Accreditation is a formal recognition that an institution or program meets defined quality standards set by external agencies. It ensures academic credibility, continuous improvement, and eligibility for funding or licensure. This category includes key terms used by institutional leaders, quality assurance officers, and accreditation liaisons to manage the evaluation process and maintain compliance.
Accreditation affects institutional governance, curriculum design, and student trust. Understanding these terms helps stakeholders align operations with national and international standards and ensures transparency in public reporting.
Recognition granted to an entire institution indicating that it meets overall quality standards.
Accreditation focused on specific programs, such as engineering or nursing, granted by specialized agencies.
An official agency responsible for setting standards and conducting evaluations for accreditation.
A systematic process of monitoring and evaluating performance to ensure academic standards are met.
An on-site evaluation conducted by an accreditation team to assess institutional or program quality.
A comprehensive document prepared by an institution to demonstrate how it meets accreditation standards.
Accreditation is becoming more outcome-focused, with increased emphasis on student success, competency-based learning, and transparency. Institutions now use data analytics and dashboards to demonstrate compliance and progress in real time. Accreditation terms like "Self-Study Report" are evolving with digital formats and continuous reporting tools.