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

Updated ACCET Guidance – COVID-19 Temporary Flexibilities

At its April 2023 meeting, the Accrediting Commission of the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET) conducted a review of the COVID-19 Temporary Flexibilities that the Commission had previously approved. With the anticipated conclusion of the national COVID-19 emergency on May 11, 2023, the Commission voted to terminate the temporary flexibilities on September 1, 2023, to return to normal operations, with a grace period extending until October 1, 2023.

This guidance is relevant to all ACCET member institutions still operating under the temporary flexibilities, including:

  • Temporary closure
  • Temporary relocation (IEP)
  • Temporary interactive distance learning (IDL)
  • Externships (rescheduled, capstone course in lieu of externship)
  • Labs (rescheduled, simulated, didactic classes instead of labs)
  • Verification of high school completion status
  • Leave of absence (waive written LOA request)

Institutions that wish to pursue final approval for IDL methodology are advised to submit a program application as soon as possible to ensure no interruption to the online delivery of programs.

Click here to view the full April 29, 2023 update to ACCET guidance on COVID-19 temporary flexibilities.