1977
In cooperation with the federal government, the National Commission for Health Certifying Agencies (NCHCA) was formed to develop standards of excellence for voluntary certification programs in healthcare.
1989
The National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA) was created to serve as a membership association for credentialing bodies. The standard-setting organization NCHCA became the accrediting body of NOCA. Because the scope of the standards broadened to include certifications for individuals in all professions and occupations, it changed its name to the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) at this time to accommodate the changed scope.
2009
As NOCA became the worldwide leader in providing knowledge and information to assist certification professionals in developing and managing high-quality certification programs, the Board of Directors recognized its broadening scope and the need to redefine the organization. The Board proposed a name change for the organization that was approved by the membership, and NOCA became the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (I.C.E.).
Today
I.C.E. is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing educational, networking and advocacy resources for the credentialing community. It has no affiliation with the Department of Education or other government agencies.
I.C.E. is accredited by the American National Standards Institute as a Standards Developer. I.C.E.'s accrediting body, the NCCA, evaluates certification organizations for compliance with the NCCA Standards for the Accreditation of Certification Programs. NCCA's Standards exceed the requirements set forth by the American Psychological Association and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. I.C.E. also accredits assessment-based certificate programs for compliance with the ICE 1100 Standard.