The commission on English language program accreditation is a specialized agency for the accreditation of English language programs and institutions in the United States. The agency, known as the CEA, advances standards, promotes excellence in English Language teaching and learning for students and their sponsors. Students planning to study English in the US benefit greatly from the existence of an accrediting agency that can help choose an appropriate setting for their study.

What is accreditation?

Accreditation is a means by which a profession sets standards and monitors itself. To be accredited, a program or school undertakes a vigorous process of self-study in which it shows that it meets a set of nationally accepted standards. It then undergoes review by trained peer reviewers and evaluation by an independent body, usually a council or commission.

Unlike in many other countries, where standards of education are the responsibility of a central government bureau, accreditation in the US has developed as a private, voluntary system of nongovernmental evaluation. Public universities and colleges are accredited by large regional accrediting agencies. There are also specialised accrediting agencies for specific professions. As one of these specialised agencies, CEA accredits both English language programs in universities and colleges and stand-alone independent English language schools.

What is CEA's purpose?

CEA was created by English language teaching professionals who wanted a means to help international students and their sponsors identify English language programs and institutions that meet recognized standards. Students can be assured that a program or institution accredited by CEA will provide the student what it says it provides in its marketing and recruiting materials

CEA offers two kinds of accreditation - Programmatic and Institutional. CEA accredits English language programs in postsecondary colleges and institutions, including community colleges. These programs offer courses in English as a second language and help students prepare for academic study. CEA also accredits English language institutions. These are independent schools that offer intensive English language training and may also offer other programs, such as short-term teacher training or instruction on other languages. They may or may not be connected to a university.

How do students benefit from CEA accreditation?

Choosing an English language program can be overwhelming. Books and websites give comprehensive information about the various schools, and students usually make choices based on the programs offered, length of the program of study, student services provided, costs of tuition and the location of the school. However, accreditation gives them additional information. They are assured that the English language instruction they receive in an accredited program or institution will be of high quality and will prepare them to reach their goals, be they academic, professional or personal.

What does CEA accreditation mean?

Programs and institutions that seek CEA accreditation must offer an intensive English program for non-native speakers of English, which meets at least 18 hours a week for at least 8 months of the calendar year.

CEA assigns a team of professionals in the field of English language teaching to review each site that seeks accreditation. They then carry out an onsite review to determine whether the site meets the standards. The 52 standards fall into 10 standard areas:

Mission
Curriculum
Faculty and facilities
Equipment and supplies
Administrative and fiscal capacity
Student services
Recruiting
Length and structure of the program of study
Student achievement
Student complaints.

In order to give a fair and overall assessment reviewers look over faculty resumes, visit classes and interview the faculty. In essence then, accreditation by CEA means that an English Language Program has undergone a comprehensive self-study and review by an outside entity and has met the standards set by the field.

Are programs and institutions accredited forever?

Initial accreditation by CEA is for five years. During that period, an accredited site must submit an annual report in which it affirms that it continues to meet the CEA Standards and in which it reports on progress towards meeting any requirements the Commission sets for accreditation. Before the end of the five year period, a site must seek reaccredidation.

How can I find an accredited program?

CEA posts a list of accredited programs on its web site, which is updated after each meeting of the Commission. You can click on the name of an accredited school and go directly to the school's web site. Over 90 programs and institutions are currently in the process of seeking accreditation, and the numbers of accredited sites will continue to grow over the years. Accredited programs may also indicate their CEA accreditation in their brochures, student packets and advertisements. You can access the CEA website on www.ceaaccredit.org You can also find out more about what accreditation means, read the CEA Standards, and see the list of accredited programs and schools. You can also contact the CEA directly at the following address for a list of accredited English language programs and institutions.

Commission on English
Language Program
Accreditation
700 S. Washington St.,
Suite 200, Alexandria,
Virginia USA 22314
Tel: (703) 518-2481

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