Why is Accreditation Important to Education?

There are many postsecondary education institutions to choose from when seeking to advance your career education. Some are your standard four-year degree universities and colleges, while others are trade or vocational schools. And while it can be great to have multiple options to choose from, it can also become complicated trying to determine which reputable institutions will provide you with the highest quality of education to advance your career. One of the best ways to judge the degree of excellence of an educational institution is through accreditation.

What is Accreditation?

Accreditation serves to recognize the quality of an educational institution and of the programs it offers. It certifies that a school meets the standards of academic excellence and encourages the continuous improvement of education. Additionally, in order to maintain accreditation, an institution must prove its programs are placing its students in training-related careers. 

Accreditation is awarded by independent accrediting agencies recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and/or the U.S. Department of Education.

In order to be accredited, an institution must voluntarily submit to an evaluation upon initial application based on established qualifications and standards, and periodically after. There are two types of educational accreditations:

Institutional Accreditation

Institutional accreditation, as the name implies, generally applies to an entire institution. This does not mean that all the courses or programs offered by the institution are accredited or provide the same level of education, but rather that each part of the institution contributes to the achievement of educational excellence.

Institutional accreditation can be earned from regional and/or national accrediting agencies. 

Specialized/Programmatic Accreditation

Specialized or programmatic accreditation typically applies to specific departments or programs, not the whole institution. However, it still serves to recognize that particular department or program as meeting the standards of academic excellence to prepare students for careers within that field.

A Nationally Accredited Institution

Seeking an accredited institution is critical for the success of your career education journey. Not only does it ensure a high-quality education, but accreditation is also important for receiving financial aid, transferring credits, and even standing out to potential employers.

VDCI is North America’s first nationally accredited CAD & BIM institution. Since our founding, we have been held to the highest academic standards for our programs, faculty, and students’ success.

We are accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET). ACCET is recognized by CHEA and complies with the standards for higher education required by the U.S. Department of Education.

If you’re interested in nationally accredited training for a career in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (A/E/C) industry, explore our Certificate Programs or Fast-Track Programs today.