**For more on the latest information on accreditation released by the Department, please click here.**

| 1.  | Overview of Accreditation in the United States                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      |
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| 2.  | History and Context of Accreditation in the United States                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           |
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| 3.  | Institutional Accrediting Agencies                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |
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| 4.  | Programmatic Accrediting Agencies                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   |
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| 5.  | /www.ecfr.gov/current/title-34/subtitle-B/chapter-VI/part-602?toc=1">Part 602-Secretary's Recognition of Accrediting Agencies">Part 602-Secretary's Recognition of Accrediting Agencies                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             |
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| 6.  | National Recognition of State Approval Agencies by the U.S. Secretary of Education                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |
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|     | /www.ecfr.gov/current/title-34/subtitle-B/chapter-VI/part-603">Criteria for the Recognition of State Agencies for Vocational Education">Criteria for the Recognition of State Agencies for Vocational Education   • State Agencies Recognized for the Approval of Public Postsecondary Vocational EducationCriteria and Procedures for Recognition of State Agencies for Nurse Education   • State Agencies and Accrediting Bodies Recognized for the Approval of Nurse Education |
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| 7.  | Military/Federal Institution Degree Granting Authority                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              |
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| 8.  | admins/finaid/accred/state-laision-team-responsibilities-and-state-assignments-final.pdf">State Liaison">State Liaison                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              |

Overview of Accreditation in the United States

Key Steps in the Accreditor Recognition Process

 

| Also refer to:  History and Context of Accreditation |

The goal of accreditation is to ensure that institutions of higher education meet acceptable levels of quality.  Accreditation in the United States involves non-governmental entities (accrediting organizations) as well as federal and state government agencies (these three entities are formally known as the Triad). Accreditation's quality assurance function is one of the three main elements of oversight governing the Higher Education Act's (HEA's) federal student aid programs. In order for students to receive federal student aid from the U.S. Department of Education (Department) for postsecondary study, the institution must be accredited by a "nationally recognized" accrediting agency.

### Role of Accrediting Agencies

Accrediting agencies, which are private educational associations that develop evaluation criteria and conduct peer evaluations to assess whether or not those criteria are met. Institutions and/or programs that request an accreditor's evaluation and that meet an accreditor's criteria are then "accredited".

### Role of Department

Under the HEA the Department "recognizes" (approves) accrediting agencies that the Secretary of Education determines to be reliable authorities as to the quality of education or training provided by institutions of higher education, and the Department publishes a list of nationally recognized accrediting agencies. *Authority: 34 Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) Part 602 and Section 496 of the HEA as amended)*

The Department also recognizes State agencies for the approval of vocational educational institutions authorized by the State in which the institution is located, and that receive approval through the Secretary's recognition process. Recognition of a state approval agency for vocational education allows student to receive federal student aid from the Department. The Department also publishes a list of nationally recognized state approval agencies. *Authority: 34 Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) Part 603 and Section 487 (c)(4) of the HEA as amended)*

The Department also recognizes state agencies for the approval of nursing education authorized by the State which the program is located to approve nursing programs for non-HEA purposes and that receive approval through the Secretary's recognition process. The Department also publishes a list of nationally recognized state agencies for the approval of nursing education. *Authority: 1969 Federal Register Notice (the "Nursing Federal Register Notice") originally issued under the authority of the Nurse Training Act, 42 U.S.C. § 298(b). The provisions of the Nurse Training Act relating to accreditation of nursing programs are now contained in the Public Health Service Act at 42 U.S.C. § 296(6)(A).*

The Department does not accredit individual educational institutions and/or programs and is not directly involved in the institutional or programmatic accrediting process. The Department recognizes only agencies that apply for recognition; many do not. Along with its recognition decision, the Department designates the scope of accrediting activities to which its recognition pertains.

### Accrediting Agencies Recognition Process

An accrediting agency or state approval agency seeking recognition from the Secretary of Education (Secretary) must meet the Department's regulatory criteria for the recognition of accrediting agencies and state approval agencies and must have a Federal Link (HEA or non-HEA). Only agencies recognized by the Secretary can provide the gate-keeping function to allow institutions they accredit to participate in the federal student aid programs under the HEA.  Accrediting agencies that accredit only educational programs located in institutions of higher education apply for recognition for non-HEA purposes.  The recognition process involves reviews by the Department's Accreditation Group (AG) staff and the National Advisor Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity (NACIQI). Both the (AG staff and NACIQI recommendations are submitted to the Senior Department Official designated by the Secretary who makes the decision regarding recognition.

State agencies for the approval of public postsecondary vocational education and for the approval of nursing education must meet separate sets of recognition criteria and their applications for recognition also undergo review by the Accreditation Group staff and the NACIQI.

### Foreign Institutions and Programs

The Department's recognition of agencies does not extend foreign institutions or programs. However, the Secretary does appoint members to the National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation (NCFMEA). That Committee has the legal responsibility for reviewing the standards that foreign countries use to accredit medical schools in those countries to determine whether those standards are comparable to the standards used to accredit medical schools in the United States. The comparability decisions made by the Committee affect whether U.S. students attending foreign medical schools can receive loans under the Department's federal student aid loan programs. Accreditation Group staff reviews the medical education standards used by foreign countries using guidelines established by the NCFMEA. AG staff reports finding to the NCFMEA, and the NCFMEA makes a comparability determination.

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History and Context of Accreditation in the United States

| Also refer to: Overview of Accreditation in the United States |

In the United States, institutions of higher education are permitted to operate with considerable independence and autonomy. The United States has no Ministry of Education or other centralized federal authority exercising control over the quality of postsecondary educational institutions, and the states assume varying degrees of control over education. As a consequence, American educational institutions can vary widely in the character and quality of their programs. To ensure a basic level of quality, the practice of accreditation arose in the United States as a means of conducting nongovernmental, peer evaluation of educational institutions and programs. With the passage of the HEA in 1965, Congress expanded the role of accrediting agencies by entrusting them with ensuring academic quality of the educational institutions at which federal student aid funds may be used subject to oversight by the federal government through the recognition process. Private educational associations have adopted criteria intended to reflect the qualities of a sound educational program and have developed procedures for evaluating institutions or programs to determine whether or not they are operating at basic levels of quality. Although accrediting agencies promulgate standards to ensure institutional quality, agencies have no legal control over educational institutions or programs.

Under the HEA, the Department does not have the authority to recognize accrediting agencies for the accreditation of private or public elementary and secondary schools. If an accrediting agency which is recognized by the Department for higher education also accredits elementary and secondary schools, the Department's recognition applies only to the agencies' accreditation of postsecondary institutions or programs.

### Some Important Functions of Accreditation

- Assess the quality of academic programs at institutions of higher education
- Create a culture of continuous improvement of academic quality at colleges and      universities and stimulate a general raising of standards among educational institutions
- Involve faculty and staff comprehensively in institutional evaluation and planning

Note: Accreditation does not provide automatic acceptance by an institution of credit earned at another institution, nor does it give assurance of acceptance of graduates by employers. Students should contact the receiving institution to help determine whether credits are transferrable. Acceptance of credit or graduates is always the prerogative of the receiving institution or employer. For these reasons, besides ascertaining the accredited status of an institution or program, students should take additional measures to determine, prior to enrollment, whether their educational goals will be met through attendance at a particular institution. Those measures should include inquiries to institutions to which transfer might be desired or to prospective employers, as well as any private or governmental entity responsible for licensing or certifying graduates to work in the field for which the educational program is intended.

### Primary Accrediting Activities

- Standards: The agency, in collaboration with educational institutions and/or      programs, establishes standards.
- Self-study: The institution or program seeking accreditation prepares an in-depth      self-evaluation report that measures its performance against the standards      established by the agency.
- On-site evaluation: A team of peers selected by the agency reviews the institution      or program on-site to determine first-hand if the applicant meets the established standards.
- Decision and publication: Upon being satisfied that the applicant meets its      standards, the accrediting agency grants accreditation or preaccreditation status and lists the institution or program in an official publication with other similarly accredited or preaccredited institutions or programs.
- Monitoring: An accrediting agency monitors each accredited institution or program      throughout the period of accreditation granted to verify that it continues to meet the accreditor's standards.
- Reevaluation: The agency periodically reevaluates each institution or program that it      lists to ascertain whether continuation of its accredited or preaccredited status is warranted.

### Types of Accreditation

There are two basic types of educational accreditation, one referred to as "institutional" and the other referred to as "specialized" or "programmatic."

Institutional accreditation applies to an entire institution, indicating that each of an institution's parts is contributing to the achievement of the institution's objectives.

Specialized or programmatic accreditation normally applies to programs, departments, or schools that are parts of an institution. The accredited unit may be as large as a college or school within a university or as small as a curriculum within a discipline. Most of the specialized or programmatic agencies review units within an institution of higher education that is accredited by an institutional accrediting agency. However, certain agencies also accredit professional schools and other specialized or vocational institutions of higher education that are freestanding in their operations. Thus, a "specialized" or "programmatic" agency may also function in the capacity of an "institutional" agency. Some of these "institutions" are found within non-educational settings, such as hospitals.

### The Accreditation Group (AG)

The Accreditation Group has been established within the Department of Education to deal with accreditation matters. Located in the Office of Postsecondary Education, the Group carries out the following major functions with respect to accreditation:

- Continuously reviews standards, policies, procedures, and issues in the area of the      Department's accreditation responsibilities.
- Administers the process by which accrediting agencies and state approval agencies      secure initial and renewed recognition by the Secretary.
- Serves as the Department's liaison with accrediting agencies and state approval      agencies.
- Consults with institutions, associations, state agencies, other federal agencies,      and Congress regarding accreditation.
- Interprets and disseminates policy relative to accreditation issues for the      Department.
- Conducts appropriate research and investigates complaints against recognized      accrediting agencies and state approval agencies.
- Interacts with the NACIQI during the recognition process. Also provides limited      administrative support to NACIQI members.
- Works directly with the National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and      Accreditation. Also provides administrative support to NCFMEA members. AG staff reviews the medical education standards used in foreign countries for comparability with the medical education standards used to accredit medical school in the US.
- AG staff reviews applications (6) foreign veterinary accrediting agencies to      determine if their accreditation standards are acceptable.
- AG staff also periodically reviews military degree programs in accordance      with Federal degree granting authority regulations. 

Accreditation Group  U. S. Department of Education  400 Maryland Avenue, SW #270-12  Washington, DC 20202  Telephone: (202) 453-7615

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### Summary of the Recognition Process for Accrediting Agencies

The process for the recognition of accrediting agencies is set forth in 34 CFR Part 602 Subpart C. Summary of the application and recognition process is provided below.

Accrediting agencies desiring recognition by the Secretary of Education must apply and demonstrate their compliance with the criteria for recognition set forth in 34 CFR Part 602 Subpart B. An accrediting agency's application for recognition generally consists of a statement of the agency's requested scope of recognition, evidence of the agency' compliance with the criteria for recognition set forth in part 602, and supporting documentation (state approval agencies are review using different criteria).

An agencies' application for initial recognition or renewal of recognition consists of a narrative statement, organized on a criterion-by-criterion basis, showing how the agency complies with the regulatory criteria. Depending on the recognition criterion, the narrative may be detailed or streamlined, and in all cases must be accompanied by clearly referenced supporting documentation demonstrating that the agency meets the requirement. Below is an example of some (not all) of the documentation that agencies must include to support its application for renewal and initial accreditation:

- Accreditation standards and procedures
- Operational policies and procedures
- Most recent externally audited financial statement.
- Published list of accredited institutions or programs.
- Self-study guidelines
- Guidance and training materials for on-site evaluation team members
- Sample completed self-studies.
- Sample on-site evaluation reports
- Sample institution or program responses to on-site evaluation reports
- Sample minutes of decision meetings, and decision letters
- Agency's constitution and bylaws
- List of complaints received by the agency against accredited programs or      institutions.

### *Application for Initial Recognition*

Recognition is granted by the Secretary to an agency that meets certain federal eligibility requirements and can demonstrate compliance with all of the criteria for recognition, establishing through its accrediting actions and decisions that it is a reliable authority regarding the quality of education offered by the institutions or programs it accredits. The Accreditation Group accepts applications for initial recognition after consultation and based on workload.

Agencies seeking initial recognition should contact the AG to discuss the basic eligibility requirements and the application process. If the Department staff believes the accreditor meets the basic eligibility requirements, the agency will be provided with the information needed to submit an application through the Department's electronic system.

To request consideration at a particular meeting of the NACIQI, an agency seeking initial recognition must submit its application as directed by the AG.

An agency considering applying for initial recognition is encouraged to contact the Accreditation Group as early as possible to discuss its possible application and to afford staff the opportunity to observe several accreditation activities and to conduct file reviews. Because observation of an agency's on-site evaluations and decision meetings by staff is a critical component of the review of the agency's application, it is imperative that an agency seeking initial recognition submit a list of scheduled evaluations and decision meetings with its application for recognition. If an agency does not provide AG staff with an opportunity to observe an adequate number of on-site evaluations, decision meetings (typically 2-3 of each), and file reviews before the NACIQI meeting at which the agency requests consideration of its application, AG staff will not finalize the agency's application for initial recognition.

Agencies seeking initial recognition are reminded that recognition by the Secretary is not a prerequisite for an accrediting agency to function as an accrediting body, i.e., an agency does not have to obtain federal recognition before it begins to accredit institutions or programs. An agency seeking recognition must demonstrate that its accreditation is a required element in enabling at least one of the institutions or programs it accredits to establish eligibility to participate in one or more federal programs. Beyond that basic eligibility requirement, a new agency will need to have had at least two years' experience functioning as an agency - establishing standards, evaluating institutions or programs for compliance with those standards, and making accrediting decisions based on those standards - before it submits its application for recognition. Staff will also consider whether the new agency has been organized under conditions that reasonably ensure its stability and permanence.

### *Application for Continued Recognition*

Accrediting agencies that have been granted recognition by the Secretary are officially notified of the expiration date of their recognition period in a letter each time recognition is granted or renewed. They should plan to submit their applications for renewal of recognition approximately two years (new regulatory requirement) in advance of the summer or winter meeting of the NACIQI that precedes that expiration date. As with the initial application, Accreditation Group observation of accrediting activities (e.g., decision meetings, on-site evaluations, file reviews, etc.) is an important component of the renewal process.

### *Staff Analysis of an Agency's Application*

The application review process conducted by the Department includes analysis of the application and observation of some of the agency's on-site evaluations, decision-making activities by AG staff. AG Staff members will conduct file reviews. AG staff may hold meetings with agency staff. AG staff may also conduct interviews with other persons and organizations concerning the agency's approval process in order to obtain further information relating to the agency's compliance with the Criteria for Recognition. Department staff then prepares a written analysis of the agency's application for recognition, which includes a recommendation on recognition.

### *Hearing Before the Advisory Committee*

When Department staff completes its evaluation of an agency's application for recognition, the agency's application is placed on the meeting agenda of the NACIQI. NACIQI is a federal advisory committee that operates according to the requirements of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Its 18 members are appointed equally by the Secretary, House of Representatives, and the Senate. In preparation for the meeting, NACIQI is provided with the agency's application and supporting documentation; the final AG staff analysis of the application; the AG staff's recommendation on recognition; all information relied upon by AG staff in developing the analysis. Any response by the agency to the draft staff analysis, and any written third-party comments the Department timely received about the agency and agency response to the third-party comments.

NACIQI meets at least twice a year to review applications for recognition submitted by accreditors. The usual times for NACIQI meetings are summer (July) and winter (February). Each member of NACIQI receives every AG staff analysis of an application for recognition and all the other materials mentioned in the preceding paragraph. The Executive Director of NACIQI usually assigns two or more individuals to serve as principal readers for each application.

An agency that applies for recognition is invited to make an oral presentation before the NACIQI. NACIQI also hears oral presentations from third parties who request to be heard. Department staff is available throughout NACIQI meetings to respond to questions. NACIQI conducts its business in public, and a transcript of the proceedings is made.

### *Determination by the Senior Department Official*

After each meeting, NACIQI's and Department staff's recommendations concerning recognition are forwarded to the Senior Department Official, who makes the decision regarding recognition. An agency that disagrees with the decision of the Senior Department Official may appeal to the Secretary. The Secretary's decision can also be contested in the Federal court. Agencies may be granted initial recognition or renewal of recognition for a period of up to five years (four years for state approval agencies).

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### Application for an Expansion of Scope

An application for expansion of an agency's scope of recognition may be included as an integral part of an application for renewal of recognition or it may be submitted separately. If an expansion of scope is sought prior to the agency's next regularly scheduled review, accrediting agency personnel should consult with the Accreditation Group staff concerning the application format.

### The State Liaison team within the Accreditation

The State Liaison team within the Accreditation Group is composed of four currently assigned Accreditation Group analysts, and have the following responsibilities:

- Provide technical guidance to state officials on the Higher Education Act of 1965 as amended (HEA) and Department regulations in 34 CFR §§ 602 and 603.
- Participate in meetings and conferences designed to promote and advance dialogue with state higher educational organizations regarding state and federal statutory and      regulatory. requirements governing authorization, licensure, and accreditation of Title IV institutions.
- Respond to routine controlled correspondence, and phone inquiries from state officials, and coordinate with the appropriate staff analyst or ED office.
- Identify higher education issues that needed to be brought to the attention of the Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education and initiating public forums for      discussion and dialogue among members of the higher education community.
- Build and/or update a directory which would list each state's key higher education staff (including SHEEOS), and state licensure officers along with their contact information.
- Work closely with state officials and accrediting agencies on school closures regarding the following:

- Adequacy of teach-out plans and teach-out agreements.
- Confer with state officials and accrediting agencies regarding the status of institutions included in teach-out plans and agreements. 

As a courtesy obtain information from state officials regarding student records and where student records are stored for the closed institution.

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Institutional Accrediting Agencies

The following accrediting agencies are recognized by the  Secretary as reliable authorities concerning the quality of education or  training offered by the institutions of higher education or higher education programs  they accredit.

The dates specified for each entry are (1) the date of  initial listing as a nationally recognized accrediting agency, (2) the date of  the most recent review for renewed recognition of the agency by Department  staff and by the NACIQI, and (3) the date of the next scheduled review of the  agency’s compliance report or full petition for renewal of recognition. (Note:  S=Summer NACIQI meeting; W=Winter NACIQI meeting; C= Compliance Report)

Unless otherwise noted in a Title IV note after the agency’s  name, accreditation by an agency listed below may be used by an institution  accredited by the agency to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV  programs. 

**Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Accreditation Council  for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics**1974/2017/S2023Scope of recognition: the accreditation and pre-accreditation, within the  United States, of Didactic and Coordinated Programs in Dietetics at both the  undergraduate and graduate level, postbaccalaureate Dietetic Internships, and  Dietetic Technician Programs at the associate degree level and for its  accreditation of such programs offered via distance education.

Geographic  Area of Accrediting Activities: Throughout the United States.

***Title IV Note:**** Only postbaccalaureate  dietetic internship programs may use accreditation by this agency to establish  eligibility to participate in Title IV programs*.

 Rayane AbuSabha, Executive Director	  120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190	  Chicago, Illinois  60606-6995	  Tel. (312) 899-4872, Fax (312) 899-4817	  E-mail address: rabusabha@eatright.org	  Web address: www.eatright.org/acend

**Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools**1969/2021/S2026Scope of recognition: The accreditation of private, postsecondary institutions  offering predominantly allied health education programs leading to a  certificate, diploma, and degree at the level of the Associate of Applied  Science, Associate of Occupational Science, Academic Associate, Baccalaureate  and Master’s; including those offered via distance education and the  programmatic accreditation of medical assisting, medical laboratory technology,  and surgical technology programs, through the Associate degree, including those  offered via distance education. The scope extends to the Substantive Change  Committee, jointly with the Commission for decisions on substantive change

 Geographic Area: Throughout the United States.

***Title IV Note:**** Only freestanding  allied health education institutions and institutions that offer predominantly  allied health programs may use accreditation by this agency to establish  eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.*

 India Tips,  Executive Director	  6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 730          North Bethesda, MD 20852          Tel. (301) 291-7550, Fax (703) 917-4109	  E-mail address: itips@abhes.org	  Web address: www.abhes.org

**Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine**      1988/2021/C-W2024

Geographic Area of Accrediting Activities: Throughout the  United States. 

***Title IV Note:**** Only freestanding  institutions or colleges of acupuncture or Oriental medicine may use  accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility to participate in Title  IV programs*.

Mark S. McKenzie, Executive Director      8941 Aztec Drive, Suite B      Eden Prairie, MN 55347      Tel. (952) 212-2434, Fax (952) 657-7068      E-mail address: mark.mckenzie@acaom.org.      Web address: www.acaom.org

**Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing,  Inc. – May 6, 2018**      Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission      1952/2018/W2023      Scope of recognition: Accreditation of nursing education programs and schools,  both postsecondary and higher degree, which offer a certificate, diploma, or a  recognized professional degree including clinical doctorate, masters,  baccalaureate, associate, diploma, and practical nursing programs including  those offered via distance education.

Geographic Area of Accrediting Activities: Throughout the  United States. 

***Title IV Note******: ****Practical, diploma, associate,  baccalaureate, masters, and clinical doctorate nursing  education programs that are not located in an institution accredited by a  higher education institutional accrediting agency may use accreditation by  this agency to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.*

Kathy Chappell, PhD, RN, FNAP, FAAN       Chief Executive Officer      3343 Peachtree Road, NE, Suite 850      Atlanta, Georgia 30326      Tel. (404) 975-5000      E-mail address: kchappell@acenursing.org      Web address: www.acenursing.org

**Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges**1967/2021/S2026Scope of recognition: the accreditation of postsecondary, non degree-granting institutions and degree-granting institutions in the United States, including those granting associate, baccalaureate and master’s degrees, that are predominantly organized to educate students for occupational, trade and technical careers, and including institutions that offer programs via distance education.

Geographic Area of Accrediting Activities: Throughout the  United States.

Michale McComis, Executive Director      2101 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 302      Arlington, Virginia 22201      Tel. (703) 247-4212, Fax (703) 247-4533      E-mail address: mccomis@accsc.org      Web address: www.accsc.org

**Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training**      1978/2019/S2024      Scope of recognition: the accreditation throughout the United States of  institutions of higher education that offer continuing education and vocational  programs that confer certificates or occupational associate degrees, including  those programs offered via distance education. 

 Geographic Area of Accrediting  Activities: Throughout the United States.

***Title IV Note:**** Only those institutions  classified by this agency as "vocational" may use accreditation by  the agency to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.*

Res Helfer      Executive Director      ACCET – Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training      1722 N Street, NW      Washington, DC  20036rhelfer@accet.orgmain: (202) 955-1113   direct: (202) 984-2202www.accet.org

**American Bar  Association, Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the  Bar**      1952/2021/S2026      Scope  of recognition: The accreditation throughout the United States of programs in  legal education that lead to the first professional degree in law, including  those offered via distance education, as well as freestanding law schools  offering such programs. 

Geographic Area  of Accrediting Activities: Throughout the United States. 

***Title IV  Note:**** Only freestanding law schools may use accreditation by  this agency to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.*****

William E.  Adams, Jr.      Managing Director, Accreditation and Legal Education      ABA Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar      321 North Clark Street, 19th Floor      Chicago, Illinois 60654-7598      Tel. (312) 988-5103, Fax (312) 988-5681      E-mail address: william.adams@americanbar.org      Web address: www.abanet.org/legaled/

**American  Board of Funeral Service Education, Committee on Accreditation**      1972/202021/W2026      Scope  of recognition: the accreditation of institutions and programs within the  United States awarding diplomas, associate degrees and bachelor's degrees in  funeral service or mortuary science, including the accreditation of distance  learning courses and programs offered by these programs and institutions.

Geographic Area  of Accrediting Activities: Throughout the United States. 

***Title IV  Note: ****Only freestanding schools or colleges of funeral service  or mortuary science may use accreditation by this agency to establish  eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.*

Robert C.  Smith, III, Executive Director      992 Mantua Pike, Suite 108      Woodbury Heights, New Jersey 08097      Tel. (816) 233-3747, Fax (856) 579-7354      E-mail address: exdir@abfse.org      Website: www.abfse.org

**American Osteopathic Association, Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation**      1952/2021/S2026      Scope of recognition: the accreditation and preaccreditation (“Provisional Accreditation”) of freestanding institutions of osteopathic medicine and of osteopathic medical programs leading to the degree of Doctor of Osteopathy or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. 

Geographic Area  of Accrediting Activities: Throughout the United States. 

***Title IV  Note***: *Only freestanding schools or colleges of osteopathic medicine may use accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.*

Richard Winn, EdD Secretary to the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation American Osteopathic Association 142 East Ontario Street Chicago, Illinois 60611 Tel. (312) 202-8484 Fax (312) 202-8424 E-mail address: predoc@osteopathic.orgWeb address:www.aoacoca.org

**American Podiatric Medical Association, Council on Podiatric Medical Education**      1952/2022/W2027      Scope of recognition: The accreditation and preaccreditation of freestanding colleges of podiatric medicine and programs of podiatric medicine, including first professional programs leading to the degree of Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, *including those offered via distance education*. Only freestanding schools or colleges of podiatric medicine may use accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.

Geographic Area  of Accrediting Activities: Throughout the United States. 

***Title IV  Note:**** Only freestanding schools or colleges of podiatric  medicine may use accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility to  participate in Title IV programs.*

Heather M. Stagliano, Director      9312 Old Georgetown Road      Bethesda, Maryland  20814-1621      Tel. (301) 571-9200, Fax (301) 571-4903      E-mail address:  hmstagliano@cpme.org      Web address: www.cpme.org

**The Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission  on Accreditation**      1952/2022/S2027      Scope of Recognition: For institutions in the United States, the accreditation and pre‐accreditation (“Candidate Status”) of institutions of biblical higher education offering undergraduate certificates, associate degrees, baccalaureate degrees, graduate certificates, and master’s degrees, including the accreditation of educational programs offered via distance education and direct assessment.  

Geographic Area of Accrediting Activities: Throughout the  United States.

Dr. Lisa Beatty5850 TG Lee BLVD., STE 130 Orlando, FL 32822 Tel. 407-207-0808 E-mail address: lisa.beatty@abhe.orgWeb address: www.abhe.org

**Association of Advanced Rabbinical and Talmudic Schools,  Accreditation Commission**      1974/2018/S2023      Scope of recognition: the accreditation and pre-accreditation  ("Correspondent" and "Candidate") within the United States  of advanced rabbinical and Talmudic schools to include Associate,  Baccalaureate, Masters, Doctorate, and First Rabbinic and First Talmudic  degrees programs.

Geographic Area of Accrediting Activities: Throughout the  United States.

Gedalia Litke, Executive Director2329 Nostrand Ave, Suite M-200Brooklyn, New York 11210      Tel. (212) 363-1991, Fax (212) 533-5335      E-Mail Address: office@aarts.org

**Association of Institutions of Jewish Studies**      2015/W2021/W2026      Scope of recognition: the accreditation of  postsecondary institutions of Jewish Studies within the United States  exclusively offering educational programs leading to a certificate, associate  degree, baccalaureate degree or their equivalent credential in Jewish Studies  or Classical Torah Studies

Geographic Area of Accrediting Activities: Throughout the  United States.

Chaim Cohen, Ph.D. Chairman Executive Accreditation Council Association of Institutions of Jewish Studies       Tel: (732) 363-7330, fax: (732) 415-8198      E-Mail Address: alowinger@theaijs.com      Web address: http://theaijs.com/

**Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools**      1952/2021/S2026      Scope of recognition: the accreditation of  theological schools and seminaries, as well as schools or programs that are  parts of colleges or universities, in the United States, offering post  baccalaureate degrees in professional and academic theological education,  including delivery via distance education.

Geographic Area  of Accrediting Activities: Throughout the United States

***Title IV Note:**** Only freestanding  institutions, colleges, or seminaries of theology may use accreditation by this  agency to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.*****

  Frank M. Yamada, Executive Director      10 Summit Park Drive      Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania  15275-1103      Tel. (412) 788-6505, Fax (412) 788-6510      E-mail address:  yamada@ats.edu      Web address: www.ats.edu

**Commission on English Language Program Accreditation**2003/2022/W2027Scope of recognition: the accreditation of postsecondary, non-degree-granting English language programs and institutions in the United States including those programs offered via distance education.

Geographic Area of Accrediting Activities: Throughout the United States.

***Title IV Note:****Accreditation by this agency does not enable the entities it accredits to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.*

Heidi Vellenga, Executive Director1001 N. Fairfax Street, Suite 630Alexandria, Virginia 22314Tel. (703) 665-3400, Fax(703) 519-2071E-mail address: hvellenga@cea-accredit.orgWeb address: www.cea-accredit.org

**Commission  on Massage Therapy Accreditation**      2002/2021/C-S2023      Scope of recognition: the accreditation of  institutions and programs in the United States that award postsecondary  certificates, postsecondary diplomas, academic Associate degrees and  occupational Associate degrees, in the practice of massage therapy, bodywork,  and aesthetics/esthetics and skin care, and programs that include distance education.

Geographic Area  of Accrediting Activities: Throughout the United States. 

***Title IV  Note: ****Only freestanding schools or colleges of massage therapy,  body work and aesthetics/esthetics may use accreditation by this agency to  establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.*

Dawn Hogue,  Acting Executive Director      Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation      900 Commonwealth Place, Ste 200-331      Virginia Beach, VA 23464      Tel. (202) 888-6790, Fax (202) 888-6787      E-mail address: dhogue@comta.org      Web address: www.comta.org

**Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational  Programs**      1955/2018/S2023      Scope of recognition: The accreditation of institutions and programs of nurse  anesthesia at the post master`s certificate, master`s, or doctoral degree  levels in the United States, and its territories, including programs offering  distance education.

Geographic Area of Accrediting Activities: Throughout the  United States. 

***Title IV Note: ****Only hospital-based  nurse anesthesia programs and freestanding nurse anesthesia institutions may  use accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility to participate in Title  IV programs*****

Francis Gerbasi      Chief Executive Officer      10275 W. Higgins Rd., Suite 906      Rosemont, Illinois 60018-5603      Tel. (224) 275-9130      E-mail address: fgerbasi@coacrna.org      Web address: https://www.coacrna.org/about-coa/

**The Council on Chiropractic Education, Commission on  Accreditation**      1974/2022/      Scope of  recognition: the accreditation of programs leading to the Doctor of  Chiropractic degree and single-purpose institutions offering the Doctor of  Chiropractic program. 

Geographic Area of Accrediting Activities: Throughout the  United States. 

***Title  IV Note:**** Only freestanding schools or colleges of chiropractic  may use accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility to participate in  Title IV programs.*****

Craig S. Little, President      Council on Chiropractic Education      10105 E. Via Linda, Suite 103 – 3642      Scottsdale, AZ 85258      Tel. (480) 443-8877, Fax (480) 483-7333      E-mail address:  little@cce-usa.org      Web address: www.cce-usa.org

**Council on Occupational Education**      1969/2021/C-W2024      Scope of recognition: the accreditation and  pre-accreditation (“Candidacy Status”) throughout the United States of  postsecondary occupational education institutions offering non-degree and  applied associate degree programs in specific career and technical education  fields, including institutions that offer programs via distance education.

Geographic Area of Accrediting Activities: Throughout the  United States.

Dr. Kirk A. Nooks7840 Roswell RoadBuilding 300, Suite 325Atlanta, GA 30350 Tel. (770) 396-3898 / 800-917-2081 / Fax (770) 396-3790 E-mail address: kirk.nooks@council.orgWeb address: www.council.org

**Distance Education Accrediting Commission**      1959/2022/S2027      Scope of Recognition: The accreditation of postsecondary institutions in the United States that offer degree and/or non-degree programs primarily by the distance or correspondence education method, including through direct assessment, up to and including the professional doctoral degree, including those institutions that are specifically certified by the Agency as accredited for Title IV purposes.

Geographic Area of Accrediting Activities: Throughout the  United States. 

***Title IV Note:*** *Only accredited  institutions that are certified by the agency as accredited for Title IV  purposes may use accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility of its  degree and/or non-degree programs to participate in Title IV programs.*

Leah K. Matthews, Executive Director      1101 17th Street NW, Suite 808      Washington, DC 20036      Tel. (202) 234-5100, Fax (202) 332-1386      E-mail address: info@deac.org      Web address: www.deac.org

**Higher Learning Commission**      1952/2017/W2023      Scope of  recognition: The accreditation and preaccreditation ("Candidate for Accreditation") of degree-granting institutions, including tribal institutions, and the accreditation of programs offered via distance education, correspondence courses, and direct assessment within these institutions. This recognition extends to the Institutional Actions Council jointly with the Board of Trustees of the Commission for decisions on cases for continued accreditation or reaffirmation, and continued candidacy, and to the Appeals Body jointly with the Board of Trustees of the Commission for decisions related to initial candidacy or accreditation or reaffirmation of accreditation.

Geographic area of accrediting activities: The United States.

Barbara Gellman-Danley, President      230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500      Chicago, Illinois  60604-1413      Tel. (312) 263-0456, (800) 621-7440, Fax (312) 263-7462      E-mail address: bgdanley@hlcommission.org      Web address: www.hlcommission.org

**Joint Review Committee on  Education in Radiologic Technology**      1957/W2022/W2022      Scope of recognition: the accreditation of educational programs in radiography,  magnetic resonance, radiation therapy, and medical dosimetry, including those  offered via distance education, at the certificate, associate, and  baccalaureate levels. 

Geographic Area of Accrediting Activities: Throughout the  United States. 

***Title IV Note: ****Only hospital-based  radiologic technology programs and freestanding radiologic technology  institutions may use accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility to  participate in Title IV programs.*

Leslie F. Winter, Chief Executive Officer      20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850      Chicago, Illinois  60606-3182      Tel. (312) 704-5300, Fax (312) 704-5304      E-mail address: mail@jrcert.org      Web address: www.jrcert.org

**Middle States Commission on Higher Education**      1952/2017/W2023      Scope of recognition: The accreditation and preaccreditation ("Candidacy status") of institutions of higher education including distance, correspondence education programs and direct assessment programs offered at those institutions. Recognition extends to the Executive Committee to act on behalf of the Commission as necessary on cases of initial, reaffirmed, and continued candidacy or initial, reaffirmed and continued accreditation.

Geographic Area of Accrediting Activities: The United States 

Heather Perfetti, President Middle States Commission on Higher Education1007 North Orange Street4th Floor, MB #166Wilmington, DE 19801Telephone: (267) 284-5011

**Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools**      2004/2022/S2023      Scope of recognition: the accreditation of  institutions with postsecondary, non-degree granting career and technology  programs to include the accreditation of postsecondary, non-degree granting institutions  that offer all or part of their educational programs via distance education  modalities. 

Geographic Area  of Accrediting Activities: Throughout the United States.

***Title IV  Note:*** *Only those vocational/technical schools accredited by  this agency that offer non-degree, postsecondary education may use that accreditation  to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs*.

Glen R. Mort, Ed.D.Executive Vice President Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools St. Leonard's  Court 3819-33 Chestnut Street, Suite 310Philadelphia, PA 19104 phone: (267) 284-5091Web: www.msa-cess.org 

**Midwifery  Education Accreditation Council**      2001/2021/W2026      Scope of  recognition: the accreditation and pre-accreditation throughout the United  States of direct-entry midwifery educational institutions and programs  conferring degrees and certificates, including the accreditation of such  programs offered via distance learning.

Geographic Area  of Accrediting Activities: Throughout the United States. 

***Title IV  Note: ****Only freestanding direct-entry midwifery educational  institutions* *may use accreditation by this agency to establish  eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.*

Beatrix  Packmohr      Interim Executive Director      850 Mt. Pleasant Ave      Ann Arbor, MI 48103      Tel. (360)466-2080, Fax (480) 907-2936      E-mail address: info@meacschools.org      Web address: www.meacschools.org

**Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education**      1995/2017/W2026      Scope of recognition: the accreditation of  Montessori teacher education institutions and programs throughout the United  States, including those offered via distance education.

Geographic Area of Accrediting Activities:****Throughout  the United States. 

***Title IV Note:**** Only freestanding  Montessori teacher education** ***institutions *may use  accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility to participate in Title  IV programs.*

Rebecca Pelton, President      Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education      108 Second Street, S.W., Suite 7      Charlottesville, VA 22902      Tel. (434)-202-7793, Fax (888) 525-8838      After Hours Tel. (434) 987-2975      E-mail address: rebecca@macte.org      Web address: www.MACTE.org

**National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and  Sciences, Inc.**      1970/2021/W2026      Scope of recognition: the accreditation of  postsecondary schools and departments of cosmetology arts and sciences and  massage therapy, including those offered via distance education.

Geographic Area  of Accrediting Activities: Throughout the United States.

Darin M. Wallace, Esq.      Executive Director      3015 Colvin Street      Alexandria, VA 22314      Tel. (703) 600-7600, Fax (703) 379-2200      E-mail address: dwallace@naccas.org      Web address: www.naccas.org

**National Association of Schools of Art and Design,  Commission on Accreditation**      1966/2018/S2023      Scope of recognition: the accreditation throughout the United States of  freestanding institutions and units offering art/design and art/design-related  programs (both degree- and non-degree-granting), including those offered via  distance education.

Geographic Area of Accrediting Activities:****Throughout  the United States. 

***Title IV Note:**** Only freestanding  schools or colleges of art and design may use accreditation by this agency to establish  eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.*

Karen P. Moynahan, Executive Director      11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21      Reston, Virginia 20190      Tel. (703) 437-0700, Fax (703) 437-6312      E-mail address: info@arts-accredit.org      Web address: www.arts-accredit.org

**National Association of Schools of Dance, Commission on  Accreditation**      1983/2019/S2024      Scope of recognition: the accreditation throughout the United States of  freestanding institutions that offer dance and dance-related programs (both  degree and non-degree-granting), including those offered via distance  education.

Geographic Area of Accrediting Activities:****Throughout  the United States. 

***Title IV Note:**** Only freestanding  schools or colleges of dance may use accreditation by this agency to establish  eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.*

Karen P. Moynahan, Executive Director      11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21      Reston, Virginia 20190      Tel. (703) 437-0700, Fax (703) 437-6312      E-mail address: info@arts-accredit.org      Web address: www.arts-accredit.org

**National  Association of Schools of Music, Commission on Accreditation**      1952/2019/S2024      Scope of recognition: the accreditation throughout the United States of  freestanding institutions that offer music and music related programs (both  degree and non-degree-granting) including those offered via distance. This  recognition also extends to the Commission on Community College Accreditation.

*Geographic  Area of Accrediting Activities:*Throughout the United States.

***Title IV  Note:**** Only freestanding schools or colleges of music may use  accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility to participate in Title  IV programs.*

Karen P. Moynahan, Executive Director      11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21      Reston, Virginia 20190      Tel. (703) 437-0700, Fax (703) 437-6312      E-mail address: info@arts-accredit.org      Web address: www.arts-accredit.org

**National Association of Schools of Theatre, Commission on  Accreditation**      1982/2019/S2024      Scope of recognition: the accreditation throughout the United States of  freestanding institutions that offer theatre and theatre-related programs (both  degree and non-degree-granting), including those offered via distance education.

Geographic Area of Accrediting Activities: Throughout the United States. 

***Title IV Note:**** Only freestanding  schools or colleges of theatre may use accreditation by this agency to  establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.*

 Karen P. Moynahan, Executive Director      11250 Roger Bacon Drive. Suite 21      Reston, Virginia 20190      Tel. (703) 437-0700, Fax (703) 437-6312      E-mail address: info@arts-accredit.org      Web address: www.arts-accredit.org

**New England Commission of Higher Education**      1952/2018/W2023      Scope of recognition: The accreditation and pre-accreditation (“Candidacy status”) of institutions of higher education including the accreditation of programs offered via distance education and direct assessment within those institutions. Jointly with the Commission, this recognition extends to its Executive Committee and also to the Appeals Body for decisions related to the appeal of denial or withdrawal of candidacy; probation; and denial or withdrawal of accreditation.

Geographic Area of Accrediting Activities: The United States.

Lawrence Schall, President      301 Edgewater Place, Suite 210      Wakefield, MA 01880      Tel. (781) 425-7700, Fax (781) 425-1001      E-mail address: lschall@neche.org      Web address: www.neche.org

**New York State Board of Regents, and the Commissioner of  Education**      1952/2023/W2024      Scope of recognition: the accreditation of those degree-granting institutions of higher education in New York that designate the agency as their sole or primary nationally recognized accrediting agency for purposes of establishing eligibility to participate in HEA programs including accreditation of programs offered via distance education within these institutions.

Geographic Area of Accrediting Activities: Within the State of New York.

Mary Ellen Elia, Commissioner of Education      State Education Department      The University of the State of New York      89 Washington Avenue      Albany, New York 12234      Tel. (518) 474-5844   Fax (518) 473-4909      E-mail address: commissioner@nysed.gov      Web address: www.nysed.gov

**Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities**      1952/2018/S2023      Scope of recognition: The accreditation and pre-accreditation (“Candidacy status”) of institutions, including the accreditation of programs offered via correspondence education, and distance education within these institutions. This recognition also extends to the Executive Committee.

Geographic Area of Accrediting Activities: The United States.

Sonny  Ramaswamy, President      8060 165th Avenue, NE, Suite 100      Redmond, Washington  98052      Tel. (425) 425-376-0596, Fax (425) 376-0596      E-mail address: sonny@nwccu.org      Web address: www.nwccu.org

**Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges**      1952/2022/S2023      Scope of recognition: The accreditation and pre-accreditation (“Candidate for Accreditation”) of degree-granting institutions of higher education including the accreditation of educational programs offered via distance and correspondence education, and direct assessment within these institutions. The accreditation status of these institutions and their recognition extends to the SACSCOC Board of Trustees, Executive Council, and the Appeals Committee of the Collegiate College Delegate Assembly on cases of initial candidacy or initial accreditation and for continued accreditation or candidacy. 

Geographic Area of Accrediting Activities: Throughout the United States.

Belle Wheelan, President      1866 Southern Lane      Decatur, Georgia  30033-4097      Tel. (404) 679-4512, Fax (404) 994-6592      E-mail address: bwheelan@sacscoc.org      Web address: www.sacscoc.org

**Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and  Schools, Accreditation Commission**      1991/2021/2026      Scope of recognition: the accreditation and pre-accreditation  (“Candidate” status) of Christian postsecondary institutions in the United  States that offer certificates, diplomas, and associate, baccalaureate, and  graduate degrees, including institutions that offer distance education.

Geographic Area of Accrediting Activities: Throughout the  United States

Timothy W. Eaton, President      15935 Forest Road      Forest, Virginia  24551      Tel. (434) 525-9539, Fax (434) 525-9538      E-mail address: president@tracs.org      Web address: www.tracs.org

**WASC Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior  Colleges**      1952/2019/S2024      Scope of recognition: the accreditation and pre-accreditation (“Candidate for  Accreditation”) of community and other colleges which have as a primary mission  the granting of associate degrees, but which may also award certificates and  other credentials, not to exceed the bachelor degree level, where the provision  of such credentials is within the institution’s mission and, if applicable, is  authorized by their governmental authorities, and the accreditation of such  programs offered via distance education and correspondence education at these  colleges. This recognition also extends to the Committee on Substantive Change  of the Commission, for decisions on substantive changes, and the Appeals Panel.

Geographic Area of Accrediting Activities: Throughout the  United States. 

Mac Powell, President Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC)Western Association of Schools and Colleges 428 J Street, Suite 400 Sacramento, CA 95814 Tel. (415) 506-0234 E-mail address: accjc@accjc.orgWeb address: www.accjc.org

**WASC Senior College and University Commission**      1952/2018/W2023      Scope of recognition: The accreditation and preaccreditation ("Candidate for Accreditation") of institutions of higher education that offer the baccalaureate degree or above, including distance education programs offered at those institutions. 

Geographic Area of Accrediting Activities: Throughout the  United States

Jamienne S. Studley, President      1080 Marina Village Parkway Suite 500      Alameda, California 94501      Tel. (510) 748-9001, Fax (510) 748-9797      E-mail address: jstudley@wscuc.org      Web address: www.wscuc.org

Top

Programmatic Accrediting Agencies

The following accrediting agencies are recognized by the Secretary as reliable  authorities concerning the quality of education or training offered by the  institutions of higher education or higher education programs they accredit.

The dates  specified for each entry are (1) the date of initial listing as a nationally  recognized accrediting agency, (2) the date of the most recent review for  renewed recognition of the agency by Department staff and by the NACIQI, and  (3) the date of the next scheduled review of the agency’s compliance report or  full petition for renewal of recognition. (Note: S=Summer NACIQI meeting;  W=Winter NACIQI meeting; C= Compliance Report)

Unless  otherwise noted in a Title IV note after the agency’s name, accreditation by an  agency listed below may not be used by an institution accredited by the agency  to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs. 

**EDUCATION TRAINING**

**Montessori  Accreditation Council for Teacher Education**  1995/2021/W2026  Scope of recognition: The  accreditation of Montessori teacher education institutions and programs  throughout the United States, including those offered via distance education.

Geographic  Area of Accrediting Activities: Throughout the United States. 

**Title  IV Note*:**** Only  freestanding Montessori teacher education institutions may use accreditation by  this agency to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.*

Rebecca  Pelton, President  Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education  420 Park Street  Charlottesville, VA 22902  Tel. (434) 202-7793, Fax (888) 525-8838  After Hours Tel. (434) 987-2975  E-mail address: rebecca@macte.org  Web address: www.MACTE.org

**LEGAL**

**American Bar Association, Council  of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar**  1952/2021/S2026  Scope of recognition: the accreditation throughout the United States of  programs in legal education that lead to the first professional degree in law,  including those offered via distance education, as well as freestanding law  schools offering such programs. 

Geographic Area of Accrediting  Activities: Throughout the United States. 

**Title IV Note:** *Only freestanding law  schools may use accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility to  participate in Title IV programs.*

William E. Adams, Jr.  Managing Director, Accreditation and Legal Education  ABA Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar  321 North Clark Street, 21st Floor  Chicago, Illinois 60654-7598  Tel. (312) 988-5103, Fax (312) 988-5681  E-mail address: william.adams@americanbar.org  Web address: www.abanet.org/legaled/

**COMMUNITY  AND SOCIAL SERVICES**

**Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc., Accreditation Commission**  1969/2022/S2023  Scope of Recognition: The preaccreditation and accreditation of CPE Level I/Level II programs and Certified Educator CPE programs, including programs offered via distance education. 

Geographic  Area of Accrediting Activities: Throughout the United States. **Title  IV Note:** *Accreditation by this agency does not enable the entities it accredits to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.*

Marc Medwed, Interim Executive Director1 Concourse Parkway Suite 800Atlanta, GA 30328Tel 1: (404) 320-1472 Fax: (404) 3200849Email address: marc.medwed@acpe.edu  Web address: www.acpe.edu

**Commission on Accrediting of the Association  of Theological Schools**  1952/2018/W2026  Scope of recognition: The  accreditation of theological schools and seminaries, as well as schools or  programs that are parts of colleges or universities, in the United States,  offering post baccalaureate degrees in professional and academic theological  education, including delivery via distance education.

Geographic Area of Accrediting  Activities:*****Throughout the United States*.

**Title IV Note:** *Only freestanding  institutions, colleges, or seminaries of theology may use accreditation by this  agency to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.*

Frank M. Yamada, Executive Director  10 Summit Park Drive  Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15275-1103  Tel. (412) 788-6505, Fax (412) 788-6510  E-mail address: yamada@ats.edu  Web address: www.ats.edu

**Commission on English Language  Program Accreditation**  2003/2022/W2027  Scope of recognition: the accreditation of postsecondary, non-degree-granting  English language programs and institutions in the United States including those  programs offered via distance education.

*Geographic Area of Accrediting  Activities:****Throughout the United States.*****

**Title IV Note:** *Accreditation by this  agency does not enable the entities it accredits to establish eligibility to  participate in Title IV programs.*****

Heidi Vellenga, Executive Director  1001 N. Fairfax Street, Suite 630  Alexandria, Virginia 22314  Tel. (703) 665-3400, Fax(703) 519-2071  E-mail address: hvellenga@cea-accredit.org  Web address:www.cea-accredit.org

**PERSONAL  CARE AND SERVICES**

**American Board of Funeral Service  Education, Committee on Accreditation**  1972/2021/W2026  Scope of recognition: the  accreditation of institutions and programs within the United States awarding  diplomas, associate degrees and bachelor's degrees in funeral service or  mortuary science, including the accreditation of distance learning courses and  programs offered by these programs and institutions.

Geographic Area of Accrediting  Activities: *Throughout the United States.*

**Title IV Note:** *Only freestanding schools  or colleges of funeral service or mortuary science may use accreditation by  this agency to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.*****

Robert C. Smith, III, Executive  Director  992 Mantua Pike, Suite 108  Woodbury Heights, New Jersey 08097  Tel. (816) 233-3747, Fax (856) 579-7354  E-mail address: exdir@abfse.org  Web address: www.abfse.org

**Commission on Massage Therapy  Accreditation**  2002/2021/C-S2023  Scope of recognition: the  accreditation of institutions and programs in the United States that award  postsecondary certificates, postsecondary diplomas, academic Associate degrees  and occupational Associate degrees, in the practice of massage therapy,  bodywork, and aesthetics/esthetics and skin care, and programs that include distance education. 

Geographic Area of Accrediting  Activities: Throughout the United States. 

**Title IV Note:** *Only freestanding schools  or colleges of massage therapy, body work and aesthetics/esthetics may use  accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility to participate in Title  IV programs*.

Dawn Hogue, Acting Executive  Director  Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation  900 Commonwealth Place, Suite 200-331  Virginia Beach, VA 23464  Tel. (202) 888-6790, Fax (202)888-6787  E-mail address: dhogue@comta.org  Web address: www.comta.org

**HEALTHCARE**

**Academy  of Nutrition and Dietetics, Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition  and Dietetics**  1974/2018/W2023  Scope of recognition: the accreditation and pre-accreditation, within the  United States, of Didactic and Coordinated Programs in Dietetics at both the  undergraduate and graduate level, postbaccalaureate Dietetic Internships, and  Dietetic Technician Programs at the associate degree level and for its  accreditation of such programs offered via distance education.

Geographic  Area of Accrediting Activities: Throughout the United States. 

**Title  IV Note:** *Only  postbaccalaureate dietetic internship programs may use accreditation by this  agency to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.*

Rayane  AbuSabba, Executive Director  120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190  Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995  Tel. (312) 899-4780, Fax (312) 899-4817  E-mail address: rabusabha@eatright.org  Web address: www.eatrightpro.org/acend

**Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine**  1988/2021/C-W2024  Scope of recognition: the accreditation  and pre-accreditation (“Candidacy”) throughout the United States of  professional non-degree and graduate degree programs, including professional  doctoral programs, in the field of acupuncture and/or Oriental medicine, as  well as freestanding institutions and colleges of acupuncture and/or Oriental  medicine that offer such programs, including programs offered via distance education. 

Geographic Area of Accrediting  Activities: Throughout the United States.

**Title IV Note:** *Only  freestanding institutions or colleges of acupuncture or Oriental medicine may  use accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility to participate in  Title IV programs.*

Mark S. McKenzie, Executive  Director  8941 Aztec Drive, Suite B  Eden Prairie, MN 55347  Tel. (952) 212-2434, Fax (952)657-7068  E-mail address: mark.mckenzie@acaom.org  Web address: www.acaom.org

**Accreditation Commission for  Education in Nursing, Inc. – May 6, 2013**  Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission  1952/2018/W2023  Scope of recognition: Accreditation of nursing education programs and schools,  both postsecondary and higher degree, which offer a certificate, diploma, or a  recognized professional degree including clinical doctorate, masters, baccalaureate,  associate, diploma, and practical nursing programs in the United States and its  territories, including those offered via distance education.

Geographic Area of Accrediting  Activities: Throughout the United States.

**Title IV Note:** *Practical, diploma,  associate, baccalaureate, and higher degree nursing education programs that are  not located in an institutional accredited institutions may use accreditation  by this agency to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.*****

Nell Ard, PhD, RN, CNE, ANEFDirector 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 | Atlanta, Georgia  30326 P.  (404) 975-5000E.  nard@acenursing.org  www.acenursing.orgFor more information or to register, visit www.acenursing.org

**Accreditation Commission for  Midwifery Education**  1982/2018/W2023  Scope of recognition: the accreditation and pre-accreditation of basic  certificate, basic graduate nurse-midwifery, direct entry midwifery, and pre-certification  nurse-midwifery education programs, including those programs that offer  distance education.

Geographic Area of Accrediting  Activities: Throughout the United States. 

**Title IV Note:** *Accreditation by this  agency does not enable the entities it accredits to establish eligibility to  participate in Title IV programs*.

  Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education 2000 Duke Street, Suite 300Alexandria, Virginia 22314  Tel. (703) 835-4565   E-mail address:  Support@theacme.org  Web address: http://www.theacme.org

**Accreditation Council for Pharmacy  Education**  1952/2022/2023  Scope of recognition: the accreditation and pre-accreditation within the United  States of professional degree programs in pharmacy leading to the degree of  Doctor of Pharmacy, including those programs offered via distance education.

Geographic Area of Accrediting  Activities: Throughout the United States. 

**Title IV Note:** *Accreditation by this  agency does not enable the entities it accredits to establish eligibility to  participate in Title IV programs.*

Janet Engle, Executive Director  135 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 4100  Chicago, Illinois 60603  Tel. (312) 664-3575, Fax (312) 664-46522  E-mail address: jengle@acpe-accredit.org  Web address: www.acpe-accredit.org

**Accrediting Bureau of Health Education  Schools**  1969/2021/S2026  Scope of recognition: The  accreditation of private, postsecondary institutions in the United States  offering predominantly* allied health education programs leading to a  certificate, diploma, and degrees at the level of the Associate of Applied  Science, Associate of Occupational Science, Academic Associate, Baccalaureate  and Master's; and the programmatic accreditation of medical assisting, medical  laboratory technology, and surgical technology programs, through the Associate  degree, including those offered via distance education. The scope extends to  the Substantive Change Committee, jointly with the Commission, for decisions on  substantive change.

Geographic Area of Accrediting  Activities: Throughout the United States. 

**Title IV Note:** *Only freestanding allied  health education institutions and institutions that offer predominantly allied  health programs may use accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility  to participate in Title IV programs.*

India Tips, Executive Director6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 730North Bethesda, MD 20852Tel. (301) 291-7550, Fax (703) 917-4109E-mail address: itips@abhes.orgWeb address: www.abhes.org

**American Dental Association,  Commission on Dental Accreditation**  1952/2022/S2027  Scope of recognition: The accreditation of predoctoral dental education  programs (leading to the D.D.S. or D.M.D. degree), advanced dental education  programs, and allied dental education programs that are fully operational or  have attained “Initial Accreditation” status, including programs offered via  distance education.

Geographic Area of Accrediting  Activities: Throughout the United States. 

**Title IV Note:** *Accreditation by this  agency does not enable the entities it accredits to establish eligibility to  participate in Title IV programs*.

Sherin  Tooks, Director  Commission on Dental Accreditation  American Dental Association  211 East Chicago Avenue, 19th Floor  Chicago, Illinois 60611  Tel. (312) 440-2940, (800) 621-8099, Fax (312) 587-5107  E-mail address: tookss@ada.org  Web address: http://www.ada.org/coda

**American Occupational Therapy  Association, Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education**  1952/2022/S2023  Scope of recognition: the accreditation of occupational therapy educational  programs offering the professional master's degree, combined baccalaureate/master's  degree, and occupational therapy doctorate (OTD) degree; the accreditation of  occupational therapy assistant programs offering the  associate degree or a certificate; and the accreditation of these programs offered via distance education.

Geographic Area of Accrediting  Activities: Throughout the United States. 

**Title IV Note:** *Accreditation by this  agency does not enable the entities it accredits to establish eligibility to  participate in Title IV programs.*

Teresa Brininger  Director of Accreditation  6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200  North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929  Tel. (301) 652-6611x2981, Fax (240) 762-5140  E-mail address: tbrininger@aota.org  Web address: www.acoteonline.org

**American Optometric Association, Accreditation Council on Optometric Education**  1952/2018/S2023  Scope of recognition: the accreditation of professional optometric degree programs and optometric residency programs, and for the pre-accreditation category of Preliminary Approval for professional optometric degree programs, including those offered via distance education. 

Geographic Area of Accrediting Activities: Throughout the United States.

**Title IV Note:** *Accreditation by this agency  does not enable the entities it accredits to establish eligibility to  participate in Title IV programs.*

Stephanie A. Puljak, Director  243 North Lindbergh Boulevard, Floor 1  St. Louis, Missouri 63141  Tel. (314) 983-4246   , Fax (314) 991-4101  E-mail address: spuljak@aoa.org  Web address: www.theacoe.org

**American Osteopathic Association, Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation**  1952/2021/S2026  Scope of recognition: the accreditation and preaccreditation (“Provisional Accreditation”) of freestanding institutions and distance learning education programs of osteopathic medicine and of osteopathic medical programs leading to the degree of Doctor of Osteopathy or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.

Geographic Area of Accrediting  Activities: Throughout the United States

**Title IV Note:***Only freestanding schools or colleges of osteopathic medicine may use accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.*

Richard Winn, EdDSecretary to the Commission on Osteopathic College AccreditationAmerican Osteopathic Association142 East Ontario StreetChicago, Illinois 60611Tel. (312) 202-8484 Fax (312) 202-8424  E-mail address: predoc@osteopathic.orgWeb address: www.aoacoca.org

**American Physical Therapy  Association, Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education**  1977/2018/W2023  Scope of recognition: the accreditation and preaccreditation ("Candidate  for Accreditation") in the United States of physical therapist education  programs leading to the first professional degree at the master's or doctoral  level and physical therapist assistant education programs at the associate  degree level and for its accreditation of such programs offered via distance  education.

Geographic Area of Accrediting  Activities: Throughout the United States

**Title  IV Note:** *Accreditation  by this agency does not enable the entities it accredits to establish  eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.*

Candy  Bahner, Interim Director  Department of Accreditation  Trans Potomac Plaza  1111 North Fairfax Street  Alexandria, Virginia 22314  Tel. (703) 706-3245, Fax (703) 684-7343  E-mail address: candybahner@apta.org  Web address: www.apta.org

**American Podiatric Medical Association, Council on Podiatric Medical Education**  1952/2022/W2027  Scope of recognition: The accreditation and preaccreditation of freestanding colleges of podiatric medicine and programs of podiatric medicine, including first professional programs leading to the degree of Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, *including those offered via distance education*. Only freestanding schools or colleges of podiatric medicine may use accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.

Geographic Area of Accrediting  Activities: Throughout the United States. 

**Title IV Note:** *Only freestanding schools  or colleges of podiatric medicine may use accreditation by this agency to  establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.*

Heather M. Stagliano, Director  9312 Old Georgetown Road  Bethesda, Maryland 20814-1621  Tel. (301) 571-9200, Fax (301) 571-4903  E-mail address: hmstaglino@apma.org  Web address: www.cpme.org

**American Psychological Association,  Commission on Accreditation**  1970/2021/S2026  Scope of recognition: the  accreditation in the United States of doctoral programs in clinical,  counseling, school and combined professional-scientific psychology; doctoral  internship programs in health service psychology; and postdoctoral residency  programs in health service psychology; and the pre-accreditation in the United  States of doctoral internship programs in health service psychology;   and postdoctoral residency programs  in health service psychology.

Geographic Area of Accrediting  Activities: Throughout the United States. 

**Title IV Note:** *Accreditation by this  agency does not enable the entities it accredits to establish eligibility to  participate in Title IV programs.*

Jacqueline Remondet Wall, Director  Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation  750 First Street, NE  Washington, DC 20002-4242  Tel. (202) 336-5979, Fax (202) 336-5978  E-mail address: jwall@apa.org  Web address: www.apa.org/ed/accreditation

**American Speech-Language-Hearing  Association, Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language  Pathology**  1967/2021/W2026  Scope of recognition: The accreditation and pre-accreditation (Accreditation  Candidate) throughout the United States of education programs in audiology and  speech-language pathology leading to the first professional or clinical degree  at the master's or doctoral level, and the accreditation of these programs  offered via distance education.

Geographic Area of Accrediting  Activities: Throughout the United States. 

**Title IV Note:** *Accreditation by this  agency does not enable the entities it accredits to establish eligibility to  participate in Title IV programs.*

Gretchen Ehret HoshawChief Accreditation Officer2200 Research BoulevardRockville, Maryland 20850-3289Tel. (301) 296-5765E-mail address: gehret@asha.orgWeb address: caa.asha.org

**American Veterinary Medical  Association, Council on Education**  1952/2021/W2026  Scope of recognition: the accreditation and preaccreditation ("Provisional  Accreditation") in the United States of programs leading to professional  degrees (D.V.M. or V.M.D.) in veterinary medicine.

Geographic Area of Accrediting  Activities: Throughout the United States. 

**Title IV Note:** *Accreditation by this  agency does not enable the entities it accredits to establish eligibility to  participate in Title IV programs.*

Karen Martens Brandt  Director, Education and Research  1931 North Meacham Road, Suite 100  Schaumburg, Illinois 60173  Tel. (847) 925-8070, (800) 248-2862, Fax (847) 925-9329  E-mail address: kbrandt@avma.org  Web address: www.avma.org

**Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education**  2000/2018/S2023  Scope of recognition: the accreditation of nursing education programs in the  United States, at the baccalaureate, masters, doctoral, and certificate levels,  including programs offering distance education

Geographic Area of Accrediting  Activities: Throughout the United States

***Title IV Note:**** Accreditation by this agency  does not enable the entities it accredits to establish eligibility to  participate in Title IV programs.*

Jennifer  L. Butlin, Executive Director  One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 530  Washington, DC 20036-1120  Tel. (202) 887-6791, Fax (202) 887-8476  E-mail address: jbutlin@ccneaccreditation.org  Web address: www.ccneaccreditation.org

**Council  on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs**  1955/2018/S2023  Scope of recognition: The accreditation of institutions and programs of nurse  anesthesia at the post master`s certificate, master`s, or doctoral degree levels  , including programs offering distance education.

Geographic Area of Accrediting  Activities: Throughout the United States

**Title IV Note:** *Only hospital-based nurse  anesthesia programs and freestanding nurse anesthesia institutions may use  accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility to participate in Title  IV programs.*

Francis Gerbasi  Chief Executive Officer      10275 W. Higgins Rd., Suite 906      Rosemont, Illinois 60018-5603      Tel. (224) 275-9130      E-mail address: fgerbasi@coacrna.org      Web address: https://www.coacrna.org/about-coa/

**The Council on Chiropractic  Education**  1974/2022/W2027  Scope of  recognition: the accreditation of programs leading to the Doctor of  Chiropractic degree and single-purpose institutions offering the Doctor of  Chiropractic program.*Geographic Area of Accrediting  Activities: Throughout the United States.*

Craig S. Little, President  10105 E. Via Linda, Suite 103 – 3642  Scottsdale, AZ 85258    Tel. (480) 443-8877, Fax (480) 483-7333  E-mail address: little@cce-usa.org  Web address: www.cce-usa.org

**Council on Education for Public  Health**  1974/2019/W2024  Scope of recognition: the accreditation within the United States of schools of  public health and public health programs outside schools of public health, at  the baccalaureate and graduate degree levels, including those offered via  distance education.

Geographic Area of Accrediting  Activities: Throughout the United States.

**Title IV Note:** *Accreditation  by this agency does not enable the entities it accredits to establish  eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.*

Laura Rasar King, Executive  Director  1010 Wayne Avenue, Suite 220  Silver Spring, Maryland 20910  Tel. (202) 789-1050, Fax (202) 789-1895  E-mail address: lking@ceph.org  Web address: www.ceph.org

**Council on Naturopathic Medical  Education**  2003/2021/W2026  Scope of recognition: The  accreditation and preaccreditation throughout the United States of  graduate-level, four-year naturopathic medical education programs leading to  the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (NMD) or Doctor of Naturopathy (ND) including programs offered via distance education.

Geographic Area of Accrediting  Activities: Throughout the United States. 

***Title IV Note:**** Accreditation by this agency  does not enable the entities it accredits to establish eligibility to  participate in Title IV programs*

Daniel Seitz  Executive Director  P.O. Box 178  Great Barrington, Massachusetts 01230  Tel. (413) 528-8877  E-mail address: danseitz@cnme.org  Web address: www.cnme.org

**Joint Review Committee on Education  in Radiologic Technology**  1957/2022/W2027   Scope of recognition: the accreditation  of educational programs in radiography, magnetic resonance, radiation therapy,  and medical dosimetry, including those offered via distance education, at the  certificate, associate, and baccalaureate levels.

Geographic Area of Accrediting  Activities: Throughout the United States. 

**Title IV Note:** *Only hospital-based  radiologic technology programs and freestanding radiologic technology  institutions may use accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility to  participate in Title IV programs.*****

Leslie F. Winter, Chief Executive  Director  20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850  Chicago, Illinois 60606-3182  Tel. (312) 704-5300, Fax (312) 704-5304  E-mail address: mail@jrcert.org  Web address: www.jrcert.org

**Liaison  Committee on Medical Education**  1952/2018/S2023  Scope of recognition: the accreditation of medical education programs leading  to the M.D. degree.

Geographic  Area of Accrediting Activities: Throughout the United States. 

**Title  IV Note:** *Accreditation  by this agency does not enable the entities it accredits to establish  eligibility to participate in Title IV programs*.

Barbara  Barzansky, Co-Secretary  Liaison Committee on Medical Education  American Medical Association  330 North Wabash Avenue, Suite 39300  Chicago, Illinois 60611-5885  Tel. (312) 464-4933  E-mail address: barbara.barzansky@ama-assn.org  Web address: www.lcme.org

Veronica  M. Catanese, Co-Secretary  Liaison Committee on Medical Education  Association of American Medical Colleges  655 K Street, NW, Suite 100  Washington, DC 20001-2339  Tel. (202) 828-0596, Fax (202) 828-1125  E-mail address: vcantanese@aamc.org  Web address: www.lcme.org

**Midwifery  Education Accreditation Council**  2001/2021/W2026  Scope  of recognition: the accreditation and pre-accreditation throughout the United  States of direct-entry midwifery educational institutions and programs  conferring degrees and certificates, including the accreditation of such  programs offered via distance education.

Geographic  Area of Accrediting Activities: Throughout the United States.

**Title  IV Note:** *Only  freestanding direct-entry midwifery educational institutions may use  accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility to participate in Title  IV programs.*

Beatrix  Packmohr, Executive Director  850 Mt. Pleasant Avenue  Ann Arbor, MI 48103  Tel. (360) 466-2080  E-mail address: xecutivedirector@meacschools.org  Web address: www.meacschools.org

**National League for Nursing, Commission for Nurse Education Accreditation**2021/2021/W2026Scope of recognition: the preaccreditation and accreditation of nursing education programs, which offer a certificate, diploma or degree at the practical/vocational, diploma, associate, baccalaureate, masters, or doctoral levels, including those offered via distance education. This recognition extends to the Appeals Panel.

Geographic Area of Accrediting Activities: Throughout the United States.

Teresa Shellenbarger, Executive Director2600 Virginia Avenue NWWashington, DC 20037Tel. (202) 909-2487 E-mail address: tshellenbarger@nln.org Web address: https://www.nln.org/home

**National Nurse Practitioner Residency and Fellowship Training Consortium**2022/ S2026Scope of Recognition:  Accreditation of nurse practitioner (NP) postgraduate residency and fellowship training programs. This recognition also extends to the agency's Appeals Panel.

Geographic Area of Accrediting Activities: Throughout the United States.

**Title  IV Note:** *Accreditation by this agency does not enable the entities it accredits to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.*

Kerry BarmrickExecutive DirectorNational Nurse Practitioner Residency and Fellowship Training Consortium625 Main StreetMiddletown, CT 06457E-mail address:  Kerry.Bamrick@nppostgradtraining.com

Top

Part 602-Secretary's Recognition of Accrediting Agencies

PART 602--THE SECRETARY'S RECOGNITION OF ACCREDITING AGENCIES

Subpart A--General

Sec.602.1 Why does the Secretary recognize accrediting agencies?602.2 How do I know which agencies the Secretary recognizes?602.3 What definitions apply to this part? 

Subpart B--The Criteria for Recognition

Basic Eligibility Requirements 

602.10 Link to Federal programs.602.11 Geographic scope of accrediting activities.602.12 Accrediting experience.602.13 Acceptance of the agency by others.

Organizational and Administrative Requirements 

602.14 Purpose and organization.602.15 Administrative and fiscal responsibilities.

Required Standards and Their Application

602.16 Accreditation and preaccreditation standards.602.17 Application of standards in reaching an accrediting decision.602.18 Ensuring consistency in decision-making.602.19 Monitoring and reevaluation of accredited institutions and programs.602.20 Enforcement of standards.602.21 Review of standards. 

Required Operating Policies and Procedures 

602.22 Substantive change.602.23 Operating procedures all agencies must have.602.24 Additional procedures certain institutional accreditors must have.602.25 Due process.602.26 Notification of accrediting decisions.602.27 Other information an agency must provide the Department.602.28 Regard for decisions of States and other accrediting agencies. 

Subpart C--The Recognition Process

Application and Review by Department Staff

602.30 Activities covered by recognition procedures. 602.31 Agency submissions to the Department. 602.32 Procedures for Department review of applications for recognition or for     change in scope, compliance reports, and increases in enrollment.  602.33 Procedures for review of agencies during the period of recognition. 

Review by the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and  Integrity

  602.34   Advisory Committee meetings.602.35   Responding to the Advisory Committee’s recommendation.

Review and Decision by the Senior Department Official

602.36 Senior Department official's decision

Appeal Rights and Procedures

602.37 Appealing the senior Department official’s  decision to the Secretary. 602.38 Contesting  the Secretary's final decision to deny, limit, suspend, or terminate an  agency's recognition.

Subpart D--Department Responsibility

602.50 What  information does the Department share with a recognized agency about its  accredited institutions and programs?

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1099b, unless otherwise noted.

National Recognition of State Approval Agencies by the U.S. Secretary of Education

 The U.S. Secretary of Education also recognizes two categories of State agencies:

-   State agencies for the approval of public postsecondary vocational education , and 
- State agencies for the approval of nurse education . 

**Public Postsecondary Vocation Education**

The  criteria and procedures used by the Secretary  in designating a State agency as a reliable authority concerning the quality of  public postsecondary vocational education in a State are contained in Part 603 of  Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Those State agencies that have  requested recognition and have been determined to meet the established criteria are  granted recognition for a period not to exceed four years. The Secretary publishes  a list of those State agencies that he  recognizes as reliable authorities.

**Public Postsecondary Nursing Education**

The criteria and proceduresused by the Secretary in designating a State agency as a reliable authority  concerning the quality of training offered by schools of nursing in a State are  contained in regulations published in the January 16, 1969 FEDERAL REGISTER.  Those State agencies that have requested recognition and have been determined to  meet the established criteria are granted recognition for a period not to exceed  four years. The Secretary publishes a listof those State agencies that he recognizes as reliable authorities. 

**The Recognition Process for State Agencies**

The recognition procedures following by the Secretary in reviewing  State approval agencies are the same as those for accrediting agencies seeking  recognition by the Secretary. These procedures are set forth in detail in subpart  B of part 602. Other information related to a State agency's application for  recognition is provided below. 

**The Application for Recognition**

Agencies considering applying for initial recognition are encouraged to contact  Accreditation Group (AG) as early as possible to discuss their possible application and to afford  Department staff the opportunity to observe several agency site visits and decision  meetings.

State approval agencies desiring to be recognized by the Secretary of Education  must apply for recognition and must demonstrate their compliance with the Secretary's Criteria for Recognition. An agency's application for recognition generally  consists of evidence of the agency's compliance with the criteria for recognition  and supporting documentation.

There is no standard application form to be used by agencies applying for  recognition. Rather, an agency's application for initial recognition or renewal  of recognition consists of a narrative statement, organized on a criterion-by- criterion basis, showing how the agency complies with the Secretary's Criteria for Recognition. The narrative statement must be accompanied by clearly referenced  supporting documentation, including the agency's standards and procedures, published  lists of approved schools or programs, self-evaluation guidelines, guidance materials  for visiting team members, and sample completed self-evaluations and site visit  reports, as appropriate to the criteria used.

**Time Frame for Submission of an Application**

Accreditation Group (AG) accepts applications for initial recognition at any time.  To receive  consideration at a particular meeting of the National Advisory  Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity (NACIQI), an agency seeking initial  recognition must submit its petition at least six months in advance of that meeting.  Consideration of the agency's petition at the first NACIQI meeting  that occurs after the six-month time frame is not guaranteed, however, as AG  staff may need more to complete its independent evaluation of the agency.

Agencies that have been granted recognition by the Secretary are notified by the  Secretary, each time recognition is granted or renewed, of the expiration date of  their recognition period. They should plan to submit their application for  renewal of recognition approximately two years in advance of the summer or winter  meeting of the NACIQI meeting that precedes that expiration date.  AG usually notifies agencies a year in advance of the NACIQI at  which their renewal application is to be considered and informs them of the date  by which their application is due to AG. In the same notice, AG also requests a  schedule of the agencies' site visits and decision meetings for the upcoming year  in order to plan its observation of at least some of those activities.

**Staff Analysis of an Agency's Application**

The application review process conducted by the Department of Education  includes analysis of the application and observation of some of the agency's  site visit and decision-making activities by Department staff. Staff members  may also visit agency administrative offices to conduct interviews of agency staff  and to review the agency's facilities, records and administrative operations.  They may also conduct interviews or surveys of other persons, organizations, or  institutions concerning the applicant agency's approval process in order to  obtain further information relating to the agency's compliance with the Secretary's Criteria.  Department staff then prepares a written analysis of the agency's application for  recognition. 

An agency's application must be submitted to the Accreditation Group(AG) via the Department's e-Recognition system. The agency must contact the AG at the address below to discuss the application and gain access to the system.

> 
Accreditation GroupU.S. Department of Education   400 Maryland Avenue, SW, #270-12   Washington, DC 20202Telephone: (202) 453-7615 

**Hearing Before the NACIQI**

When Department staff completes its evaluation of an agency's application for  recognition, the agency's application is placed on the agenda of the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity. Department staff also  provides the NACIQI with the agency's application and supporting  documentation, its analysis of the application, all information it relied upon  in developing the analysis, any response by the agency to the analysis or  third-party comment, any Department concurrence with or rebuttal to the agency's  response, and any third-party information the Secretary receives regarding the agency.

The NACIQI meets at least twice a year to review petitions from  accrediting and State approval agencies. The usual times for the Committee  meetings are summer (July) and winter (February). Although each  member of the NACIQI receives every Department staff analysis of an application for recognition and all the other materials mentioned in the  preceding paragraph, the Executive Director of the NACIQI usually  assigns two or more Committee members to serve as principal readers for each  application.

An agency that applies for recognition is invited to make an oral presentation  before the NACIQI. The NACIQI also hears oral presentations from Department staff and from third parties who request to be heard.  

The NACIQI conducts its business in public, and a transcript  of the proceedings is made.  

**Recognition Decision**

The designated Senior Department Official makes the final decision regarding recognition or  renewal of recognition of a State agency. Agencies may be granted initial  recognition or renewal of recognition for a period of up to four years.

The Secretary's list of recognized State agencies is published periodically  in the FEDERAL REGISTER.

Criteria for the Recognition of State Agencies for Vocational Education

   • State Agencies Recognized for the Approval of Public Postsecondary Vocational Education     
 The following State agencies have been recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as reliable authorities as to the quality of public postsecondary vocational education in their respective States. The dates included with each entry are the date of the agency's initial recognition, the date of its last renewal of recognition, and the date of its next scheduled review.

**New York State Board of Regents, State Education Department, Office of the Professions (Public Postsecondary Vocational Education, Practical Nursing)**1974/2020/W2022-CScope of Recognition: State agency for the approval of public postsecondary vocational education in the field of practical nursing offered by a Board of Cooperative Educational Services, an Educational Opportunity Center, City School Districts, and County Boards of Supervisors to prepare persons for licensed practical nursing careers in the State of New York.

MaryEllen EliaCommissioner of Education  New York State Board of RegentsState Education DepartmentOffice of the Professions  (Public Postsecondary Vocational Education, Practical Nursing)89 Washington Avenue  Albany, New York 12234  Tel.(518) 474-5844, Fax (518) 473-4909E-mail address: commissioner@nysed.gov  Web address: www.nysed.gov

**Oklahoma Board of Career and Technology Education**  1976/2020/S2024Scope of recognition:the approval of public postsecondary vocational  education offered at institutions in the State of Oklahoma that are not under  the jurisdiction of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, including  the approval of public postsecondary vocational education offered via distance  education.

Marcie MackState DirectorOklahoma Board of Career and Technology Education Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education 1500 West Seventh AvenueStillwater, Oklahoma 74074-4364Tel. (405) 743-5444, Fax(405) 743-5541		E-mail address: dawn.lindsley@careertech.ok.gov  Web address: www.okcareertech.org

**Pennsylvania State Board of Career and Technical Education**  2004/2020/S2024

Pedro A. Rivera  Secretary of Education  Commonwealth of Pennsylvania  Department of Education  333 Market Street, 10th Floor  Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17126-0333  Tel: (717) 783-9780, Fax (717) 787-7222  E-mail address: parivera@pa.gov  Web address: www.education.state.pa.us

**Puerto Rico State Agency for the Approval of Public Postsecondary Vocational, Technical Institutions and Programs**  1983/2017/W2025

Eligio Hernandez-Perez  Secretary of Education  Puerto Rico State Agency for the Approval of Public Postsecondary Vocational, Technical  Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Department of Education  Post Office Box 190759  San Juan, Puerto Rico 00919-0759  Tel: (787)773-5800, Fax (787) 250-0275 E-mail address: hernandez_eli@de.pr.govk  Web address: www.de.gobierno.pr

Criteria and Procedures for Recognition of State Agencies for Nurse Education

For the purpose of determining eligibility for Federal assistance, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 296 the U.S. Secretary of Education is required to publish a list of recognized accrediting bodies, and of State agencies, which the Secretary determines to be reliable authorities as to the quality of training offered by schools and programs for diplomas, and associate, baccalaureate and graduate degrees in nursing. The following criteria for recognition of State agencies were published in the January 16, 1969 FEDERAL REGISTER. The Secretary will use these criteria in determining whether a State agency is a reliable authority as to the quality of training offered by schools of nursing.

**Criteria for State Agencies**

The State agency:

1. Is statewide in the scope of its operations and is legally authorized to accredit schools of nursing.

2. Makes publicly available:

a. Current information covering its criteria or standards for accreditation;

b. Reports of its operations;

c. Lists of schools of nursing which it has accredited. 

3. Has an adequate organization and effective procedures, administered by a qualified board and staff, to maintain its operation on a professional basis. Among the factors to be considered in this connection are that the agency:

a. Uses experienced and qualified examiners to visit schools of nursing to examine educational objectives, programs, administrative practices, services and facilities and to prepare written reports and recommendations for the use of the reviewing body - and causes such examinations to be conducted under conditions that assure an impartial and objective judgment; 

b. Secures sufficient and pertinent data concerning the qualitative aspects of the school's educational program; 

c. Requires each school of nursing accredited to follow clearly defined refund policies governing all fees and tuition paid by students; 

d. Enforces a well defined set of standards regarding a school's ethical practices, including recruitment and advertising; 

e. Requires each school of nursing accredited to submit a comprehensive annual report, including current data on: 

(1) Progress toward achievement of its stated objectives in nursing education:

(2) Qualifications and major responsibilities of the dean or director and of each faculty member:

(3) Policies used for selection, promotion, and graduation of students:

(4) Practices followed in safeguarding the health and well-being of students:

(5) Current enrollment by class and student-teacher ratios:

(6) Number of admission to school per year for past 5 years:

(7) Number of graduations from school per year for past 5 years:

(8) Performance of students on State board examinations for past 5 years: 

(9) Curriculum plan:

(10) Brief course description: 

(11) Descriptions of resources and facilities, clinical areas and contractual arrangements which reflect upon the academic program.

f. Regularly, but at least every 2 years, obtains from each accredited school of nursing: 

(1) A copy of its audited fiscal report, including a statement of income and expenditures:

(2) A current catalog.

g. Makes initial and periodic on-site inspections of each school of nursing accredited.

4. Has clear, written procedures for (a) the accreditation of a school of nursing or institution, (b) placing it on a probationary status, (c) revoking the accreditation, and (d) reinstating accreditation. 

The list of recognized accrediting agencies and State agencies that have been determined by the Secretary of Education to be reliable authorities as to the quality of training offered by schools of nursing will be published periodically in the FEDERAL REGISTER. For purposes of institutional and program accreditation, as provided for in the Nurse Training Act, the appropriate accrediting associations designated by the Secretary as "Nationally Recognized Accrediting Agencies and Associations "  will be included on the list.

The maximum period of recognition that may be granted to a State agency for the approval of nurse education is four years. Recognition of an agency will not denied or withdrawn without affording the agency an opportunity for a hearing by the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity.

   • State Agencies and Accrediting Bodies Recognized for the Approval of Nurse Education     
The following State agencies have been recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as reliable authorities as to the quality of nurse education in their respective States. The dates included with each entry are the date of the agency's initial recognition, the date of last renewal of recognition, and the date of its next scheduled review.

**Kansas State Board of Nursing**2007/2020/S2024

Carol Moreland  Executive Administrator  Landon State Office Building  900 S.W. Jackson Street, Suite 1051  Topeka, Kansas 66612-12330  Tel. (785) 296-4929, Fax (785) 296-3929  E-mail address: carol.moreland@ks.gov  Web address:http://www.ksbn.org

**Maryland Board of Nursing**  1985/2022/S2024
Rhonda ScottActing Executive Director 4140 Patterson AvenueBaltimore, Maryland 21215Tel. (410) 585-1953E-Mail adress: rhonda.scott2@maryland.gov    Web address:www.mbon.org

**Missouri State Board of Nursing**  1970/2020/W2025
Lori ScheidtExecutive DirectorP.O. Box 656 3605 Missouri Boulevard Jefferson City, Missouri 65102Tel. (573) 751-0681, Fax (573) 751-0075E-mail address: nursing@pr.mo.govWeb address: www.pr.mo.gov/nursing.asp

**New York State Board of Regents, State Education Department, Office of the Professions (Nursing Education)**        1952/2023/W2024

Mary Ellen Elia, Commissioner of EducationState Education DepartmentThe University of the State of New York89 Washington AvenueAlbany, New York 12234Tel. (518) 474-5844, Fax (518) 473-4909 E-mail address: commissioner@nysed.govWeb address: www.nysed.gov

**North Dakota Board of Nursing**  2002/2022/W2024

Stacey PfenningExecutive DirectorNorth Dakota Board of Nursing919 South 7th Street, Suite 504Bismarck, North Dakota 58504-5881Tel.(701) 328-9781, Fax (701) 328-9785E-mail address: spfenning@ndbon.orgWeb address: www.ndbon.org
Military/Federal Institution Degree Granting Authority
1954 Federal Policy Academic Degrees by Agencies

DoD Instructions 55450p

DoD Degree Granting Authority Job Aid

1 USC 8595 USNCC (Highlighted 6 Apr 22)
State Liaison  Last Modified: 03/20/2024