Accreditation & Credit Recognition — UPI Study | ACE, NCCRS, Ofqual, Qualifi
Accreditation & Credit Recognition

Credits Recognized
Around the World.

UPI Study holds official credit recommendations from ACE and NCCRS, an Ofqual-regulated qualification partnership via Qualifi for UK and Irish pathways, and recognition from Canadian institutions — so your learning is accepted wherever you go.

🇺🇸 ACE Credit Recommendations 🏛️ NCCRS — NY Board of Regents 🇬🇧 Ofqual via Qualifi 🇨🇦 Canadian Institutions
3,000+
Universities that
accept our credits
70+
NCCRS & ACE
Recommended courses
L4 & L5
Ofqual-regulated
UK Qualifi diplomas
4
Countries with
formal recognition
How It Works

From Course Completion to College Credit

Our credit recommendations follow a rigorous evaluation process. Here's the chain from UPI Study to your university transcript.

UPI Study Submits Courses
Each course is submitted to ACE and/or NCCRS for formal evaluation by panels of college faculty and subject-matter experts.
Rigorous Faculty Review
Expert panels assess course content, learning outcomes, assessment methods, and college-level comparability. Approval is not automatic.
Credit Recommendation Issued
Approved courses are listed in the national ACE or NCCRS directory — accessible by universities across the country for transfer evaluation.
You Transfer to Your University
Request your official UPI Study transcript, submit it to your university's registrar, and credits are applied toward your degree.
🇺🇸 United States

U.S. Credit Recommendations & Institutional Recognition

ACE and NCCRS are the gold standard for evaluating college-level learning acquired outside traditional academic settings. Both are used by thousands of U.S. universities to award transfer credit.

ACE — American Council on Education
✓ Credit Recommendation

American Council on Education (ACE)

2,800+ Universities Semi-Government Body Since 1918

ACE is the nation's most respected higher education association, representing over 1,700 degree-granting institutions. Their Credit Recommendation Service (CREDIT) evaluates college-level learning acquired outside traditional academic settings and recommends courses for credit to its member universities.

UPI Study courses carry ACE credit recommendations — meaning they have been rigorously reviewed by college faculty and deemed equivalent to undergraduate coursework. These recommendations are recognized by 2,800+ U.S. colleges and universities, allowing our students to earn transferable college credit.

NCCRS — National College Credit Recommendation Service
✓ 70+ Courses Recommended

National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS)

1,500+ Universities NY Board of Regents Est. 1973

NCCRS was established in 1973 by the New York State Board of Regents — a government body — to evaluate college-level learning acquired outside traditional academic settings. Their evaluation teams comprise college faculty and subject-matter experts who rigorously assess course content, learning outcomes, and assessment integrity.

UPI Study has 70+ courses carrying NCCRS & ACE credit recommendations, listed in the national CCRS Online directory. More than 1,500 cooperating colleges and universities consider granting actual college credit based on NCCRS recommendations.

Excelsior University
🎓 OneTranscript Service

Excelsior University

Excelsior University is a regionally accredited institution that recognizes UPI Study transcripts of NCCRS & ACE recommended courses. Through the Excelsior OneTranscript service, students receive a single, portable academic transcript combining all their non-traditional credits — accepted by universities and employers worldwide.

Note: Any student who is not — or has not been — a degree-seeking student with Excelsior University may utilize the OneTranscript service. Students should confirm acceptance with their target institution before applying.
🇨🇦 Canada

Canadian Institutional Recognition

UPI Study works with two Canadian institutions to facilitate credit transfers for students in Canada, the UK, and Australia through officially recognized dual transcripts.

UPI Study College Canada
🇨🇦 Accredited in Canada

UPI Study College — Canada

Dual Transcript Canadian Accreditation

UPI Study College is accredited in Canada and offers a dual transcript of your diploma to facilitate college credit transfers for Canadian students. This provides a second layer of institutional recognition alongside your ACE and NCCRS recommendations, strengthening your credit transfer application.

Aspire College Canada
🇨🇦 Canada · UK · Australia

Aspire College

Dual Transcript 3-Country Recognition

Aspire College is accredited in Canada and offers a dual transcript of your diploma to facilitate college credit transfers across Canada, the UK, and Australia. Students pursuing degrees in any of these countries benefit from Aspire College's institutional recognition alongside their UPI Study credentials.

🇬🇧 Official Partnership
UK & Ireland Progression Routes
Ofqual · Qualifi · RQF

UK & Ireland University
Progression Pathways

UPI Study has entered into an official partnership with Qualifi — an Awarding Organisation recognised by Ofqual, the UK government's qualification regulator. UPI Study courses are approved by Ofqual via Qualifi, and students earn Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 4 and Level 5 diplomas that provide verified progression routes into the final year of UK and Irish undergraduate degrees.

🔒

Official Partner Status: UPI Study is a formally approved delivery partner of Qualifi (Ofqual Recognition Number: RN5160). Our Level 4 and Level 5 qualifications in Business and Computer Science are verified and regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation — a non-ministerial UK government department.

💼

Business & Management

The Qualifi Level 4 and Level 5 Diploma in Business Management provides a structured pathway through business strategy, organizational behaviour, financial management, and leadership. Each level carries 120 credits under the UK's Regulated Qualifications Framework. Completing both levels is equivalent to the first two years of a UK business degree, allowing entry into the final year at partner universities.

Level 4 — 120 Credits Level 5 — 120 Credits Ofqual Regulated RQF Framework
💻

Computer Science & IT

The Qualifi Level 4 and Level 5 Diploma in Information Technology covers programming, systems engineering, networking, database design, software development, and management information systems. The Level 4 is equivalent to Year 1 of a UK Computing degree; Level 5 to Year 2. Students completing both can progress directly into the final year of a UK undergraduate IT or Computer Science degree at partner institutions.

Level 4 — 120 Credits Level 5 — 120 Credits Ofqual Regulated RQF Framework

Your UK Degree Progression Pathway

L4
Qualifi Level 4
Diploma
120 credits
= UK Year 1
L5
Qualifi Level 5
Diploma
120 credits
= UK Year 2
L6
Enter Year 3
Top-up at a UK
partner university
🎓
Bachelor's Degree
BSc / BA Hons
UK University
Qualifi University Progression Partners — include
University of Wolverhampton University of Leicester UCLan Arden University Glasgow Caledonian Leeds Beckett University Liverpool John Moores University of East London University of Bolton University of Derby Bath Spa University Staffordshire University + many more
FAQ

Accreditation — Straight Answers

Everything students, parents, and advisors ask about how our recognition works.

What is ACE and how does it recommend UPI Study courses for credit?
The American Council on Education (ACE) is the U.S.'s most respected higher education association, representing over 1,700 degree-granting institutions. Their Credit Recommendation Service evaluates college-level learning acquired outside traditional settings using teams of college faculty. UPI Study courses that pass this evaluation carry an ACE credit recommendation — recognized by 2,800+ U.S. universities as equivalent to on-campus undergraduate coursework.
What is NCCRS and why does it matter?
NCCRS was established in 1973 by the New York State Board of Regents — a government body — to translate non-traditional learning into college credit equivalencies. Their evaluation panels consist of college faculty who assess course content, depth, and assessment quality. 70+ UPI Study courses carry NCCRS & ACE credit recommendations, listed in the national CCRS Online directory and recognized by 1,500+ cooperating colleges and universities.
What does Excelsior University's OneTranscript service do?
Excelsior is a regionally accredited university that consolidates your UPI Study ACE and NCCRS-recommended credits into a single, portable academic transcript. This Excelsior OneTranscript can be presented to universities or employers as a unified credential. It's available to students who are not currently enrolled at Excelsior as degree-seeking students.
What is UPI Study's official partnership with Qualifi and Ofqual?
UPI Study has entered into a formal partnership with Qualifi, an Awarding Organisation recognised by Ofqual (Ofqual Recognition Number: RN5160) — the UK government's qualification regulator. Through this partnership, UPI Study courses are approved by Ofqual via Qualifi, and students earn Level 4 and Level 5 diplomas in Business and Computer Science. These sit within the UK's Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and provide verified progression routes into partner UK and Irish universities.
What are Qualifi Level 4 and Level 5, and what do they lead to?
Level 4 (120 credits) is equivalent to Year 1 of a UK undergraduate degree. Level 5 (a further 120 credits) is equivalent to Year 2. Completing both allows students to enter directly into the final year (Year 3) of a Bachelor's degree at Qualifi's UK partner universities — which include the University of Wolverhampton, University of Leicester, UCLan, Arden University, Glasgow Caledonian, Leeds Beckett, Liverpool John Moores, and more.
What subjects are available through the Qualifi pathway?
UPI Study currently offers Ofqual-regulated qualifications via Qualifi in two subject areas: Business & Management (Level 4 and Level 5 Diploma in Business Management) and Computer Science & IT (Level 4 and Level 5 Diploma in Information Technology). Both pathways carry 120 credits per level and provide formal university progression routes in the UK and Ireland.
Does UPI Study have Canadian accreditation?
Yes. UPI Study College is accredited in Canada and provides a dual transcript to support credit transfers for Canadian students. Aspire College is also accredited in Canada and offers dual transcripts recognized in Canada, the UK, and Australia — expanding your transfer options across multiple countries.
Are credits automatically accepted at every university?
Not automatically. ACE and NCCRS credit recommendations are recognized by 3,000+ institutions, but each university sets its own transfer credit policies and evaluates credits on a case-by-case basis. We strongly recommend confirming acceptance with your target institution's registrar before enrolling. For UK students, Qualifi progression routes provide formal, pre-agreed pathways into specific partner universities — reducing uncertainty significantly.

Accreditation Disclaimer

The ACE and NCCRS credit recommendations listed here reflect evaluations completed at the time of review.

Qualifi is recognised as an Awarding Organisation by Ofqual (Ofqual Recognition Number: RN5160). Level 4 and Level 5 qualifications delivered through UPI Study's partnership with Qualifi are regulated under the UK Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

Logo & Trademark Notice: All organization names, logos, seals, and trademarks referenced on this page — including ACE, NCCRS, Excelsior University, Qualifi, Ofqual, UPI Study College (Canada), and Aspire College — are the exclusive intellectual property of their respective owners. These marks are used here solely for informational purposes to accurately describe UPI Study's accreditation relationships and partnerships. UPI Study does not claim ownership of any third-party marks. Excelsior University, ACE, NCCRS, Qualifi, and Ofqual are independent organizations and their inclusion here does not constitute a blanket endorsement of all UPI Study products or services.

Credit Transfer Process & Accreditation

NCCRS Accreditation

NCCRS Accreditation

NCCRS, a government-recognized body working with 1,500 U.S. universities, has recommended UPI's 68 courses for college credits, enabling our students to earn college credits.

Learn More  

ACE Accreditation

ACE Accreditation

ACE, a semi-government body that works with 2,800 U.S. universities, has recommended UPI's courses for college credits to its member universities, allowing our students to earn college credits.

Learn More  

Excelsior University

Excelsior University

Excelsior University, a regionally accredited institution, will recognize UPI's transcript of NCCRS & ACE recommended courses and can issue a OneTranscript to present to universities or employers.

Note:
Any student who is not or has not been a degree seeking student with Excelsior University can utilize the Excelsior OneTranscript service. Individuals looking to utilize the Excelsior's OneTranscript service should reach out to the institution or agency they are intending on applying to in order to confirm use of this transcript is appropriate and will be accepted.

Learn More  

UPI Study College

UPI Study College

UPI Study is accredited in Canada that will offer a dual transcript of your diploma to facilitate college credit transfers.

ATHE & Ofqual Accredited

ATHE & Ofqual Accredited

UPI collaborates with Ofqual through ATHE, similar to our work with NCCRS, to provide pathways to universities in the UK and Ireland.

Aspire College

Aspire College

Aspire College is accredited in Canada that will offer a dual transcript of your diploma to facilitate college credit transfers in Canada/Uk/Australia.

Learn More