Accreditation and Certifications

Accreditation represents the quality and integrity of an organization and offers public assurance that the institution provides rigorous and relevant programs that meet the needs of students. Integrity and credibility are validated by an objective process that examines all aspects of the organization and provides an opportunity for organizations to self-assess effectiveness and to stimulate improvement by aligning to operational and programmatic standards. California’s career and college readiness organizations may achieve school-wide accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and/or the Council on Occupational Education (COE).

Additionally, California’s career and college readiness programs work with state and federal agencies, professional associations, and trade organizations to provide industry-validated certifications to document students’ skills and competencies and to ensure that programs are aligned with the regional labor market, workforce, and economic development priorities.  Examples of those agencies and associations are listed below.

Industry-Specific Accreditation Agencies

  • American Association of Medical Assistants
  • American Red Cross and American Heart Association
  • Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
  • National Craft Assessment & Certification Program
  • National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians
  • National Health Career Association, Inc.

Federal Department and Agency Approval

  • United States Department of Education – Title IV Financial Aid
  • Work Keys National Career Ready Certification

California Department and Agency Approval

  • Board of Vocational Nursing & Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT)
  • California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
  • California Dental Board
  • California Department of Health Services
  • Department of Consumer Affairs

Course-Industry Sector Certifications/Endorsement/Approvals

  • National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF)
  • National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
  • Automotive Youth Educational Systems (AYES)
  • Project Lead the Way-Biomedical and Engineering
  • CISCO
  • National Craft Assessment & Certification Program (NCCER)
  • American Welding Society
  • Bureau of Security and Investigative Services