Accredited

Accredited denotes formal recognition by an independent accrediting body that an institution, program, or organization meets defined standards of quality and integrity. Accreditation is usually voluntary but can be required for eligibility for funding or licensure. Accrediting bodies operate at regional, national, or programmatic levels and may focus on higher education, professional training, healthcare, or testing and calibration laboratories.

Process and scope: Institutions may seek institutional accreditation to evaluate governance, finances, curricula, faculty, and student services. Programmatic accreditation assesses specific programs (for example, engineering or nursing). The process typically includes a self-study, an external peer review, on-site visits, and a formal accreditation decision. Accreditation is usually time-limited and renewed through ongoing monitoring, with possibilities of probation or revocation for failing to meet standards.

Impact and scope: Accreditation can enable eligibility for federal or state funds, student aid, or credit transfer, and it may be required for professional licensure in some fields. It also enhances credibility with employers and partners. In addition to education, laboratories and certification bodies may seek accreditation to technical standards such as ISO/IEC 17025, and to quality management systems such as ISO 9001. Recognizing authorities vary by country; in the United States, recognition by the Department of Education or CHEA is common, while other nations use different agencies.