Which term refers to an agency or organization evaluating a program or service to meet predetermined specifications and standards?

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

Answer: (B)

Accreditation is the process in which an external organization evaluates a program or service against predefined standards to ensure quality and safety. This formal review, often conducted by a recognized accrediting body, verifies that the program consistently meets those established specifications and earns official recognition for meeting them. Licensure, by contrast, is a government-granted permission to operate, usually tied to minimum requirements. Certification refers to meeting specific criteria for an individual or a particular program after assessment, often for credentials. Credential is the documentation that proves those qualifications have been met, not the evaluative process itself.