The Need for Quality Assurance

To address these challenges, the idea of accreditation was born. Accreditation involves a rigorous process where an independent, authoritative body evaluates and verifies that organizations meet specific standards of quality and competence. This process helps to establish a level playing field and ensures that consumers can trust the products and services they use.

By implementing accreditation, industries could adopt best practices, adhere to consistent standards, and continuously improve their offerings. This step was essential in building a foundation of trust and reliability, which in turn spurred innovation and progress across various sectors.

The Impact of Accreditation

The introduction of accreditation led to significant improvements in the quality of services, products, and practices. Industries such as healthcare, education, and technology began to see the benefits of adhering to accredited standards. Products became safer, services more reliable, and practices more efficient.

Healthcare

In the healthcare sector, accreditation ensures that hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities meet stringent quality standards. In the US, 80% of hospitals are accredited by a single organization, The Joint Commission, which support hospitals into navigating the process and interpreting standards.[1] Accreditation results in better patient care, improved safety protocols, and enhanced treatment outcomes. In addition, patient satisfaction scores for accredited hospitals are consistently higher than 90%, showcasing the efficacy of accreditation in guaranteeing high-quality medical care and satisfying patient experiences.[2] Accreditation also helps healthcare providers stay up-to-date with the latest medical advancements and best practices, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Technology

Accreditation also allows individuals to build trust and reliability in the technology industry. For example, organizations that have earned the ISO/IEC 27001 certification from accredited certification bodies are more likely to be trusted by 84% of consumers, and with good reason.[3] Accreditation allows customers and staff to see company dedications to best practices in a different light, giving them security in certain products and services. In addition, such certified companies can stand out in the market due to the safety and reliability of their partners, therefore strengthening their reputation and building useful connections with clients and collaborators.

Education

In the education sector, accreditation ensures that institutions provide quality education and meet established standards. In education, accreditation guarantees that schools, colleges, and universities maintain high educational standards. Accredited institutions provide quality education, ensuring that students receive a comprehensive and rigorous learning experience. This, in turn, enhances the institution's reputation and increases the value of the degrees and certificates it awards.
For example, a university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission must undergo regular reviews and demonstrate that it offers a robust curriculum, qualified faculty, and adequate student support services. This gives students confidence that they are receiving a valuable education that will be recognized by employers and other institutions, but not only that.

Accredited universities have a 35% higher graduation rate compared to non-accredited institutions, thus reflecting the importance accreditation has on the credibility of a student’s future, as well as the success for educational institutions as well.[4] Accreditation is what encourages universities to innovate and improve their programs to stay competitive and meet the evolving needs of students.

Enhancing Professional Skills: Continued Education

Accreditation also plays a vital role in enhancing professional skills. Individuals can now get certified against accredited programs that attest to their knowledge and competence in various fields. These certifications provide a benchmark for excellence, ensuring that professionals are well-equipped to meet industry standards and deliver high-quality work. Accredited certifications are highly regarded in the job market, opening doors to better career opportunities and professional growth.

For instance, a professional aiming to become an ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Auditor can pursue certification through TRECCERT, which is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) National Accreditation Board (ANAB). This certification involves a comprehensive process, including rigorous examination, to ensure that the individual has the expertise to audit information security management systems according to the ISO/IEC 27001 standard.