EOCCS FAQS

The EFMD Online Course Certification System (EOCCS) is an international quality benchmark for online courses, providing a comprehensive assessment of the quality and excellence of online learning provisions. The certification process includes in-depth peer review and feedback, as well as recommendations for improvements and sustainability, all completed within a three-month fully online process. By obtaining EOCCS certification, institutions can demonstrate the quality of their online learning offerings in marketing, sales, and faculty/staff recruitment. Additionally, the certification supports best practices events and resources within a community of like-minded peers and experts.

Please visit our EOCCS Benefits page.

Begin with the dedicated page for EOCCS on the EFMD website, where you will find detailed information and all relevant documents. The Standards & Criteria and Process Manual will help answer many of your questions. You may use the ‘Contact EOCCS’ form on our website or eoccs@efmdglobal.org to express your interest and get in touch with our certification team.

EOCCS certification does not require EFMD membership, although joining our community is always encouraged to fully enjoy the benefits. Please visit our membership page for more information. The full eligibility criteria for the EOCCS process are:

• The institution proposing the course has been in existence for at least one year; 
• The course represents at least 20 hours of study for learners (roughly equivalent to one ECTS credit);
• The cohort size for completions is at least 20 learners; and
• The course has run at least once within the year prior to the application.

EOCCS certification is open to a wide range of online courses across various disciplines, including but not limited to management, business administration, leadership, finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship. As long as the course meets the eligibility criteria and standards set by EFMD, it can undergo the certification process.

Yes, institutions can apply for EOCCS certification for any online courses or suite of up to five courses at any course level in the field of business or management, provided each course meets the eligibility criteria and standards set by EFMD. Each course will undergo a separate certification process to assess its quality and excellence in online learning provisions.

The process for an initial certification will typically require ten to twelve weeks from the time of eligibility. (See the flowchart example of the EOCCS certification process below.)

You can find the EOCCS Fee Schedule here.

If certification is granted, it will be either a three-year certification with developmental objectives or a three-year certification with required improvements. Please see the EOCCS Process Manual for more information.

After initially obtaining EOCCS certification, institutions must undergo a review every three years to maintain their certification status. These reviews ensure that the quality of the course remains consistent over time and that any necessary updates or improvements are implemented. The frequency and requirements of these maintenance reviews may vary, but institutions will be informed of the details upon certification.

The EOCCS team offers webinars on a regular basis to discuss various topics in online learning. Each fall, we offer the EFMD Online Learning Symposium which has an option for in-person or online attendance. EOCCS certificate holders attend for free. See our Events page for upcoming offers.