Accreditation means an independent group has checked a program to make sure it meets important industry standards. It’s like a quality seal that shows the program is trustworthy, meets professional expectations, and follows the right rules.
In more technical terms, access I.C.E.’s free terminology document.
What are the Different Types of Programs that can be Accredited?
Certification Programs: I.C.E. offers accreditation for certification programs through the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). Certification programs that receive NCCA accreditation demonstrate compliance to Standards for the Accreditation of Certification Programs. Learn more about NCCA.
Certificate Programs: I.C.E. offers accreditation for Assessment-based Certificate Accreditation Programs through the ICE 1100 Standard.
Licensure: Official permission from the government to work in a certain job. To get licensed, a person must meet certain standards or qualifications. Only people who meet those standards can legally use the job title. The main purpose of licensure is to protect the public’s health and safety.
Understand the Difference Between a Certificate and Certification Program
A common question when exploring accreditation is, “what type of program do I have?”. Utilize this chart and explore more resources on our site to understand your program type.
| Assessment-based Certificate Program |
Professional or Personnel Certification Program |
| PURPOSE: Build capacity and recognition of a specialty area of practice or set of skills |
PURPOSE: Recognize professionals who meet established knowledge, skills, or competencies |
| Provides instruction and training (non-degree granting) |
Assesses knowledge, skills, and/or competencies previously acquired |
| Goal is for participants to acquire specific knowledge, skills, and/or competencies |
Goal is to validate the participant's competency through a conformity assessment system |
| Assessment is used to evaluate mastery of the intended learning outcomes; linked directly to the learning event |
Assessment is best used to assure baseline competencies and to differentiate professionals; independent of a specific learning event |
| Assessment content may be narrower in scope |
Assessment content is usually broad in scope |
| Awards a certificate to recognize mastery of the specific learning outcomes; it is NOT a certificate of attendance or participation, which is awarded to individuals who have attended or participated in a course or training program but did not have to demonstrate mastery of the intended learning outcomes |
Awards designations to recognize achievement |
| To earn accreditation, complies with the ICE 1100 Standard and follows the ACAP application procedures |
To earn accreditation, complies with the NCCA Standards for the Accreditation of Certification Programs and follows the NCCA application procedures |
Credentialing is an umbrella term that includes the concepts of accreditation, licensure, registration, professional certification, and education.
Certification is a voluntary process that measures whether someone meets set standards of knowledge and skills. Those who pass earn a credential that is valid for a set period of time. To keep it, they must stay up to date and show ongoing competence.
Importantly, certification assessments are independent—they are not tied to any single class, course, or training provider.
Certificate: A non-degree program that teaches specific knowledge or skills. If the program ends with a test to confirm what was learned, it’s called an assessment-based certificate program.
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I want to…
- Understand the different types of credentialing programs.
- Communicate the value of accreditation.
- Understand the difference between a certificate and certification program.
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I want to…
- Communicate the value of accreditation.
- Understand your path to accreditation.
- Learn more about NCCA accreditation process for certification programs.
- Learn more about the NCCA maintenance of accreditation process for certification programs.
- Learn more about ACAP accreditation process for certificate programs.
- Learn more about the ACAP maintenance of accreditation process for maintenance certificate programs.
- Access education on accreditation.