Which term describes the external evaluation of an educational program to ensure it meets standards and quality benchmarks?

• A. Accreditation
• B. Licensure
• C. Credential
• D. Certification

Answer: (A)

Accreditation is the external evaluation of an educational program or institution by an independent body to verify that it meets established standards and quality benchmarks. The process usually involves a self-study by the program, a site visit by evaluators, and ongoing requirements for improvement, creating a credible signal to students and stakeholders that the program meets recognized quality criteria. Licensure, in contrast, is government-issued permission to operate or offer certain programs and focuses on legal authorization rather than a broad quality assessment. A credential is a document showing that someone has achieved a qualification, and certification typically validates specific competencies or standards, often for individuals or particular aspects of a program rather than the overall program’s external evaluation.