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PURPOSE AND SCOPE

The Established Level Accreditation Program (ELAP) replaces the previous ARMS Advanced Level Accreditation Program (ALAP) and is designed for mid to senior Research Management Professionals who wish to enhance their leadership, management, and content skills to become more effective research leaders in the rapidly evolving research and innovation sector. The program comprises of a mix of taught material, group discussions and written assignments. Successful conclusion of the program occurs when candidates have attained 100 points which then allows participants to be designated Accredited Research Manager (Established) or ARM(E).

WHO SHOULD ENROL?  

The Established Level Accreditation Program is ideal for: 

  • Mid to senior level Research Managers who have worked in the sector for 5 or more years; or
  • Senior academics and professional staff who are transitioning into a senior Research Management role.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW 

The Established Level Accreditation Program  acknowledges that research management covers a broad range of roles, with some requiring specialised knowledge.  The program is designed to provide flexibility, allowing participants to earn the 100 points needed for completion through a variety of ARMS professional development offerings.  

A key change from the previous ALAP include the elimination of the annual cohort enrolment. Participants now have the flexibility to choose from different ARMS programs to accumulate the necessary 100 points, with the following conditions:

  • Applicants must have completed the Foundation Level Accreditation Program or be assessed as eligible based on their previous experience. The application form is available on the ARMS website and can be submitted free of charge.
  • Once accepted into the program, candidates have a maximum of three years to complete the required 100 points.
  • Of the 100 points, at least 75 must come from assessed ARMS programs. Up to 25 points can be earned from non-ARMS programs.
  • Each ARMS program will specify its points value and assessment method.
  • Graduation requires completion of compulsory elements: Leadership, Management, and Strategic Thinking; three one-day electives; and participation in nine Group Learning sessions.

PROGRAM ELEMENTS FOR INCLUSION IN THE ELAP

A full list of programs eligible for the Established Level Accreditation program will be maintained and regularly updated on the ARMS website. The programs below are examples of eligible programs. 

PROGRAM COMPONENTS 

A regularly updated list of eligible programs will be available on the ARMS website. Below are examples of the key elements required to complete the ELAP:

  • Leadership, Management, and Strategic Thinking
    A comprehensive group workshop that develops leadership and strategic thinking skills. Delivered in multiple short, online virtual sessions, this assessed program is worth 30 points.
  • Electives
    Three one-day electives (or their equivalent) in specialized topics that deepen knowledge and application in research management. Each elective is assessed and valued at 10 points. A list of electives is available on the ARMS website.
  • Group Learning Sessions
    Participants must attend at least nine 1-hour group discussions, contributing 9 non-assessed points.

Additional non-compulsory ARMS programs, both assessed and non-assessed, can also be applied toward the ELAP. 

HOW TO ENROL? 

To enrol in the ELAP, applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) form, which is released twice a year by the ARMS Executive Office. The form, available on the ARMS website, asks for relevant experience and endorsement from a direct line manager. It also includes a section for requesting approval of prior learning or non-ARMS programs for points.

All EOIs are reviewed by a sub-committee of the ARMS Accreditation Council. If an EOI is approved, the Executive Office will provide formal confirmation along with details of approved programs and their corresponding points. If not approved, applicants will be informed of the reasons and encouraged to reapply in future rounds once their experience has developed further.

PROGRAM DURATION

Participants have up to three years to complete the program. 

REGISTRATION FEES

While there is no fee to apply for the ELAP, each element contributing to the required 100 points may incur a separate charge. Fees are updated annually to reflect CPI increases and will be communicated at the time of registration. The ARMS Board reviews and endorses these fees, and registrants will be made aware of the Society’s Cancellation Policy during the registration process.

ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENTS

To achieve ELAP accreditation, participants must earn 100 points within three years, including the mandatory elements. At least 75 points must come from ARMS-assessed programs. Assessment methods vary, and participants will be informed of the assessment criteria for each program, which may include written assignments or assessments based on participation.