Accreditation refers to a voluntary process in which postsecondary schools and colleges apply to an independent, non-governmental body to review their school and programs against standards. There are many different accreditation bodies depending on the field of instruction. If a school is accredited by an accrediting body, this can be one indication that the school is committed to quality and institutional improvements, and also that it meets a set of minimum standards established by the accreditor.
Accreditation is not required for any career school or college to be licensed by the Texas Workforce Commission to operate in Texas. However, for a school to participate in federal grant and loan programs to be able to offer those to its students, it must be accredited by a U.S. Dept. of Education - recognized accrediting agency. Also, for a school to be permitted to offer any degree program in Texas, it must be accredited by an accrediting body that is recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). The Council for Higher Education Accreditation also evaluates and recognizes accrediting agencies.
The geographical scope of some accreditation agencies is regional, while others have a national scope. Regional accrediting agencies accredit public universities and colleges, as well as some private colleges. Accredited postsecondary schools and colleges offering career, technical or vocational education are usually accredited by national accreditation agencies.
Below are listed links to the major accrediting bodies used by career schools and colleges licensed by the Texas Workforce Commission. They are all recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. At these linked pages, you can learn about the accrediting body or check their listings to see which schools they accredit.
Accrediting Bodies Most Frequently Used by Licensed Career Schools in Texas
- Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
- Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)
- Accrediting Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE)
- Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET)
- Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)
- Distance Education and Training Council (DETC)
- American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE)
- National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST)