This guidance explains how organizations can apply for IMI recognition of a training, assessment, or specialist program.
IMI recognition is granted through an independent appraisal process. Applications are reviewed against the applicable IMI standards for the relevant recognition pathway.
IMI offers different recognition pathways depending on the type of program your organization delivers. Before submitting an application, please review the pathway guidance to identify the most appropriate route for your program.
Before Starting Your Application.
Before you apply
Before starting an application, please review the applicable IMI standards for the recognition pathway you intend to apply for. Organizations should ensure that the program is fully developed and that supporting documents are available before submitting an application.
Fees and Payment
Pricing scheme for Appraisal Process and Implementing Organizations
| Fee Type | Regular Fee (High-income / Very High HDI) | Discount Level 1 — 25% (Upper-middle / High HDI) | Discount Level 2 — 50% (Lower-middle & Low-income / Medium/Low HDI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Processing Fee – QAPs, MA-QAPs, ICQAPs | €995 | €746 | €498 |
| Application Processing Fee – RMTPs | €1,990 | €1,492.50 | €995 |
| Expedited Processing Fee – All Program Types | €2,985 | €2,238.75 | €1,492.50 |
| Audit Processing Fee – All Program Types | €350 | €262.50 | €175 |
| RMTP Annual Listing Fee | €695 | €521.25 | €347.50 |
Processing begins once the applicable fee has been received.
All fees are subject to IMI’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy, and may also be subject to VAT depending on the organization’s location.
The application processing fee covers the processing work, not the approval. Therefore, refunds are not available for the application processing fee, as it involves multiple stages to ensure compliance with IMI’s high-quality international standards, carried out by the IMI team and the independent Appraisal Committee.
Processing times
Processing times vary depending on the completeness of the application, the volume of applications being handled by IMI, appraiser availability, and whether revisions or additional information are required.
The IMI team first conducts an initial completeness review before the application is assigned for independent appraisal. Applications are processed in the order in which the applicable fee is received.
Most applications take between 3 and 6 months. Complete applications that are clearly presented and do not require substantial revisions may be processed more quickly, usually within 6–8 weeks.
Applications requiring clarification, additional documents, or significant revisions may take longer. To help avoid delays, applicants are encouraged to submit a complete application with all questions addressed clearly and directly.
Expedited processing
Where available, organizations may request expedited processing for an additional fee.
This fee is charged in place of the standard application processing fee. It applies to applications requiring accelerated handling, including:
- submissions made outside IMI’s regular application windows;
- requests for priority review; or
- situations requiring priority due to institutional, regulatory, or other urgent deadlines.
Expedited processing relates to the handling of the application process and does not guarantee approval. All applications remain subject to independent review against the applicable IMI standards.
Availability of expedited processing may depend on the recognition pathway, the completeness of the application, IMI’s current application volume, and appraiser availability.
How to request expedited processing
Applicants requesting expedited processing must:
- notify IMI in writing of the need for expedited processing at the time of submission; and
- pay the expedited processing fee.
Step-by-step application process
01. Identify the appropriate recognition pathway
Review the available IMI recognition pathways and select the route that best matches the type of program your organization delivers.
Find the right recognition pathway
02. Submit the initial organization registration form
To begin, your organization submits an initial program recognition request through the IMI website. This allows IMI to identify the organization, the relevant recognition pathway, and the applicable application processing fee.
Tell Us About Your Organization
03. Pay the applicable application processing fee
After the initial request is received, IMI will provide instructions for payment of the applicable application processing fee. Processing begins once payment has been received.
04. Receive access to the application form
Once payment has been confirmed, your organization will receive access to the relevant application form for the selected recognition pathway.
05. Complete the application and upload supporting documents
The application form will ask for information about the program and may require supporting documents demonstrating how the program meets the applicable IMI standards.
06. IMI conducts an initial completeness review
The IMI team reviews the application and supporting documents to confirm that the submission is complete and ready for appraisal. IMI may request clarification, additional information, revised documents, or improvements to the application.
07. Independent appraisers review the application
Once the initial review has been completed, the application is assigned confidentially to independent appraisers from the relevant IMI Appraisal Sub-Committee.
08. Clarifications or revisions may be requested
During the appraisal process, the organization may be asked to provide additional information, make revisions, or clarify how the program meets the relevant IMI standards.
09. IMI confirms the application outcome
Following appraisal, IMI will confirm the outcome of the application. If the program is approved, the organization will receive instructions regarding recognition, listing, and next steps.
10. Maintain recognition through ongoing compliance
Recognized programs are expected to continue meeting the applicable IMI standards and may be required to complete periodic audits or provide updated information.
After recognition
Once a program is approved, IMI will provide the organization with instructions regarding recognition, listing, and next steps.
The organization’s IMI profile may display key program information, including the recognition type, program overview, delivery information, and other approved details.
Organizations may also be able to add selected profile content, such as an organization description, video, testimonials, upcoming dates, and registration information. Core information relating to the approved program remains subject to IMI review and may only be updated where consistent with the recognition or audit process.
Recognition is subject to ongoing compliance with the applicable IMI standards, including audit and maintenance requirements.
Ready to begin?
Submit the initial program recognition request and the IMI team will review your submission and guide you through the next steps.
Related Guidance.
Have Your Program Recognized by IMI
Review IMI’s recognition pathways and identify the route that best fits your program.
IMI Standards for Program Recognition
Review the standards applicable to each recognition pathway.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy
Understand how IMI’s DEI fee categories and discounted fees are applied.
Audit Process for Recognized Programs
Learn how recognized programs maintain recognition through periodic review.
