What is it?
The process whereby a third-party authority acknowledges or affirms that academic, business, or industry quality standards have been met by an organization.
Why is it important?
Accreditation sets an organization apart because it proves that the organization has been assessed against the accrediting body’s defined standards in a professional or academic area and been found to meet those standards. Accreditation is important because it may be required in order for a company to operate in certain areas. For example, academic accreditation is required for a college or university to offer degree programs.
Why does a business professional need to know this?
Accreditation is an indicator of the quality and effectiveness of the services or products an organization provides. Some industries, such as education, healthcare, information technology, travel, engineering, fire and security, and public health, require industry accreditation. Business professionals can use accreditation as part of evaluating potential business partners or vendors.
Regulations for required accreditation in particular industries may vary by country or nation and in some cases by state. Accreditation is specific to a particular institution and indicates that the institution (hospital, college, school, etc.) or a particular program (specialty accreditation) within the institution meets the accrediting body’s standards. Accreditation by a third-party accreditor indicates that the provider meets certain standards essential to providing services in that industry or practice.
Related to accreditation, but different from it, are certification and licensure. Some industries require individuals to be certified (to have completed a recognized program of study, such as some IT certifications) or licensed (to have passed state or national standards to be able to practice in areas such as law and medicine). Certificates are usually earned by individuals. Licensure can apply to an individual or to an institution.
These regulatory requirements aim to ensure that consistent quality standards for care or service are provided to customers of that particular industry or service. Each business needs to understand and comply with the requirements for accreditation for their industry and the requirements for certification and licensure for their employees.
References
- (DOE) Accreditation: Postsecondary Education Institutions: US Department of Education. Site contains links to US government information on accredited institutions and the accreditation process.
- (CHEA) Council for Higher Education Accreditation: CHEA. Web site for the organization, which focuses on higher education accreditation and quality assurance.
- (CHEA 2021) The Value of Accreditation: Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). (2021). PDF article.
- (WWL) What is Accreditation?: World-wide Learn. Descriptions of accreditation, including types of accreditation and accreditation organizations.
- (IACET) Regulatory Resources: International Accreditors for Continuing Education (IACET). Information about the IACET, which is an organization to promote accreditation.
About Karan Powell
Karan Powell, PhD, is president of KHP Consulting, providing organization transformation consulting and coaching services to higher education and business. Dr. Powell is president (retired) of American Public University System, having 35+ years in higher education as faculty, administrator, and executive. Dr. Powell was instrumental in earning and maintaining regional and multiple specialty accreditations during her tenure at APUS and has 15+ years of service on the peer review corps of an institutional accreditor.
Term: Accreditation
Email: dr_kmhp@outlook.com