CMS Approval Process

The CMS Approval Process is as follows:

Stage 1: Contact the applicable OPITO regional office to register interest in obtaining OPITO CMS Approval. OPITO will create an account within its online data management system, The HUB. Completion and submission of the Pre-Screening Questionnaire (if applicable) will be processed online, using The HUB.

Stage 2: Pre-Approval Workshop – OPITO has created a Pre-Approval video for organisations to familiarise themselves with, prior to the one-to-one session with a Quality Assurance Specialist – the video will be shared through The HUB. The physical (or digital) workshop will provide the opportunity for any questions and clarifications. Training will also be provided for organisations to navigate and complete a Desktop Submission within The HUB.

Stage 3: Application – An Application for CMS Approval is then completed online, using The HUB – organisations are advised to include as much information as possible on any applicable approvals, both from OPITO at associated sites, or with other relevant awarding bodies.

Stage 4: Desktop Submission – A Desktop Submission will be requested via The HUB. This stage ensures that the organisation has a CMS in place that complies with the OPITO Approval Criteria.

Stage 5: Initial Site Visit – An OPITO Quality Assurance Specialist will visit the organisation’s premises, or carry out a remote visit, and observe the CMS and assessments being carried out against the relevant OPITO CMS Criteria.

Following successful participation in the above Approvals Process, the organisation is awarded OPITO CMS Approval.

If an organisation has an existing CMS, OPITO offer a Systems Health Check Audit which can be used to benchmark the current system against the industry developed criteria and provides a roadmap to close the gaps to achieve approval.

For further information please contact the Quality Assurance Team at the relevant regional office.

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