HETAC was established by the Government in June 2001, under the Qualifications (Education and Training) Act 1999. HETAC is the qualifications awarding body for third-level educational and training institutions outside the university sector. HETAC awards qualifications at all levels of higher education and training up to PhD level.

HETAC's main functions include:

• Setting standards for higher education and training awards
• Validation of higher education and training programmes
• Monitoring of institutional quality assurance procedures
• Delegation of awarding powers to recognised institutions
• Ensuring that student assessment procedures are fair and consistent
• Ensuring that arrangements are in place in commercial education and training institutions to protect learners where programes validated by HETAC cease to be provided.

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
" Dorset College has been awarded the prestigious "Gold Status" from the ACCA-Association of Chartered Certified Accountants Professional body"

ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is the global body for professional accountants. They aim to offer business-relevant, first-choice qualifications to people of application, ability and ambition around the world who seek a rewarding career in accountancy, finance and management. Studying for ACCA qualifications will provide you with skills and knowledge relevant to any business, which means you are free to choose which type of accountancy role and organisation you want to work for.

Founded in 1904, ACCA has consistently held unique core values: opportunity, diversity, innovation, integrity and accountability. They believe that accountants bring value to economies in all stages of development. They aim to develop capacity in the profession and encourage the adoption of global standards.

Approved by FETAC the Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) is the statutory awarding body for further education and training in Ireland. FETAC makes quality assured awards that are part of the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) from levels 1-6.FETAC:
makes and promotes awards on the National Framework of Qualifications
determines standards and award requirements
validates programmes leading to awards
monitors and quality assures programmes and services