HEAC has devised a vigourous scrutinizing process through which the business practices of accrediting organizations is assessed. HEAC recognition standards include:

Advance academic quality. Accreditors are required to have a clear definition of quality and clear expectations that the institutions or programs they accredit have process to determine whether quality standards are being met.

Demonstrate accountability. Accreditors are required to have standards that call for institutions and programs to provide consistent, reliable information about academic quality and student achievement to foster continuing public confidence and investment.

Encourage purposeful change and needed improvement. Accreditors are required to encourage planning for purposeful change and scrutiny for needed improvement through ongoing self-examination in institutions and programs.

Employ appropriate and fair procedures in decision-making. Accreditors are required to maintain appropriate and fair organizational policies and procedures that include effective checks and balances.
Continually reassess accreditation practices. Accreditors are required to undertake self-scrutiny of their accrediting activities.

At present, HEAC recognizes six governmental regional accrediting organizations that accredit traditional universities, and four non-governmental International Accrediting Organizations that accredit online universities providing distance learning. To view these organizations, click on the appropriate link below: