The Recognition Criteria against which WFME assesses accrediting agencies world wide have gone through a minor revision. Three changes have been introduced to the document:

• Criterion 11.3 which used to read: “The medical school undergoing the review has the opportunity to comment on matters of fact prior to finalisation of the report,” is no longer required.
• In Criterion 14.3, the wording is changed to:“The agency monitors schools throughout the duration of an accreditation period, and has a process for seeking information and taking further actions. This includes a requirement to report any substantive or anticipated changes to the educational programme, the quality of facilities and resources, or any other aspect that would impact the quality of the education delivered. The frequency of monitoring should be appropriate to the circumstances, including annual or more frequent monitoring if necessary.”
• Criterion 14.4. was has been split into two separate Criteria.

In January 2018, the Recognition Criteria were revised substantially. All accrediting agencies entering the Recognition Programme should now use the revised Criteria.

The Recognition Programme delivers an independent, transparent and rigorous method of ensuring that accreditation of medical schools worldwide is at an internationally accepted and high standard. WFME evaluates compliance of accrediting agencies with pre-defined criteria.The Criteria focus on the key elements of the agency’s functioning:

• Background (scope of authority, acceptance of the accrediting agency by others, substantive changes)
• Accreditation standards (existence and availability of standards, type of standards, appropriateness of standards, review of standards)
• Accreditation process and procedures (medical school self-study, site visit, reports, qualification & training of individuals associated with the accrediting agency, accreditation decisions, activities subsequent to accreditation decisions, complaints)
• Accreditation agency policies and resources (controls against conflict of interest, controls against inconsistent application of standards and procedures, administrative and fiscal responsibilities, due process, maintenance of records, availability and dissemination of information)