The Council on Occupational Education (COE) provides a pathway for institutions accredited by another U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency to seek accreditation with COE. Institutions pursuing a change in institutional accreditor must demonstrate alignment with COE's Mission, Standards, and Conditions of Accreditation through a structured review process.

Accreditation does not automatically transfer from one accrediting agency to another. Institutions seeking to transition to COE must be accredited and in good standing with their current accreditor and successfully complete COE's transition process before accreditation may be granted.

Institutions interested in pursuing accreditation with COE should begin by completing the Preliminary Application. Additional information regarding eligibility requirements, application procedures, and transition requirements is available in the COE Handbook of Accreditation.

The transition pathway consists of five phases:

1. Initial Inquiry & Eligibility Screening – Institutions submit preliminary information and documentation to determine eligibility for the transfer process.
2. Transition to COE Accreditation Workshop – Institutional leadership participates in a required orientation to learn about COE standards, expectations, and requirements.
3. Provisional Transfer I (PTI) Months 0-6 – Institutions execute the Provisional Transfer Agreement and attend mandatory compliance workshops.
4. Provisional Transfer II (PTII) Months 6-12– COE conducts a formal accreditation visit and comprehensive institutional evaluation.
5. Accreditation and Membership – Qualified institutions may be awarded accreditation by Commission action and enter COE’s ongoing accreditation cycle.

Throughout the process, institutions must remain in good standing with their current accreditor and demonstrate compliance with applicable federal requirements and COE's Standards and Conditions of Accreditation. COE evaluates each institution individually and reserves the right to determine an institution's progression through each phase of the transition process.

Accreditation Standards, Objectives, and Criteria (The Accreditation Process (Section IV in our Handbook of Accreditation)

Ready to Explore Accreditation with COE?

Complete the Preliminary Application for Institutions Seeking to Change Accrediting Agencies to begin the transition process. Following an eligibility review, COE staff will contact your institution regarding the next steps.

If you have any questions, please contact Monique Campbell at monique.campbell@council.org or 770-396-3898 ext.101 or 800-917-2081 ext.100