What is Accreditation?

In an accreditation process, experts in a particular field define standards of acceptable performance for organizations in that field. Then the experts measure how well organizations meet the expectations. Accreditation is used often in education and medicine, but has also expanded into other areas. Hundreds of accrediting bodies now exist, covering a wide range of professions. The next time you drop your child at the day care center, or visit your local hospital, or attend class at your community college, look for the certificate of accreditation.

One of the goals of accreditation is the improvement and continuing education of the organizations that seek it. Accreditation typically refers to the process for an entire organization. When individuals must demonstrate that they meet standards in a particular profession, that process is known as certification.

Accreditation is usually voluntary and is granted for a specific period of time, generally three or more years, following which the organization must repeat the process. Accreditation is a long-term, continuous activity, both for the accrediting body and for organizations under review. Protecting the public is the goal of accrediting organizations.

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