ICEF’s agency recognition program, ICEF Agency Status, was launched in 2010 to establish and maintain an international benchmark of professionalism and agency quality.

The service will now use blockchain technology to generate a unique QR code for agencies that can be shared with students, parents and partner institutions, allowing them to immediately validate the agency’s accreditation.

Agencies can provide their unique ID on business cards and brochures, in addition to displaying an IAS badge link on their websites. Students are advised to click the badge or scan the QR code to check an agency’s validity.

A spokesperson from ICEF said that the new ID technology will enable individuals to “validate an ICEF Agency Status in just seconds, anywhere”.

“There are so many ways that blockchain technology can improve our industry”

The ICEF ID initiative uses OpenCerts technology developed by the Singapore government.

“As more schools look for IAS when seeking new partners, it’s great to be able to support our thousands of accredited agencies by providing a secure digital credential that allows them to prove their status to potential partner institutions, as well as to parents and students,” Ross Holmes, executive director at ICEF, said.

“There are so many ways that blockchain technology can improve our industry. We’re proud to be taking the first step.”

In order to achieve accreditation with ICEF, agencies must undergo a vetting process, including reference checks, interviews and a review of business operations. Over 5,000 IAS credentials have been awarded to student recruitment professionals around the world.