List of recognized accreditation associations of higher learning

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Accreditation is a certification of the academic quality of an institution of higher learning. Some countries have independent/private organizations that oversee the school accreditation process, while other countries accredit through a government agency. Some countries require accreditation and others consider it voluntary. In either case accreditation denotes academic quality and schools that lack recognized accreditation often claim accreditation from unrecognized sources. Unrecognized accreditations are meaningless to the academic community.

Below are several lists of recognized accreditation associations of higher learning according to the corresponding government. See school accreditation for lists of various databases for accredited schools.

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[edit] Hong Kong

In Hong Kong a school does not have to accredited, but "It is up to your employer or institution to recognize your qualifications."[2] The Hong Kong Council for Academic Accreditation can make recommendations. Currently, accreditation in Hong Kong and China are jointly recognized.[3]

[edit] India

Accreditation for universities in India are required by law unless it was created through an act of Parliament. Without accreditation " It is emphasized that these fake institutions have no legal entity to call themselves as University/Vishwvidyalaya and to award ‘degree’ which are not treated as valid for academic/employment purposes."[4]

Accreditation for higher learning is overseen by autonomous institutions established by the University Grants Commission[5]:

  • All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)
  • Distance Education Council (DEC)
  • Indian Council for Agriculture Research (ICAR)
  • Bar Council of India (BCI)
  • National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE)
  • Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI)
  • Medical Council of India (MCI)
  • Pharmacy Council of India (PCI)
  • Indian Nursing Council (INC)
  • Dentist Council of India (DCI)
  • Central Council of Homeopathy (CCH)
  • Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM)

[edit] Pakistan

In 2003, Canada began helping Pakistan develop an accreditation system.[6] Currently, these accreditors must be recognized by the Higher Education Commission.

  • Pakistan National Accreditation Council

[edit] United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom the institution offering degrees must be accredited and a list maintained by the Department for Education and Skills.[1]

[edit] United States

The United States Department of Education does not directly accredit educational institutions and/or programs. However, the U.S. Secretary of Education is required by law to publish a list of Nationally recognized accrediting agencies in the United States that the Secretary determines to be reliable authorities as to the quality of education or training provided by the institutions of higher education and the higher education programs they accredit, within the meaning of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended.

The following list of recognized accreditation associations of higher learning in the United States is taken from the United States Department of Education Office of Postsecondary Education and the Directory of Council for Higher Education Accreditation Recognized Organizations 2005-2006.

[edit] Regional accreditation

Regional accreditation is considered the "best" accreditation and "you can be assured that it will be as valid as a degree from any regular university."[7]

[edit] Professional accreditation

These accreditations may cover the whole institution, or they may cover only a specific program of professional training.

[edit] Religious accreditation associations

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ See the official list of genuine education and training providers [1]

[edit] External links