Accreditation is a process of recognizing educational institutions for performance, integrity, and quality that entitles them to the confidence of the educational community and the public. In the United States this recognition is extended through professional associations that have the responsibility for establishing criteria, visiting, evaluating, and approving those educational institutions and programs of study that meet their criteria. Accreditation implies stimulation toward quality improvement beyond the minimum standards specified by the accrediting body. The essential purpose of the accreditation process is to provide a professional judgment as to the quality of the educational institution or program of study offered and to encourage continual improvement thereof.

HCC and SACS delegations in Vietnam

In the USA, The Regional Accrediting Bodies System is the most prestigious educational accrediting system. There are six regional accrediting bodies, responsible for accrediting institutions of higher education incorporated within their regional boundaries. Of these, the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) is said to be the strictest and most prestigious accrediting body.

SACS's most important categories for accreditation
SACS has approximately 450 standards and criteria for accreditation purposes. Nine of the most important categories are: