Accreditation is just as important for trade schools as it is for other educational programs. Several trades require licensure and additionally, many states call for licensure of the trade schools themselves. Accreditation reassures students they are receiving an education of quality and that they are learning skills from a reliable source. Credits earned from unaccredited schools will not usually transfer to other schools. Moreover, employers may be less inclined to hire graduates from unaccredited institutions.
Trade schools are accredited by several regional and national accrediting bodies. The U.S. Department of Education lists an array recognized organizations on their website, including the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) and the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT).
The six regional accrediting bodies in the United States are:
- Middle State Association of Colleges and Schools
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges
Resources associated with trade school education are listed below:
- Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET)
- American Technical Education Association (ATEA)
- Association for Career and Technical Education
- International Vocational Education and Training Association
Professions related to trade school education may be of interest. Please visit our partner sites found at AllSchools.com for a comprehensive list of various disciplines.
