This article presents the conceptual foundations and a general framework of a pilot accreditation scheme for microcredential issuers within the Odznaka+ Polish National Microcredentials System (KSM). The scheme aims to ensure the readiness and capacity of various institutions (including both non-formal education providers and HEI's) to issue high-quality microcredentials aligned with international and Odznaka+ standards. The accreditation framework combines binary and points-based evaluation criteria, encompassing access, supplementary, and horizontal criteria. We draw from academic quality assurance literature (Harvey & Green, 1993) by developing our understanding of quality (as fitness for purpose) and use of standards relating to ESG (2015) and standards set in the EU Council Recommendation on Microcredentials as well as standards used for accreditation of training providers in non-formal education. The article discusses how these frameworks inform the design of the pilot accreditation process, particularly in balancing the evaluation and support provided with a controlling competence of the system operator. It also explores the role of institutional self-assessment, external validation, and stakeholder engagement in fostering a culture of continuous improvement and quality. The findings contribute to the broader discourse on quality assurance in lifelong learning and the recognition of non-formal and informal learning outcomes.

Keywords: Quality Assurance, Micro-credentials, Accreditation, Non-formal education, Higher Education, Odznaka+.