Accreditatieinstelling

Accreditatieinstelling is a term used for an organization that assesses and certifies the quality of educational programs, training providers, or professional qualifications against predefined standards. Such bodies can be public, private, or semi-public, and they are often recognised by government authorities or sector associations. The goal is to ensure that programs or institutions meet agreed quality requirements and continuous improvement conditions.

The scope of accreditation varies by sector and country. In education, it commonly covers higher education programs, vocational training, and professional licensure tracks. The accreditation body may assess an entire institution, specific programs, or both, and can operate at national or regional levels. Some accreditors specialize in a particular field, such as healthcare, engineering, or teacher education.

Core activities include defining evaluation criteria, supporting providers in self-evaluation, conducting external assessments (often including peer reviews and site visits), and issuing accreditation decisions. Decisions are typically valid for a fixed period and may be accompanied by conditions or recommendations. Ongoing monitoring and periodic re-accreditation are common to ensure sustained quality.

Standards and criteria usually address governance, curriculum design, faculty qualifications, learning resources, student support, outcomes and employability, assessment practices, and mechanisms for quality assurance and continuous improvement. Transparency is a key principle, with published criteria and often public accreditation decisions. Most accreditors provide an appeals process and maintain confidentiality where required.

The relationship with government and funding can be significant, as accreditation status may influence eligibility for public funding, recognition of degrees, or professional licensing. In an international context, many accreditation bodies participate in quality assurance networks and align with shared standards and guidelines, such as European or global frameworks. A prominent example in the Netherlands and Flanders is the Dutch-Flemish Accreditation Organization (NVAO), which conducts accreditation of higher education programs.