What Accreditation is Required For...?

There are many professions which require specialized licensing from the government to practice. Most often, state governments oversee the licensing process so specific requirements will vary by state. However, for professions such as teaching, engineering, law, and psychology a key component of most licensing processes is graduation from a properly accredited university. This is a way for the state to ensure that the education you received lived up to the high standards required by accrediting agencies.

Required Teaching Accreditation

Requirements for teachers vary from state to state, but all states must meet teacher quality requirements under the No Child Left Behind Act. Typically, state teacher certification requires a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution as well as a passing grade on a state-developed test. Middle and high school teachers must either major in the subject they wish to teach and/or pass a test in that subject area. Depending on the state, there may be additional requirements as well. Check with your state's Department of Education for specifics.

The two main accrediting agencies for teacher education programs are the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Teacher Education Accreditation Council. While it is not necessary that a teacher education program be accredited by one of these entities, it may make it easier to obtain a license. These programmatic accreditations are in addition to regionally based institutional accreditation.

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Required Engineering Accreditation

State engineering licenses require a degree from a program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) and 4 years of relevant work experience, as well as passing a state exam. Many states recognize engineering licenses from other states, assuming the standards are of comparable rigor. Professional engineering organizations also offer specialized certifications that demonstrate an engineer's skill level. It is advisable to check with the state where you plan to work for specific requirements.

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Required Law Accreditation

To practice law, individuals generally need a four-year college degree, a law school degree, and successful completion of the state bar exam in the state where they intend to practice. Since law school admission is highly competitive, students should be sure that they attend an undergraduate institution of high educational quality—typically, one accredited by one of the six main regional accrediting bodies. Law schools should be accredited by the ABA (American Bar Association).

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Required Psychology Accreditation

In order to become a licensed psychologist, individuals must meet state standards, which vary, but combine educational requirements, work experience, and professional examinations. The American Psychological Association accredits doctoral programs in psychology; students seeking degrees in this field should make sure that their program is accredited by the APA. Those wishing to pursue careers as school psychologists should also check their program's status with the National Association of School Psychologists.

Undergraduates who plan to attend graduate school whether in psychology, law or any other field should make sure that their undergraduate institution is accredited by one of the six main regional accrediting agencies. These accrediting agencies are most widely recognized for admission to graduate degree programs.

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Article References

The National Education Association
https://www.nea.org/home/12549.htm

The U.S. Department of Education
http://www.ed.gov/nclb/methods/teachers/hqtflexibility.html

The U.S. Department of Labor
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos027.htm
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos053.htm
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos069.htm
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos056.htm