How to Apply for NQI PEP® Certification

As a prerequisite for making a submission for NQI certification at any level, it is critical that the organization completes a successful self-assessment against relevant criteria. This action serves as a basis for a submission. A Self-Assessment Workbook and Guide covering each level is included in the NQI PEP® Toolkit (for all sectors), available from NQI. If an organization wishes to have training in self-assessment techniques, or direct help from NQI with an assessment, the organization should call NQI for details.

For organizations applying for NQI PEP® Level 1 or 2 certification, click here to download the NQI PEP® Submission Information Sheet.

If you are applying for NQI PEP® Level 3 or 4 certification, click here to download the CAE and NQI PEP® Intent to Apply Form.

Prior to the Submission

• Using the NQI PEP® Guide (for reference) and the Self-Assessment Workbook, conduct an internal assessment before making a submission to any Level of the program. This will help decide if the organization is ready to make a submission, and, if a good rating is achieved, assist the organization in developing its submission. When doing an assessment, it is very beneficial to obtain input from people in all functions, and all levels of the organization.
• Attach the self-assessment results to the submission (e.g., identify strengths, opportunities, and a score for each of the Criteria statements).

Preparing the Submission

• Profile: Briefly describe the organization in one or two pages, and attach an organization chart.
• Scope: Describe whether this is a corporation-wide submission or only applicable to a single unit within the corporation.
• Contacts: Include the address of the organization, a contact name, phone and fax numbers, and an E-mail address.
• Respond to each of the Criteria:
  • Outline your actions and achievements by responding to all the Criteria questions of the Level for which the submission is being made. Organizations submitting for the first time for recognition at Levels higher than Level 1 must answer Criteria questions at the relevant Level, plus questions from lower Levels. This is because the organization will be assessed against all Criteria up to and including the Level for which the submission is being made.
  • Structure the application with the same headings and in the same sequence as the Criteria, i.e., re-state the Criteria and then respond to it underneath. Be brief when responding to each Criteria statement. Try to use brief key statements or points that will give NQI verifiers the opportunity to review specifics. Use the probe points in the Guide to assist you in determining the types of things the verifiers are looking for.
  • Give real examples of what you do in practice to meet the Criteria.
  • Send supporting documentation with the submission, e.g., attach mission statement, sample newsletters, survey results, etc. Collect and organize all relevant supporting documentation and data to be used to validate statements in the submission.
  • Attach the self-assessment results to the submission (e.g., identify strengths, opportunities, and a score for each of the Criteria statements).

Glossary of Terms

If acronyms are used in the submission, please attach a glossary of terms.

Size of Submission

Do not exceed 20 pages for the actual submission (any specific documentation you wish to include as an appendix to the submission is additional).

Fees for NQI PEP® Submissions

Submission fees vary, depending on the Level of NQI PEP® for which certification is sought. For details, please contact Bonita Savard at 1-800-263-9648, ext. 233 or E-mail bonita@nqi.ca

For further information, feel free to call NQI PEP® Administrator Bonita Savard at 1-800- 263-9648 extension 233, or Chair of Adjudication, John Perry at extension 223.