Accreditation

Why Accreditation

Accreditation is a professional certification process that focuses on school and college programs in a particular field. It ensures that the education offered by these schools and colleges adheres to high quality, that the offered programs are delivered by highly qualified faculty, and that adequate educational resources and facilities are provided by these institutions to the students. It also ensures that the school or college has a process to incorporate the latest research and updates in it curriculum.

In the United States, accreditation is provided at various levels. The U.S. Department of Education, The Council of Higher Education Association, and the Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditation, grant powers to accreditation associations that oversee accreditation at the regional, institutional and program level.

Even though many agencies offer accreditation services outside the U.S., the current U.S. accreditation agencies have jurisdiction only in the United States. The IACDSC will work both globally and within the United States to offer accreditation services.

About Accreditation

Accreditation is a voluntary activity initiated by universities, institutions, schools, and colleges that require a rigorous self-evaluation and an independent, objective appraisal of the overall educational quality by peers.

Accreditation emphasizes quality assurance and a commitment to continuous quality enhancement. To achieve accreditation by the IACDSC, an institution must:

• Comply with rigorous standards;
• Develop and implement an Institutional Effectiveness Plan;
• Undergo an annual review of its financial stability, retention and placement rates; and
• Undergo announced and unannounced site visits.

If judged to be in compliance with established standards, an accreditation status may be granted for a specific period, ranging from three to six years.