recognition that your systems, culture, and infrastructure are designed to deliver, sustain, and scale learning and performance impact.
Certification Builds Capability. Accreditation Builds Systems and Trust.
Most organizations that struggle with evaluation have the right model and the right people. What they are missing is the system that makes evaluation stick — regardless of who is in the room.
When your certified practitioner moves on, does evaluation move with them? If the answer is yes, your organization has a capability. Not a system. The Kirkpatrick CoE Accreditation is designed to close that gap.
Accredited organizations are able to:
- Demonstrate how learning directly drives behavior change, performance, and organizational results
- Identify ineffective programs early and channel resources toward what drives real impact
- Build internal capability that does not disappear when key people leave
- Benchmark their evaluation maturity against peer organizations globally
- Earn public recognition as a Kirkpatrick Certified Organization
What We Look For
Accreditation is assessed across ten capability areas. Strong organizations will have existing infrastructure in most of these — gaps are normal and expected.
Organizational Alignment with the Kirkpatrick Model
Your learning strategy, policies, and evaluation language are explicitly connected to enterprise goals and the Kirkpatrick Four Levels®.
Blended Evaluation Plan Design & Implementation
Structured evaluation plans that address all four levels are co-created with stakeholders and used consistently across programs.
SOP Integration & Infrastructure
Standard operating procedures for evaluation exist, are followed, and are embedded into how learning work gets done.
Culture of Evaluation & Continuous Improvement
Post-program reviews happen regularly, feedback loops are built in, and evaluation results visibly drive program changes.
Stakeholder Communication & Leadership Support
Leaders receive quarterly impact reports, business-aligned outcomes are emphasized, and senior stakeholders publicly champion evaluation.
Internal Capability-Building & Champion Development
Trained champions are active, onboarding and peer learning are routine, and evaluation practice doesn’t depend on any one person.
Cross-Functional Behavior Design & Support
Behavior change plans and manager tools are used, stakeholders are involved before design begins, and behavior metrics are tracked.
Impact Evidence Collection & Analysis
At least 60% of mission-critical programs collect Level 3 and 4 data using standard tools, and results are summarized and shared within 60 days.
Systems for Sustainability & Agility
Dashboards, scorecards, and real-time feedback mechanisms are in place, with version-controlled tools and no single point of failure.
Strategic Positioning & Internal Consultancy Role
Team is recognized internally as a strategic partner and actively advises other units on learning and performance best practices.
Are You Ready to Apply?
If you can honestly check four or more of the following, your organization is likely ready to apply for accreditation.
- Our learning strategy is tied to documented organizational goals.
- The Kirkpatrick Four Levels® are embedded in how we design and evaluate programs — not just talked about.
- We have SOPs for learning, performance, and evaluation, and they are actually followed.
- Evaluation data influences real decisions, not just reports.
- Our evaluation capability doesn’t live in one person’s head.
- Senior leaders actively support and publicly endorse our evaluation culture.
How It Works
Step 1
Submit your application and evidence across the 10 domains.
Step 2
Kirkpatrick Partners reviews your submission and identifies where you meet the standard — and where gaps exist.
Step 3
You receive a detailed gap report. Remediate on your own or engage Kirkpatrick Partners to help close gaps — then reapply at no additional cost for your first resubmission.
Step 4
Once accredited, annual maintenance keeps your status active. No full audit required year-over-year. A formal review occurs at year three.
Investment
Scaled by organization size. Annual maintenance covers ongoing recognition and the 3-year review — no separate audit fee.
Up to 100 organizational employees
$5,000 one-time accreditation fee
$1,500/year annual maintenance
101-500 organizational employees
$10,000 one-time accreditation fee
$3,000/year annual maintenance
500+ organizational employees
$20,000 one-time accreditation fee
$6,000/year annual maintenance
Individual Kirkpatrick certification is required and is priced separately as needed. Contact us for certification pathways and pricing.
Become a Founding Kirkpatrick® Certified Organization.
We are opening our inaugural accreditation cohort now. Organizations that achieve accreditation in this first cohort will receive permanent Founding Kirkpatrick Certified Organization status — recognized globally as one of the first organizations to meet this standard.
As a Founding Organization, your first year of annual maintenance is waived — so you pay only the one-time accreditation fee to get started. Founding status closes when we decide the inaugural cohort is full. There is no countdown. When it’s closed, it’s closed.
Founding Organization Benefits Include:
● Permanent “Founding Kirkpatrick Certified Organization” designation on your accreditation credential and public listing
● Year three annual maintenance fee waived — saving $1,500 to $6,000 depending on your tier
● Featured recognition at the inaugural Kirkpatrick Certified Organization showcase at the annual Kirkpatrick Summit
● Priority access to the inaugural Kirkpatrick Certified Organization quarterly roundtable
Here's What You Receive as a Kirkpatrick® Certified Organization
- Industry recognition as a Kirkpatrick® Certified Organization
- Award presentation at the annual Kirkpatrick Summit
- Quarterly roundtable with other certified organizations — trends, evaluation, and organizational partnership topics
- 10% discount on future Kirkpatrick® programs for all participants in the organization
- Reduced ticket price to the annual Kirkpatrick Summit
Not Ready Yet? We Have You Covered To Build Your Infrastructure
Not every organization is ready to apply for accreditation today — and that’s not a problem. It’s a starting point.
We’re building a library of Kirkpatrick-standard SOPs you can purchase directly to build the infrastructure you need before you apply.
Customizable procedures for all four Kirkpatrick levels, governance frameworks, evaluation planning templates, and implementation guides.
Join the waitlist and be first to know when they’re available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I don’t pass the review?
You receive a detailed gap report. You can remediate on your own and reapply — your first reapplication is free. If you’d like support closing the gaps, Kirkpatrick Partners can help as a separate engagement.
Do we need individual Kirkpatrick certification first?
Yes. Individual certification is a required prerequisite. A minimum percentage of your L&D, HR, and training staff must hold or be on the path to hold Bronze, Performance Designer, Silver, and/or Gold certification before applying. Contact us for certification pathways.
How long does the review take?
It depends on organization size. Smaller organizations can expect 4–6 weeks. Mid-size and enterprise organizations should plan for 8-12 weeks from submission of a complete evidence package.
What does annual maintenance involve?
A structured annual survey confirming continued adherence to the standard. No full audit is required year-over-year. A formal review occurs at year three and is included in your annual maintenance fee.
We need more of a Done With You or For You experience.
No problem! We offer coaching and accountability support, as well as embedding of certified practitioners to work with your team directly on implementation in a more hands on manner.
Contact us for the Done with you and Done for you packages.
Ready to Finally Scale Kirkpatrick?
Download the Readiness Guide to self-assess across the 10 domains. When you’re ready, apply for accreditation and join a global community of organizations recognized for excellence in learning and performance.