ACISC™ supports the concept that periodic evaluation entered into voluntarily by institutions and their peers enhances the quality of the educational process and demonstrates that self-regulation of a profession is superior to outside regulation.

To help institutions and peer evaluators meet their responsibilities in conducting the process, ACISC™ has developed and periodically has revised a set of policies, procedures, and standards governing the activity. Whether seeking new accreditation or wishing to renew, institutions must be in compliance with these criteria in order to receive ACISC™ accreditation. These criteria incorporate all changes agreed to by the institutions-as well as organizational modifications-since the last published edition.

Embodied in these criteria is ACISC™’ belief that accredited institutions should at all times demonstrate a high standard of professional conduct involving educational practices and business ethics. Accreditation is not a regulatory process in the legal sense. More than simple conformity to standards, the Council encourages a continuous striving for excellence. Only those institutions that subscribe to this tenet should seek accreditation.