National Recognition of Accrediting Associations by the U.S. Secretary of Education sets forth the policy followed by the Secretary of Education in recognizing accrediting associations. Nationally Recognized Accrediting Agencies provides a list of the accrediting associations that have received federal recognition under the terms of 34 CFR 602 and the law governing student financial assistance eligibility. National Recognition by Other Bodies Accreditation is conducted by private membership associations of institutions and program faculty. The quality assurance standards required of member associations of CHEA and ASPA are similar to those required of associations eligible for federal recognition, and most CHEA and ASPA members that meet the free-standing institution requirement of federal law have also sought recognition by the Secretary of Education. There are no specific federal laws or regulations governing the recognition of associations that accredit primary and secondary schools, nor are there established national recognition bodies outside government.
Most states have laws requiring such accreditation by state-chartered schools.
Private schools that are accredited by other associations that are recognized by federal agencies, such as the Departments of Defense and State, are also generally considered to be recognized. Refer to Recognized Accrediting Associations.