Accreditation is a process in which a programme of study or institution is assessed for its standard and given official recognition. The accreditation process is intended to strengthen and sustain the quality and integrity of educational provisions, making it worthy of public confidence.

Accordingly, the Barbados Accreditation Council establishes guidelines, procedures and standards for educational providers seeking accredited status, whether for the institution, or for particular programmes. Institutional accreditation is concerned with the evaluation of an entire institution, while programme accreditation is concerned with the quality of a specific course or programme of study.

The Council’s granting of accreditation status to an institution is an expression of confidence in the institution’s mission and goals; the quality of faculty and students; the quality of academic programmes and the level and appropriateness of resources. The primary consideration of the Council, in the decision to confirm or reaffirm accreditation, is the assurance of quality education by member institutions.