akkrediterende

Akkrediterende is a Norwegian term used to describe the act or process of accreditation, or the accrediting body itself. To akkreditere means to officially recognize that an organization, program, or service meets predefined standards set by an authority. The term appears in contexts such as higher education, healthcare, professional associations, and public administration. As an adjective, akkrediterende explains who performs accreditation (akkrediterende organ) or the nature of the process (akkrediteringsprosess).

The word derives from the French accréditer, via Latin accreditare, and entered Norwegian through international quality-assurance discourse.

In practice, accreditation involves evaluating whether standards are met, often by an akkrediterende organ that conducts self-assessment, external peer review, and site visits. Criteria typically cover governance, staffing and qualifications, curricula or programs, learning outcomes, student support, facilities, and financial stability. Decisions may grant, conditionally grant, or deny accreditation, with periodic re-evaluations to maintain status.

Accreditation is widely used to signal quality, enable eligibility for funding or licensure, and facilitate student and professional mobility. It can influence reputations, stakeholder trust, and international recognition.

In Norway, NOKUT is a key akkrediterende and quality-assurance body for higher education, while European accreditation often aligns with the European Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance (ESG).