diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index 0e465056457c3..33ec4a8463600 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -107,6 +107,11 @@ The format is based on [Keep a Changelog](http://keepachangelog.com/en/1.0.0/).
 - Changed the default value for the `progress_bar_refresh_rate` Trainer argument in Google COLAB notebooks to 20 ([#5516](https://github.com/PyTorchLightning/pytorch-lightning/pull/5516))
 
 
+- Refactored Accelerators and Plugins (
+    [#5715](https://github.com/PyTorchLightning/pytorch-lightning/pull/5715),
+    )
+
+
 ### Deprecated
 
 - `stat_scores_multiple_classes` is deprecated in favor of `stat_scores` ([#4839](https://github.com/PyTorchLightning/pytorch-lightning/pull/4839))
diff --git a/pytorch_lightning/accelerators/accelerator.py b/pytorch_lightning/accelerators/accelerator.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000000..c5c77d4711e6a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/pytorch_lightning/accelerators/accelerator.py
@@ -0,0 +1,375 @@
+# Copyright The PyTorch Lightning team.
+#
+# Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
+# you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
+# You may obtain a copy of the License at
+#
+#     http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
+#
+# Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, software
+# distributed under the License is distributed on an "AS IS" BASIS,
+# WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, either express or implied.
+# See the License for the specific language governing permissions and
+# limitations under the License.
+from typing import Any, Callable, Iterable, Optional, Union
+
+import torch
+from torch.optim import Optimizer
+
+from pytorch_lightning.core import LightningModule
+from pytorch_lightning.plugins import TrainingTypePlugin
+from pytorch_lightning.utilities.apply_func import move_data_to_device
+from pytorch_lightning.utilities.enums import LightningEnum
+
+
+class Accelerator(object):
+    """
+    The Accelerator Base Class.
+    An Accelerator is meant to deal with one type of Hardware.
+
+    Currently there are accelerators for:
+    - CPU
+    - GPU
+    - TPU
+
+    Each Accelerator gets two plugins upon initialization:
+    One to handle differences from the training routine and one to handle different precisions.
+
+    """
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        precision_plugin,  #: PrecisionPlugin  # fixme
+        training_type_plugin: TrainingTypePlugin,
+    ) -> None:
+        """
+
+        Args:
+            precision_plugin: the plugin to handle precision-specific parts
+            training_type_plugin: the plugin to handle different training routines
+        """
+        self.precision_plugin = precision_plugin
+        self.training_type_plugin = training_type_plugin
+
+        self.optimizers = None
+        self.lr_schedulers = None
+        self.optimizer_frequencies = None
+
+    def setup(self, trainer: "Trainer", model: LightningModule) -> None:
+        """
+        Connects the plugins to the training process, creates optimizers
+
+        Args:
+            trainer: the trainer instance to connect to
+            model: the model to train
+        """
+        self.connect_training_type_plugin(self.training_type_plugin, model)
+        self.setup_optimizers(trainer, model)
+        self.connect_precision_plugin(self.precision_plugin)
+        self.optimizers = trainer.convert_to_lightning_optimizers(self.optimizers)
+
+    @property
+    def model(self) -> torch.nn.Module:
+        """Returns the model. This can also be a wrapped LightningModule.
+        For retrieving the pure LightningModule use :attr:`Accelerator.lightning_module`
+
+        """
+        return self.training_type_plugin.model
+
+    @model.setter
+    def model(self, new_model: torch.nn.Module) -> None:
+        self.training_type_plugin.model = new_model
+
+    @property
+    def lightning_module(self) -> LightningModule:
+        """Returns the pure LightningModule.
+        To get the potentially wrapped model use :attr:`Accelerator.model`
+
+        """
+        return self.training_type_plugin.lightning_module
+
+    @property
+    def root_device(self) -> torch.device:
+        return self.training_type_plugin.root_device
+
+    def teardown(self):
+        """This method is called to teardown the training process.
+        It is the right place to release memory and free other ressources.
+        """
+        pass
+
+    def batch_to_device(self, batch: Any, device: torch.device) -> Any:
+        """Moves the batch to the correct device.
+        The returned batch is of the same type as the input batch, just having all tensors on the correct device.
+
+        Args:
+            batch: The batch of samples to move to the correct device
+            device: The target device
+        """
+        model = self.lightning_module
+        if model is not None:
+            return model.transfer_batch_to_device(batch, device)
+        return move_data_to_device(batch, device)
+
+    def on_train_start(self):
+        """Hook to do something upon the training start"""
+        pass
+
+    def training_step(self, args):
+        """The actual training step.
+
+        Args:
+            args: the arguments for the models training step. Can consist of the following:
+                batch (:class:`~torch.Tensor` | (:class:`~torch.Tensor`, ...) | [:class:`~torch.Tensor`, ...]):
+                    The output of your :class:`~torch.utils.data.DataLoader`. A tensor, tuple or list.
+                batch_idx (int): Integer displaying index of this batch
+                optimizer_idx (int): When using multiple optimizers, this argument will also be present.
+                hiddens(:class:`~torch.Tensor`): Passed in if
+                    :paramref:`~pytorch_lightning.trainer.trainer.Trainer.truncated_bptt_steps` > 0.
+
+        """
+        batch = self.to_device(args[0])
+
+        args[0] = batch
+
+        with self.precision_plugin.train_step_context():
+            with self.training_type_plugin.train_step_context():
+                return self.lightning_module.training_step(*args)
+
+    def validation_step(self, args):
+        """The actual validation step.
+
+        Args:
+            args: the arguments for the models validation step. Can consist of the following:
+                batch (:class:`~torch.Tensor` | (:class:`~torch.Tensor`, ...) | [:class:`~torch.Tensor`, ...]):
+                    The output of your :class:`~torch.utils.data.DataLoader`. A tensor, tuple or list.
+                batch_idx (int): The index of this batch
+                dataloader_idx (int): The index of the dataloader that produced this batch
+                    (only if multiple val dataloaders used)
+        """
+        batch = self.to_device(args[0])
+
+        args[0] = batch
+
+        with self.precision_plugin.val_step_context():
+            with self.training_type_plugin.val_step_context():
+                return self.lightning_module.validation_step(*args)
+
+    def test_step(self, args):
+        """The actual test step.
+
+        Args:
+            args: the arguments for the models test step. Can consist of the following:
+                batch (:class:`~torch.Tensor` | (:class:`~torch.Tensor`, ...) | [:class:`~torch.Tensor`, ...]):
+                    The output of your :class:`~torch.utils.data.DataLoader`. A tensor, tuple or list.
+                batch_idx (int): The index of this batch.
+                dataloader_idx (int): The index of the dataloader that produced this batch
+                    (only if multiple test dataloaders used).
+        """
+        batch = self.to_device(args[0])
+
+        args[0] = batch
+
+        with self.precision_plugin.test_step_context():
+            with self.training_type_plugin.test_step_context():
+                return self.lightning_module.test_step(*args)
+
+    def training_step_end(self, output):
+        """A hook to do something at the end of the training step
+
+        Args:
+            output: the output of the training step
+        """
+        return output
+
+    def test_step_end(self, output):
+        """A hook to do something at the end of the test step
+
+        Args:
+            output: the output of the test step
+        """
+        return output
+
+    def validation_step_end(self, output):
+        """A hook to do something at the end of the validation step
+
+        Args:
+            output: the output of the validation step
+        """
+        return output
+
+    def process_dataloader(
+        self, dataloader: Union[Iterable, torch.utils.data.DataLoader]
+    ) -> Union[Iterable, torch.utils.data.DataLoader]:
+        """Wraps the dataloader if necessary
+
+        Args:
+            dataloader: iterable. Ideally of type: :class:`torch.utils.data.DataLoader`
+        """
+        return dataloader
+
+    def backward(
+        self,
+        closure_loss: torch.Tensor,
+        optimizer: torch.optim.Optimizer,
+        opt_idx: int,
+        should_accumulate: bool,
+        *args,
+        **kwargs,
+    ) -> torch.Tensor:
+        """Forwards backward-calls to the precision plugin.
+
+        Args:
+            closure_loss: a tensor holding the loss value to backpropagate
+            optimizer: the optimizer to do the step later on.
+            opt_idx: the index of the optimizer
+            should_accumulate: whether to accumulate gradients
+        """
+        output = self.precision_plugin.backward(
+            self.lightning_module, closure_loss, optimizer, opt_idx, should_accumulate, *args, **kwargs
+        )
+
+        # TODO: this is a hack, find a better solution for this (hook?)
+        # fixme: uncomment when this class is added
+        # if isinstance(self.training_type_plugin, HorovodPlugin):
+        #     optimizer.synchronize()
+
+        return output
+
+    def optimizer_step(
+        self,
+        optimizer: torch.optim.Optimizer,
+        current_epoch: int,
+        batch_idx: int,
+        opt_idx: int,
+        lambda_closure: Callable,
+    ):
+        """performs the actual optimizer step.
+
+        Args:
+            optimizer: the optimizer performing the step
+            current_epoch: current training epoch
+            batch_idx: index of the current batch
+            opt_idx: index of the current optimizer
+            lambda_closure: closure calculating the loss value
+
+        """
+        model_ref = self.lightning_module
+        is_lbfgs = isinstance(optimizer, torch.optim.LBFGS)
+        # fixme: uncomment when this class is added
+        # is_native_amp = (
+        #     isinstance(self.precision_plugin, MixedPrecisionPlugin) and self.precision_plugin.backend == AMPType.NATIVE
+        # )
+        is_native_amp = False
+
+        self.precision_plugin.pre_optimizer_step(optimizer, opt_idx)
+        self.training_type_plugin.pre_optimizer_step(optimizer, opt_idx)
+
+        # model hook
+        res = model_ref.optimizer_step(
+            epoch=current_epoch,
+            batch_idx=batch_idx,
+            optimizer=optimizer,
+            optimizer_idx=opt_idx,
+            optimizer_closure=lambda_closure,
+            on_tpu=False,  # TPUAccelerator class sets this as True
+            using_native_amp=is_native_amp,
+            using_lbfgs=is_lbfgs,
+        )
+
+        self.precision_plugin.post_optimizer_step(optimizer, opt_idx)
+        self.training_type_plugin.post_optimizer_step(optimizer, opt_idx)
+        return res
+
+    def optimizer_zero_grad(
+        self, current_epoch: int, batch_idx: int, optimizer: torch.optim.Optimizer, opt_idx: int
+    ) -> None:
+        """Zeros all model parameter's gradients"""
+        model_ref = self.lightning_module
+        model_ref.optimizer_zero_grad(current_epoch, batch_idx, optimizer, opt_idx)
+
+    def clip_gradients(self, optimizer: torch.optim.Optimizer, clip_val: Union[int, float]) -> None:
+        """clips all the optimizer parameters to the given value"""
+
+        self.precision_plugin.clip_gradients(optimizer, clip_val)
+
+    def on_train_epoch_end(self, outputs) -> None:
+        """Hook to do something on the end of an training epoch
+
+        Args:
+            outputs: the outputs of the training steps
+        """
+        pass
+
+    def on_train_end(self) -> None:
+        """Hook to do something at the end of the training"""
+        pass
+
+    def setup_optimizers(self, trainer: "Trainer", model: LightningModule):
+        """creates optimizers and schedulers
+
+        Args:
+            trainer: the Trainer, these optimizers should be connected to
+            model: the model to be optimized by the created optimizers
+        """
+        if trainer.testing is True:
+            return
+        optimizers, lr_schedulers, optimizer_frequencies = trainer.init_optimizers(model)
+        self.optimizers = optimizers
+        self.lr_schedulers = lr_schedulers
+        self.optimizer_frequencies = optimizer_frequencies
+
+    def connect_training_type_plugin(self, plugin: TrainingTypePlugin, model: LightningModule) -> None:
+        """Attaches the training type plugin to the accelerator.
+        Also transfers ownership of the model to this plugin
+
+        """
+        plugin.connect(model)
+
+    def connect_precision_plugin(self, plugin):  #: PrecisionPlugin # fixme
+        """Attaches the precision plugin to the accelerator"""
+        model, optimizers, schedulers = plugin.connect(self.model, self.optimizers, self.lr_schedulers)
+        self.model = model
+        self.optimizers = optimizers
+        self.schedulers = schedulers
+
+    def to_device(self, batch: Any) -> Any:
+        """Pushes the batch to the root device"""
+        return self.batch_to_device(batch, self.root_device)
+
+    @property
+    def amp_backend(self) -> Optional[LightningEnum]:
+        # fixme: uncomment when this class is added
+        # if isinstance(self.precision_plugin, ApexMixedPrecisionPlugin):
+        #     return AMPType.APEX
+        # elif isinstance(self.precision_plugin, NativeMixedPrecisionPlugin):
+        #     return AMPType.NATIVE
+        # return None
+        pass
+
+    @property
+    def precision(self) -> int:
+        return self.precision_plugin.precision
+
+    @property
+    def scaler(self):
+        if hasattr(self.precision_plugin, "scaler"):
+            return self.precision_plugin.scaler
+
+        return None
+
+    @property
+    def rpc_enabled(self) -> bool:
+        return self.training_type_plugin.rpc_enabled
+
+    def optimizer_state(self, optimizer: Optimizer) -> dict:
+        """
+        Returns state of an optimizer. Allows for syncing/collating optimizer state from processes in custom
+        plugins.
+        """
+        if self.training_type_plugin and hasattr(self.training_type_plugin, "optimizer_state"):
+            return self.training_type_plugin.optimizer_state(optimizer)
+        return optimizer.state_dict()
+
+    def on_save(self, checkpoint):
+        return checkpoint
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/pytorch_lightning/plugins/__init__.py b/pytorch_lightning/plugins/__init__.py
index e69de29bb2d1d..a17d5127edfc6 100644
--- a/pytorch_lightning/plugins/__init__.py
+++ b/pytorch_lightning/plugins/__init__.py
@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+from pytorch_lightning.plugins.base_plugin import Plugin  # noqa: F401
+from pytorch_lightning.plugins.precision.precision_plugin import PrecisionPlugin  # noqa: F401
+from pytorch_lightning.plugins.training_type.training_type_plugin import TrainingTypePlugin  # noqa: F401
diff --git a/pytorch_lightning/plugins/base_plugin.py b/pytorch_lightning/plugins/base_plugin.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000000..c4eeff52751a6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/pytorch_lightning/plugins/base_plugin.py
@@ -0,0 +1,57 @@
+# Copyright The PyTorch Lightning team.
+#
+# Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
+# you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
+# You may obtain a copy of the License at
+#
+#     http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
+#
+# Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, software
+# distributed under the License is distributed on an "AS IS" BASIS,
+# WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, either express or implied.
+# See the License for the specific language governing permissions and
+# limitations under the License.
+import contextlib
+
+import torch
+
+
+class Plugin(object):
+    """Basic Plugin class to derive precision and training type plugins from."""
+
+    def connect(self, model: torch.nn.Module, *args, **kwargs):
+        """Connects the plugin with the accelerator (and thereby with trainer and model).
+        Will be called by the accelerator.
+        """
+        pass
+
+    def pre_optimizer_step(self, optimizer: torch.optim.Optimizer, optimizer_idx: int):
+        """Hook to do something before each optimizer step."""
+        pass
+
+    def post_optimizer_step(self, optimizer: torch.optim.Optimizer, optimizer_idx: int):
+        """Hook to do something after each optimizer step."""
+        pass
+
+    def pre_training(self):
+        """Hook to do something before the training starts."""
+        pass
+
+    def post_training(self):
+        """Hook to do something after the training finishes."""
+        pass
+
+    @contextlib.contextmanager
+    def train_step_context(self):
+        """A contextmanager for the trainstep"""
+        yield
+
+    @contextlib.contextmanager
+    def val_step_context(self):
+        """A contextmanager for the validation step"""
+        yield
+
+    @contextlib.contextmanager
+    def test_step_context(self):
+        """A contextmanager for the teststep"""
+        yield
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/pytorch_lightning/plugins/precision/__init__.py b/pytorch_lightning/plugins/precision/__init__.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000000..8b137891791fe
--- /dev/null
+++ b/pytorch_lightning/plugins/precision/__init__.py
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+
diff --git a/pytorch_lightning/plugins/precision/precision_plugin.py b/pytorch_lightning/plugins/precision/precision_plugin.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000000..0ff54bf1e8515
--- /dev/null
+++ b/pytorch_lightning/plugins/precision/precision_plugin.py
@@ -0,0 +1,108 @@
+# Copyright The PyTorch Lightning team.
+#
+# Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
+# you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
+# You may obtain a copy of the License at
+#
+#     http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
+#
+# Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, software
+# distributed under the License is distributed on an "AS IS" BASIS,
+# WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, either express or implied.
+# See the License for the specific language governing permissions and
+# limitations under the License.
+import math
+from typing import Generator, Union
+
+import torch
+from torch.optim import Optimizer
+
+from pytorch_lightning.core import LightningModule
+from pytorch_lightning.plugins.base_plugin import Plugin
+
+
+class PrecisionPlugin(Plugin):
+    EPSILON = 1e-6
+    precision = 32
+
+    def master_params(self, optimizer: torch.optim.Optimizer) -> Generator[torch.Tensor, None, None]:
+        """The master params of the model. Returns the plain model params here.
+        Maybe different in other precision plugins.
+
+        """
+        for group in optimizer.param_groups:
+            for p in group["params"]:
+                yield p
+
+    def connect(self, model: torch.nn.Module, optimizers, lr_schedulers):
+        """Connects this plugin to the accelerator and the training process"""
+        return model, optimizers, lr_schedulers
+
+    def backward(
+        self,
+        model: LightningModule,
+        closure_loss: torch.Tensor,
+        optimizer: torch.optim.Optimizer,
+        opt_idx: int,
+        should_accumulate: bool,
+        *args,
+        **kwargs,
+    ):
+        """performs the actual backpropagation
+
+        Args:
+            model: the model to be optimized
+            closure_loss: the loss value obtained from the closure
+            optimizer: the optimizer to perform the step lateron
+            opt_idx: the optimizer's index
+            should_accumulate: whether to accumulate gradients or not
+
+        """
+        automatic_optimization = model.automatic_optimization
+
+        # do backward pass
+        if automatic_optimization:
+            model.backward(closure_loss, optimizer, opt_idx)
+        else:
+            closure_loss.backward(*args, **kwargs)
+
+        # once backward has been applied, release graph
+        closure_loss = closure_loss.detach()
+
+        return closure_loss
+
+    def clip_gradients(self, optimizer: Optimizer, clip_val: Union[int, float], norm_type: float = float(2.0)):
+        """Clips the gradients to a specific value"""
+        # TODO: separate TPU case from here
+        if clip_val is None:
+            return
+
+        grad_clip_val = float(clip_val)
+
+        if grad_clip_val <= 0:
+            return
+
+        parameters = self.master_params(optimizer)
+
+        max_norm = grad_clip_val
+
+        if isinstance(parameters, torch.Tensor):
+            parameters = [parameters]
+        parameters = list(filter(lambda p: p.grad is not None, parameters))
+
+        device = parameters[0].device
+
+        if norm_type == math.inf:
+            total_norm = max(p.grad.data.abs().max() for p in parameters)
+        else:
+            out = torch.empty(len(parameters), device=device)
+            for i, p in enumerate(parameters):
+                torch.norm(p.grad.data.to(device), norm_type, out=out[i])
+            total_norm = torch.norm(out, norm_type)
+
+        eps = self.EPSILON
+
+        clip_coef = torch.tensor(max_norm, device=device) / (total_norm + eps)
+        clip_coef = torch.min(clip_coef, torch.ones_like(clip_coef))
+        for p in parameters:
+            p.grad.data.mul_(clip_coef.to(p.grad.data.device))
diff --git a/pytorch_lightning/plugins/training_type/__init__.py b/pytorch_lightning/plugins/training_type/__init__.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000000..329f6347b17c3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/pytorch_lightning/plugins/training_type/__init__.py
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+from pytorch_lightning.plugins.training_type.training_type_plugin import TrainingTypePlugin
diff --git a/pytorch_lightning/plugins/training_type/training_type_plugin.py b/pytorch_lightning/plugins/training_type/training_type_plugin.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000000..d1e7907d5d97f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/pytorch_lightning/plugins/training_type/training_type_plugin.py
@@ -0,0 +1,112 @@
+# Copyright The PyTorch Lightning team.
+#
+# Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
+# you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
+# You may obtain a copy of the License at
+#
+#     http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
+#
+# Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, software
+# distributed under the License is distributed on an "AS IS" BASIS,
+# WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, either express or implied.
+# See the License for the specific language governing permissions and
+# limitations under the License.
+import os
+from abc import ABC, abstractmethod
+from typing import Optional
+
+import torch
+
+from pytorch_lightning import _logger as log
+from pytorch_lightning.core.lightning import LightningModule
+from pytorch_lightning.plugins.base_plugin import Plugin
+
+
+class TrainingTypePlugin(Plugin, ABC):
+    """A Plugin to change the behaviour of the training, validation and test-loop."""
+
+    def __init__(self):
+        self._model = None
+        self._results = None
+        self.global_rank = 0
+
+    @property
+    @abstractmethod
+    def on_gpu(self) -> bool:
+        """Returns whether the current process is done on GPU"""
+
+    @property
+    @abstractmethod
+    def root_device(self) -> torch.device:
+        """Returns the root device"""
+
+    @abstractmethod
+    def model_to_device(self):
+        """Moves the model to the correct device"""
+
+    @property
+    @abstractmethod
+    def is_global_zero(self) -> bool:
+        """Whether the current process is the rank zero process not only on the local node, but for all nodes."""
+
+    @abstractmethod
+    def reduce(self, output, *args, **kwargs):
+        """Reduces the given output (e.g. across GPUs/Processes)"""
+
+    @abstractmethod
+    def barrier(self, name: Optional[str] = None):
+        """Forces all possibly joined processes to wait for each other"""
+
+    @abstractmethod
+    def broadcast(self, obj: object, src: int = 0) -> object:
+        """Broadcasts an object to all processes"""
+
+    # TODO method this is currently unused. Check after complete refactors are pushed
+    def set_nvidia_flags(self, is_slurm_managing_tasks, device_ids):
+        if device_ids is None:
+            return
+
+        # set the correct cuda visible devices (using pci order)
+        os.environ["CUDA_DEVICE_ORDER"] = "PCI_BUS_ID"
+        all_gpu_ids = ",".join([str(x) for x in range(torch.cuda.device_count())])
+        devices = os.environ.get("CUDA_VISIBLE_DEVICES", all_gpu_ids)
+        log.info(f"LOCAL_RANK: {self.trainer.local_rank} - CUDA_VISIBLE_DEVICES: [{devices}]")
+
+    def reduce_early_stopping_decision(self, should_stop: bool) -> bool:
+        """Reduce the early stopping decision across all possibly spawned processes"""
+        return should_stop
+
+    @property
+    def model(self) -> torch.nn.Module:
+        """Returns the potentially wrapped LightningModule"""
+        return self._model
+
+    @model.setter
+    def model(self, new_model: torch.nn.Module):
+        self._model = new_model
+
+    @property
+    def lightning_module(self) -> LightningModule:
+        """Returns the pure LightningModule without potential wrappers"""
+        return self._model
+
+    @property
+    def results(self):
+        """
+        The results of the last training/testing run will be cached here.
+        In distributed training, we make sure to transfer the results to the appropriate master process.
+        """
+        # TODO: improve these docs
+        return self._results
+
+    @property
+    def rpc_enabled(self) -> bool:
+        return False
+
+    def start_training(self, trainer: "Trainer") -> None:
+        # double dispatch to initiate the training loop
+        self._results = trainer.train()
+
+    def start_testing(self, trainer: "Trainer") -> None:
+        # double dispatch to initiate the test loop
+        self._results = trainer.run_test()
diff --git a/setup.cfg b/setup.cfg
index 20a53751e1dc2..dc351647a9986 100644
--- a/setup.cfg
+++ b/setup.cfg
@@ -53,12 +53,27 @@ omit =
     pytorch_lightning/utilities/xla_device_utils.py
     pytorch_lightning/utilities/distributed.py
     pytorch_lightning/tuner/auto_gpu_select.py
+    # TODO: temporary, until accelerator refactor is finished
+    pytorch_lightning/accelerators/accelerator.py
+    pytorch_lightning/plugins/training_type/*.py
+    pytorch_lightning/plugins/precision/*.py
+    pytorch_lightning/plugins/base_plugin.py
 
 
 [flake8]
 # TODO: this should be 88 or 100 according PEP8
 max-line-length = 120
-exclude = .tox,*.egg,build,temp
+exclude =
+    .tox,
+    *.egg
+    build
+    temp
+    # TODO: temporary until accelerator refactor finished
+    pytorch_lightning/accelerators/accelerator.py
+    pytorch_lightning/plugins/training_type
+    pytorch_lightning/plugins/precision
+    pytorch_lightning/plugins/base_plugin.py
+
 select = E,W,F
 doctests = True
 verbose = 2