The process for the recognition of accrediting agencies is set forth in 34 CFR Part 602 Subpart C. A summary of the application and recognition process is provided below.
Accrediting agencies seeking 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's compliance with the Secretary's Criteria for Recognition set forth in 34 CFR part 602, and supporting documentation. A State approval agency seeking recognition is reviewed using different criteria.
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 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 statements for two fiscal years
- Published list of accredited and preaccredited, if applicable, institutions and/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 basic eligibility requirements and can demonstrate compliance with all of the Secretary’s 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.
Agencies seeking initial recognition should contact the AG to begin the application process. The agency will be provided with the information needed to submit information and documentation through the Department's e-Recognition system to demonstrate compliance with the basic eligibility requirements. Once an agency demonstrates compliance with the basic eligibility requirements, it would be allowed to submit a complete petition for initial recognition.
An agency considering applying for initial recognition is encouraged to contact the AG to discuss its possible application and to afford staff the opportunity to observe several accreditation activities and to conduct file reviews. Observation of an agency's on-site evaluations and decision meetings by AG staff is a critical component of the review of an agency's application.
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. AG staff will also consider whether the new agency has been organized under conditions that reasonably ensure its stability and permanence.
An agency must contact the AG at the address below to begin the review process and gain access to the e-Recognition system.
Accreditation Group
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW,
Washington, DC 20202
Telephone: (202) 453-7615
Application for Continued Recognition
Accrediting agencies that have been granted recognition by the Secretary are officially notified in a letter each time recognition is granted or renewed. Accrediting agencies must submit their applications for renewal of recognition at least 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, the AG 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 and other activities by AG staff. AG staff members will also 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 Secretary’s 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 accrediting agencies. 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, the NACIQI's and Department staff's recommendations concerning recognition are forwarded to the senior Department official (SDO), who makes the decision regarding recognition. An agency that disagrees with the decision of the SDO 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 (with a maximum of four years for State approval agencies).
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 AG concerning the requirements.