02.2 How many inspections are required in a system accreditation procedure under the new law?

The MRVO states in the explanatory memorandum to Section 24 (5):

“With regard to the random samples that are mandatory in system accreditation to review the relevant features of the study programme design, the implementation of the study programmes and quality assurance and, if applicable, the consideration of the criteria for the accreditation of regulated study programmes, two appointments are usually necessary in system accreditation procedures.”

This means that, in principle, two inspections must take place in the system accreditation procedure, unless the Agencies commissioned with the accreditation procedures submit a valid and comprehensible justification for a deviation from this regulation. A deviation exists if either only one or more than two inspections are carried out. The deviating procedure must be explained and briefly justified in Chapter 3.1 of the accreditation report (General information on the peer-review procedure). In this way, the necessary degree of procedural transparency is created. It also enables the Accreditation Council to review the justification and ensure consistent handling of the rule beyond the individual accreditation procedures.

During the coronavirus pandemic, on-site inspections have taken place virtually in whole or in part. In March 2023, the Accreditation Council decided that, following the abolition of conflicting Law provisions, the requirements for the on-site visit in accordance with Section 24 (5) MRVO will once again apply without restriction, although one of two on-site visits can be carried out online for system accreditation procedures.