A clear, proportionate way for training providers to show that their conflict management and physical intervention training has been assessed against published Standards, by people who understand the work.
Who it is for
Organisations that deliver conflict management, behaviour management, personal safety, physical skills or restrictive intervention training. You do not need to be an ICM Member, and your trainers do not need to be ICM Members.
Choose the scope that matches what you teach
The same 22 ICM/PMWRV Standards apply in every scope. Your scope decides which criteria apply to you. Scopes build on each other.
Scope 1
Theory only. Conflict management, behaviour management or related theory-based training.
Scope 2
Theory plus personal safety and physical skills. Includes breakaway, disengagement and defence from strikes.
Scope 3
Full scope including restrictive interventions. Covers everything in Scopes 1 and 2, plus restrictive interventions.
Fees: please contact us and we will confirm the fee for your scope, how it is paid and what renewal involves.
Why become a Quality Award Centre
- Assessed against clear, published Standards. The 22 ICM/PMWRV Standards are open for anyone to read, so your customers can see what you were assessed against.
- Assessed by people. Every stage is reviewed by an ICM QAC Assessor who deals with you directly, with the Secretariat guiding you on process.
- Proportionate and fair. You evidence only the criteria that apply to your scope. Routine observation is not required for every application.
- Approved wording and logo for your scope. Show your status accurately on your website, proposals and tenders, with the logo for the scope you hold.
- Support for your trainers. Trainers can apply to become ICM Recognised Trainer Assessors, which is optional and separate from your centre.
- Ongoing quality assurance. Annual renewal and a full reassessment every 36 months keep your status meaningful.
- Listed on our register of Quality Award Centres once your status is confirmed, with a link to your website.
What QAC status means. ICM Quality Award Centre status is assessed against the ICM/PMWRV Standards as applied to the centre’s approved QAC scope. QAC status is separate from UKAS-accredited product certification.
How it works
- Get in touch. The Secretariat explains the scopes and the process and answers your questions.
- Sign the Letter of Intent naming the scope you want. You can hold it until you are ready.
- First invoice and payment. Your six-month application period starts when the first payment is received.
- Receive your application pack: the Standards, the Applicability Map and Evidence Guide, and the Application and Evidence Workbook.
- Submit your evidence against the criteria that apply to your scope. You have up to three formal submission occasions.
- Assessment. A QAC Assessor reviews your evidence and tells you directly what, if anything, needs to be put right.
- Award decision, final invoice and certificate. You receive your certificate and approved logo materials.
- Stay current. Annual renewal at 12 and 24 months, full reassessment at 36 months.
Already a QAC?
If you already hold QAC status, you should expect to reapply under the new framework from the end of October 2026 unless ICM advises you otherwise. Get in touch and we will guide you.
Start the conversation
Not sure which scope you need or what evidence looks like? Ask before you commit.