An STSI® Accredited Organization (STSI-A®) upholds the standard of porfessional systems thinking (SST® and PST®). The Systems Thinking Standards Institute (STSI®) is the official global accrediting body responsible for ensuring fidelity to the Systems Thinking Standard (STS®). STSI® offers two levels of accreditation for organizations based on their demonstrated capacity to implement, support, and extend the standard.
 
Level 1 Accreditation 
Level 1 Accreditation is the highest designation granted by STSI. It is reserved for a small number of organizations with deep scientific, methodological, and operational expertise in systems thinking. These organizations have demonstrated long-term leadership in the development, application, and dissemination of the STS and are authorized to design, deliver, and certify training at all belt levels. Level 1 Accredited Organizations may:
Develop and deliver STS-aligned training programs across all certification levels
Administer practitioner assessments and evaluations
Certify individuals at all belt levels (White through Black)
Issue official STSI® certification credentials
Operate independently or in collaboration with Level 2 Accredited Organizations
 
Level 1 status is granted by STSI® through an invitation-only review of Level 2 Accredited Organizations and is reserved for anchor institutions. Level 1 status also requires multiple PST® Black Belts on staff as program leads.
 
Level 2 Accreditation 
Level 2 Accreditation is granted to a broader network of institutions—such as schools, universities, nonprofits, government agencies, or businesses—that have demonstrated strong commitment to applying the STS® within their internal systems and culture. Level 2 Accredited Organizations do not directly issue certification but may:
Support their members or staff in achieving belt certification through partnerships with Level 1 Accredited Organizations.
Offer practice-based environments and supervised hours required for certification at various belt levels.
 
To receive Level 2 Accreditation, organizations must:
Appoint an STS®-certified Systems Thinking Lead who is PST® Certified
Provide documentation of STS® integration into policies, curriculum, operations, or learning processes
Submit a portfolio of evidence and artifacts demonstrating systems thinking in action
Participate in an STSI peer review (virtual or on-site)
Commit to annual reporting and reevaluation on a three-year cycle
 
This tiered accreditation structure supports quality assurance, scalability, and innovation while ensuring consistency in how the Systems Thinking Standard is practiced and taught. Both Level 1 and Level 2 Accredited Organizations become part of the STSI® global learning network and are granted use of the appropriate STSI® Accredited designation and seal, in alignment with usage guidelines.
 
Element
Level 1 Accredited to Offer
Level 2 Accredited to Offer
STS® Accredited Training
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STS® Accredited Practice
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STS® Accredited Test
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STS® Accredited Professional Development Units (PDUs)
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