APEC Accreditation and Training
| Accreditation | Accreditation Process | Accreditation Training | Application Form
The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) program was developed by an international panel of experts. Its objective is to create a professional standard across APEC for the small business counseling industry. It was endorsed by APEC Small Business Ministers in 1997. It is recognised by Canada, Australia, Brunei, Darussalam, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Thailand and the USA.
In Australasia the program is delivered through a collaboration between Australia’s APEC Accrediting Institute – TAFE Adelaide Small Business Training Centre and the Australasian Institute of Enterprise Facilitators (AIEF).
On completion of the program business counselors (including facilitators, advisers and consultants), gain international recognition of their status throughout APEC countries and gain professional membership of AIEF with nationally recognised professional status through use of the letters "MIEF".
For details of APEC business counselor certification process, training modules and workshop details hit the links.
Step 1
Complete the APEC Application Package for acceptance into the program.
Minimum entry requirements are:
Step 2.
Complete the APEC Business Counseling Training Program or enquire about possible recognition of prior learning.
Step 3
Submit a Portfolio of Business Counseling Experience.
Step 4
Application and portfolio is assessed by Australian APEC Accrediting Institute, currently TAFE South Australia Small Business Training Centre, and submitted to APEC International Panel for approval for accreditation as an APEC Certified Business Counselor.
Once the accreditation is approved the APEC Certified Business Counselor makes application to the Australasian Institute of Enterprise Facilitators to gain Professional Membership status and acquire the letters MIEF.
Instructions
The Learner-Counselor must complete the Application Form and compile all of the following information for presentation to the Assessor. These materials should be professionally organized and packaged to present the best impression.
Application Package Contents
1. Application Form ( click to view or right click to download )
2. Resume, vita, CV, or similar compilation of work experience and education.
3. Detailed description of education in small business management, entrepreneurship, and/or economic development. Include any past experience as a small business counselor, acquired knowledge of the field, and the skills developed as a result.
4. Original or clear photocopies of all published, business-related articles written by the Learner-Counselor. The articles must show the name and the date of the publication. The manuscript/article provided to the publisher is not sufficient. A copy of the actual article, as published, is required.
5. Copies of business-related certificates of professional accomplishments. Include the names and addresses of the certifying organizations.
6. List of business-related seminars and workshops developed and presented. For each seminar or workshop include a copy of the handout, workshop marketing flyer or brochure, audio/visual aids, and evaluation results.
When all materials have been compiled, the Learner-Counselor must make an appointment with the Assessor to review the Application Package. If accepted into the program, a Learning Plan will be developed by the Assessor to prepare the Learner-Counselor for APEC certification.
The applicant must also submit a Portfolio of Evidence of Counseling Experience.
This may be submitted at any time once accepted into the program.
This consists of the following requirements:
1. List and detailed description of ten (10) small business clients counseled within the past three (3) years. A description of each client project (case study) should be provided. It should include a detailed description of the counseling services provided to each client. (see case study requirements)
2. Provide evidence of 400 hours of counseling experience within the past three years including verified statement of counseling contacts/interviews and statement of duties from employer
Case Study Requirements
List and detailed description of ten (10) small business clients counseled within the past three (3) years. A description of each client project should be provided. It should include a detailed description of the counseling services provided to each client, including: