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All National Accreditation Agencies

Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools

The (ABHES) specializes in national accreditation for private postsecondary institutions that offer career-specific health education, such as pharmacy technician, massage therapist, and emergency medical technician programs. The bureau also grants programmatic accreditation to public and private programs in medical assisting, medical laboratory technology, and surgical technology. ABHES promotes educational excellence by holding institutions to rigorous standards and encouraging continuous improvement in healthcare education. The U.S. Department of Education recognizes the bureau.

Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges

The (ACCSC) is the primary accreditor of vocational and technical schools in the United States. The commission has been accrediting schools for over 50 years, including over 650 postsecondary schools focusing on occupational, trade, and technical career training. Recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, ACCSC strives to be an authority on educational quality, provide opportunities for students, and help develop a highly trained, competitive workforce.

Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training

The (ACCET) evaluates non-collegiate institutions that provide adult educational training and organizations offering continuing education, such as corporate training programs. The council’s scope includes private career schools, corporate training departments, intensive English language programs, trade associations, labor union training programs, religious organizations, public affairs societies, and volunteer organizations. ACCET supports student satisfaction, success, and employability by thoroughly reviewing programs and institutions. The U.S. Department of Education officially recognizes the council.

Association of Advanced Rabbinical and Talmudic Schools

The (AARTS) is an independently-run organization comprising rabbinical and Talmudic training experts. The nonprofit organization has been setting educational standards in the field since 1974. As a historical authority, AARTS advocates for traditional teachings and modern thought in rabbinical and Talmudic education. The association holds accredited postsecondary programs to high standards in education, finance, and graduate requirements to ensure academic quality. AARTS is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.

Association for Biblical Higher Education

The (ABHE) mandates that its accredited schools require students to pass a core of biblical and theological studies, general studies, and professional studies. ABHE is committed to promoting excellence and forging a new mold for Christian education. Along with undergraduate education, many ABHE-accredited institutions have established seminaries and graduate divisions and conduct academic research. ABHE is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.

Association of Institutions of Jewish Studies

The (AIJS) reviews postsecondary schools offering programs specializing in Jewish studies and related disciplines. Through comprehensive evaluations of institutions, AIJS ensures member schools continually uphold and improve their quality of education, encouraging overall excellence in the academic field. The association reviews postsecondary schools providing undergraduate-level programs in traditional Jewish studies topics, such as Biblical studies, Jewish law, practice and customs, Talmudic and rabbinical studies, Jewish ethics and history, and the study of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Yiddish. The U.S. Department of Education recognizes AIJS.

Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools

The  (ATS Commission on Accrediting) accredits graduate schools across the U.S. and Canada that offer ministry or theological discipline programs. Its scope includes Christian, Jewish, multi-denominational, and nondenominational schools. The Association of Theological Schools centers on four core values: diversity, quality and improvement, collegiality, and leadership. The ATS Commission on Accrediting incorporates more than 260 accredited graduate theological schools, all of which uphold ten standards set by the commission to support student learning and success in theological studies. The Commission on Accrediting has been evaluating member schools since 1936 and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.

Council on Occupational Education

The  (COE) evaluates postsecondary institutions focusing on occupational education. Its scope includes public technical colleges, private career colleges, Job Corps Centers, and Army, Navy, and Department of Defense institutions. Founded in 1971, the council works to ensure educational institutions meet the needs of the labor market by supporting student success. Recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, COE oversees more than 430 institutions granting diplomas, certificates, or applied associate degrees.

Distance Education Accrediting Commission

The (DEAC) is a national accrediting agency that promotes and develops distance learning as a viable alternative to traditional learning systems. DEAC accredits schools and colleges that encompass over 500 online degrees, correspondence programs, and other forms of distance education. Accredited schools range from small, local educational institutions to large multinational operations. The commission accredits schools and colleges by examining their educational, ethical, and business practices, approving only those who meet its strict criteria. DEAC is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.

National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences

The (NACCAS) is an independent nonprofit agency that reviews postsecondary schools offering cosmetology arts and sciences courses. NACCAS was formed in 1969 when two accrediting agencies in the field came together to create the Cosmetology Accrediting Commission. The commission accredits 1,300 institutions serving more than 120,000 students nationwide, upholding academic excellence through its outlined standards. The U.S. Department of Education officially recognizes NACCAS.

Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools

The (TRACS) is an accrediting agency for Christian institutions, colleges, universities, and seminaries. Founded in 1979, the voluntary, nonprofit organization serves over 80 accredited schools in 21 states and six international locations. Member schools are encouraged to provide students with a quality education while fostering spiritual development. TRACS is also a member of the American Council on Education and the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education, an agency promoting academic quality in higher education worldwide. TRACS is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.

Bottom Line

In February 2020, the initiated a groundbreaking change by officially eliminating the traditional distinction between national and regional accrediting agencies within educational accreditation. This bold step followed the Department's decision in 2019 to repeal the long-standing regional monopoly rules, effectively permitting accrediting agencies to operate across regional boundaries and compete with one another. This pivotal decision fundamentally reshaped the landscape of institutional accreditation in the United States. As a result, the distinction between national and regional accreditors collapsed, paving the way for a unified set of institutional accreditors. 

While the transformation was profound, the term "national accreditors" continues to persist colloquially. Overall, this shift has contributed to greater consistency and competitiveness within the accreditation system, benefiting educational institutions and students alike.