Accreditation Plan Resources

Section 94885.1 of the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009 requires that the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education's (Bureau) degree-granting institutions be accredited.

This web page was created as a resource for institutions seeking accreditation. Sample accreditation plans and contact information for the most common national and regional accrediting agencies in California are listed below, in addition to other helpful resources. For additional information on accreditation click here.

Accrediting Agency Contact Information Scope of Accreditation Sample Accreditation Plan & Resources
Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) (407) 207-0808
info@abhe.org
ABHE accredits institutions of higher education in which the Bible is central, and the development of Christian life and ministry is essential. Sample ABHE Plan
Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) Crystal Calarusse
Associate Executive Director of Program Development and Innovation
ccalarusse@abhes.org
(571) 282-0061
ABHES institutionally accredits private, postsecondary institutions offering predominantly allied health education programs leading to a certificate, diploma, Associate of Applied Science, Associate of Occupational Science, Academic Associate degree, Baccalaureate degree, or Master's degree, including those offered via distance education. Sample ABHES Plan
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) accjc@accjc.org
(415) 506-0234
The ACCJC is a regional accrediting agency that accredits community colleges and other associate degree-granting institutions in the Western Region, which includes California. Sample ACCJC Plan
Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) (703) 247.4212
info@accsc.org
ACCSC’s scope of recognition with the U.S. Department of Education includes the accreditation of postsecondary, non-degree-granting institutions and degree-granting institutions that are predominantly organized to educate students for occupational, trade and technical careers. Sample ACCSC Plan
Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET) info@accet.org
202-955-1113
Institutions that offer postsecondary certificates, diplomas, or degrees up to the Associate’s level. If the institution offers more advanced degrees, specifically at the bachelor’s degree level and above, that entity will not be eligible for accreditation. Sample ACCET Plan
Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) Ms. Perliter Walters-Gilliam,
Vice President of Accreditation
(202) 336-6769
pwgilliam@acics.org
ACICS accredits institutions that offer programs in professional, technical, and occupational fields, through the Master's Degree level. Sample ACICS Plan
Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA)
Non-Degree Programs Only
Heidi Vellenga, Associate Director
hvellenga@cea-accredit.org
(703) 665-3400
The Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA) is a specialized accrediting agency that focuses on postsecondary intensive English language programs and institutions.
CEA DOES NOT accredit degree programs.
http://cea-accredit.org/accreditation/forms
http://cea-accredit.org/accreditation/process
Council on Occupational Education (COE) Alex Wittig
Associate Executive Director of Institutional Compliance
800-917-2081, Ext 202
alex.wittig@council.org
COE accredits institutions offering postsecondary instruction exclusively in career and technical education at all campuses, and credentials no higher than an applied associate degree. Additionally, at least 50 percent of the institution’s full-time students must be enrolled in traditional (non-distance education) programs. Sample COE Plan
Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) Nan Ridgeway,
Director of Accreditation
(202) 234-5100, Ext 103
nan.ridgeway@deac.org
The Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) is an institutional accreditor of distance education institutions. DEAC provides accreditation up to professional doctoral degree-granting institutions. Sample DEAC Plan
National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences (NACCAS) Tony Mirando, M.S., D.C.
NACCAS Executive Director
amirando@naccas.org
NACCAS is a national agency for the institutional accreditation of postsecondary schools and departments of cosmetology arts and sciences, including specialized schools. Sample NACCAS Plan
Transactional Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) Kristin Runion, Receptionist
(434) 525-9539
Info@tracs.org
TRACS is a national institutional accrediting agency for Christian postsecondary institutions, colleges, universities, and seminaries. TRACS is authorized to pre-accredit and accredit institutions offering certificates, diplomas, and associate, baccalaureate, and graduate degrees; including institutions that offer distance education and/or correspondence education. Sample TRACS Plan
Western Association of Schools and Colleges – Senior College and University Commission (WASC Sr.) https://www.wscuc.org/
webforms@wscuc.org
WASC Sr. is a regional accrediting agency serving a diverse membership of public and private higher education institutions in California, Hawaii, and the Pacific, that offer one of more programs leading to the baccalaureate or higher degree. Sample WASC Senior Plan

Additional Resources

For Institutions Awaiting Provisional Bureau Approval:

Accreditation Basics
U.S. Department of Education Accreditation Information
California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009
Title 5, Division 7.5 California Code of Regulations
Notice to Institutions Regarding 'Self Teach-Outs'