About ACCET

Founded in 1974, the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET) has been continuously recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a reliable authority on educational quality since 1978.  ACCET strives to identify, evaluate, and enhance the delivery of continuing education and training through an independent peer-evaluation process.   With a global reach, ACCET’s expansive scope is designed to support a diverse array of non-traditional post-secondary educational providers, including: 

  • Intensive English Pro­grams (IEPs)  
  • Postsecondary Career/Vocational Colleges 
  • Trade and Professional Associations  
  • Corporate Training Departments  
  • Religious  and Ethical Societies 
  • Public Affairs and Cultural Societies 
  • Social Science, Volun­teer, and Personal/Professional Develop­ment Organizations

Update and Announcement

From: Yadexy Sierra, Commission Chair Date:  March 22, 2022 Dear ACCET Members: As we announced last November, ACCET started a search for a new Executive Director. Today, it is my distinct pleasure to announce that the Accrediting Commission has confirmed, with a unanimous vote, the selection of Mr. Res Helfer as the Executive Director of ACCET. A Search Committee was appointed during the ACCET Annual Conference in November 2021. The committee conducted a comprehensive search process which included 51 applicants, narrowed to 10, then four (4) and finally two (2), resulting in the selection of Mr. Helfer. Mr. Helfer’s ACCET journey spans nearly 30 years, first as a student at an ACCET accredited school, then an instructor, and ultimately the owner for 20 years. He served as a Commissioner and Chair of the ACCET Commission. Finally, after successfully selling his school, he joined ACCET as a Senior Accreditation Coordinator. Mr. Helfer has participated in numerous site visits to vocational, avocational, and Intensive English Schools. He is widely known and respected by ACCET staff and members and has a deep understanding of accreditation, ACCET standards, and the ACCET culture. Res Helfer is passionate about ACCET and has an excellent vision for ACCET’s future. The ACCET Commission supports and admires Res Helfer and is confident in his ability to lead the agency for many years to come. Please join us in congratulating Res on assuming ACCET’s highest role as Executive Director. The Accrediting Commission also acknowledges and appreciates the leadership that our Deputy Executive Director, Kate Zulaski, demonstrated during the past several months, working together with long-term ACCET staff and collaborators to ensure the continuity of the organization and its service to our members. ACCET is truly A Partnership for Quality®.  Click here to download this announcement.