Accreditation processes for technical programs

Calendar Jan 29, 2025
Calendar 6 min read

Defining Accreditation: An Overview

Accreditation is a formal recognition granted by an independent accrediting body to an educational institution or a specific academic program. It signifies that the program or institution meets established quality standards in areas such as curriculum, faculty qualifications, student outcomes, and industry relevance.

  • What is accreditation? - It's a process where an external organization evaluates a program or institution to ensure it meets specific standards of quality and effectiveness. This evaluation looks at things like curriculum, faculty, facilities, and student outcomes.

  • Who does the accrediting? - Accreditation is typically done by independent, non-governmental agencies that are recognized experts in their field. These agencies develop standards and criteria for evaluation based on industry best practices and educational requirements.

  • Why does it matter? - Accreditation serves as a seal of approval, telling students, employers, and the public that a program or institution meets established quality standards. It can affect things like transfer of credits between schools, eligibility for certain types of financial aid, and even job prospects for graduates.

  • How often does it happen? - Accreditation isn't a one-time event. Programs and institutions must regularly go through re-accreditation to maintain their status, ensuring they continue to meet evolving standards and expectations.

There are two main types of accreditation:

  1. Institutional Accreditation – Evaluates an entire university or college, ensuring overall educational quality.
  2. Programmatic Accreditation – Assesses specific academic programs (e.g., engineering, business, medicine) to determine if they meet industry and professional standards.

For example, ABET accredits engineering and technology programs, while AACSB accredits business schools.

 

 

General Steps to Get Accredited

The process for accreditation varies depending on the accrediting body, institution type, and country, but the general framework follows these key steps:

 

1. Self-Assessment & Readiness Check

Before applying, institutions or programs must determine if they meet the accrediting body's eligibility criteria.

  • Review Accreditation Standards: Obtain the accrediting agency’s handbook/guidelines.
  • Compare Current Status: Assess how well the institution or program aligns with the required standards.
  • Identify Gaps: Determine areas needing improvement (faculty qualifications, infrastructure, curriculum, etc.).
  • Secure Institutional Support: Get buy-in from leadership, faculty, and stakeholders.

Tip: Some agencies offer a pre-accreditation consultation to help institutions assess readiness.

 

2. Application & Eligibility Submission

Once ready, the institution formally applies for accreditation.

  • Submit Initial Application: This includes details about the institution/program, faculty, facilities, and compliance with basic requirements.
  • Provide Required Documentation: Accreditation agencies may request legal status, governance structure, academic policies, and financial sustainability proof.
  • Pay Application Fees: Some accrediting bodies charge a non-refundable fee to initiate the process.

Outcome: If accepted, the institution moves to the next phase—self-study and compliance documentation.

 

3. Self-Study Report (SSR) & Documentation

The institution conducts an in-depth self-evaluation to demonstrate compliance with accreditation standards.

  • Prepare a Self-Study Report (SSR): A comprehensive document that explains how the institution/program meets each accreditation standard.

    • Faculty qualifications and experience.
    • Curriculum design and industry alignment.
    • Student learning outcomes and graduation rates.
    • Facilities and learning resources (labs, libraries, technology).
    • Governance and financial stability.
    • Continuous improvement and feedback mechanisms.

  • Collect Supporting Documents: Course syllabi, student performance data, faculty CVs, budgets, strategic plans, etc.

  • Align with Stakeholders: Involve faculty, administration, students, and employers in the self-assessment.

Tip: The self-study process can take 6 months to 2 years depending on the institution’s size and readiness.

 

4. Peer Review & Site Visit

Once the self-study is submitted, an evaluation team (typically composed of experts from accredited institutions) is assigned for assessment.

  • Preliminary Review: The accrediting body reviews the self-study report and may request clarifications.
  • On-Site Inspection: A team of reviewers visits the institution/program to verify compliance.
    • Observing classrooms, labs, and facilities.
    • Meeting faculty, students, and administrators.
    • Reviewing academic records and policies.
    • Assessing governance, finances, and quality assurance mechanisms.
  • Exit Interview: The review team provides preliminary feedback and may highlight concerns.

Tip: Institutions should prepare faculty and staff for the visit by conducting internal mock evaluations.

 

5. Accreditation Decision

After the site visit, the accreditation agency evaluates findings and issues a decision.

  • Full Accreditation: The program/institution meets all standards and receives accreditation (valid for 3–10 years, depending on the agency).
  • Conditional Accreditation: Some improvements are required; the institution gets a probationary period to address issues.
  • Denial: Accreditation is not granted, typically due to major deficiencies.

 

6. Continuous Compliance & Renewal

Accreditation is not a one-time event; institutions must maintain quality and undergo periodic reviews.

  • Annual Reports: Submit progress reports showing ongoing compliance and improvements.
  • Mid-Cycle Reviews: Some agencies require an interim review (e.g., every 3–5 years).
  • Reaccreditation: Institutions must reapply and undergo a new evaluation after the accreditation period expires.

 

Timeline & Key Considerations

 

STEP TIMEFRAME
Self-Assessment 3–12 months
Application & Eligibility 3–6 months
Self-Study & Documentation 6 months – 2 years
Site Visit & Peer Review 2–6 months
Decision & Accreditation 3–12 months
Total Time 1.5 – 5 years

 

Accreditation is a long, rigorous process but provides significant benefits in quality assurance, recognition, and student opportunities. Institutions that plan ahead, engage stakeholders, and continuously improve have a higher chance of success.

 

 

What accreditation bodies exist for technical education?

There are many different types of accrediation bodies for technical education, both focused on specializations, or geographic regions, below you can find an important selection.

 

Global & Multinational Accreditation Bodies

  • Washington Accord (International)

    • Covers undergraduate engineering degrees and is recognized by accreditation agencies in multiple countries (e.g., ABET, Engineers Australia, CEAB, etc.).
    • Ensures degree equivalency for professional engineering recognition.

  • Dublin Accord (International)

    • Covers technician-level programs (e.g., associate degrees, diplomas in engineering).

  • Sydney Accord (International)

    • Covers engineering technologist programs (typically bachelor’s degrees).

 

North America

  1. ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) - USA

    • Accredits engineering, computing, technology, and applied science programs.

  2. AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) - USA

    • Recognizes technical management and business programs with a focus on technology and engineering management.

  3. CEAB (Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board) - Canada

    • Accredits undergraduate engineering programs in Canada.

  4. CIPS (Canadian Information Processing Society) - Canada

    • Accredits IT and computing programs.

 

Europe

  1. EUR-ACE (European Accreditation of Engineering Programmes) - EU

    • Standardizes engineering program accreditation across Europe.
    • Recognized in countries like Germany (ASIIN), UK (IET, IMechE), and France (CTI).

  2. ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) - EU

    • Not an accreditation, but standardizes credit recognition for mobility across European universities.

  3. CTI (Commission des Titres d’Ingénieur) - France

    • Accredits engineering degrees (Diplôme d’Ingénieur).

  4. ASIIN (Accreditation Agency for Degree Programs in Engineering, Informatics, Natural Sciences, and Mathematics) - Germany

    • Accredits STEM and engineering-related higher education programs.

  5. IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology) - UK

    • Accredits engineering and computing programs.

  6. IMechE (Institution of Mechanical Engineers) - UK

    • Accredits mechanical engineering degrees.

  7. IChemE (Institution of Chemical Engineers) - UK

    • Accredits chemical and process engineering programs.

 

Asia-Pacific

  1. JABEE (Japan Accreditation Board for Engineering Education) - Japan

    • Recognized under the Washington Accord.

  2. Engineers Australia (EA) - Australia

    • Accredits engineering programs under the Washington Accord.

  3. NBA (National Board of Accreditation) - India

    • Accredits technical and engineering programs.

  4. HKIE (Hong Kong Institution of Engineers) - Hong Kong

    • Recognized under the Washington Accord.

  5. PAASCU (Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities) - Philippines

    • Accredits technical education programs.

 

Latin America

  1. CACEI (Consejo de Acreditación de la Enseñanza de la Ingeniería) - Mexico

    • Accredits engineering programs in Mexico.

  2. MERCOSUR Accreditation (ARCU-SUR) - South America

    • Regional accreditation for engineering, architecture, and medical programs in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

 

Conclusion

Accreditation plays a vital role in ensuring the quality, credibility, and industry relevance of educational institutions and technical programs. By undergoing a rigorous evaluation process, institutions demonstrate their commitment to high academic standards, student success, and continuous improvement. For students, accreditation provides confidence that their education meets global benchmarks, enhances job prospects, and facilitates credit transfers. For employers, it serves as a mark of quality assurance, ensuring graduates possess the necessary skills and knowledge.

While the accreditation process can be lengthy and demanding, it ultimately strengthens educational institutions, making them more competitive and aligned with evolving industry needs. By understanding the different accreditation bodies, the steps involved, and the significance of maintaining accreditation, institutions can strategically position themselves for long-term success. In an increasingly globalized education landscape, accreditation remains a key differentiator, shaping the future of technical education and professional development.

 

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