NCCA

National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA)

The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) is a non-profit organization in the United States dedicated to ensuring the health, welfare, and safety of the public through the accreditation of a variety of certification programs/organizations that assess professional competence. The NCCA was established in 1987 by the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE), formerly known as the National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA).

Overview

The NCCA's primary function is to provide accreditation to organizations that demonstrate compliance with its Standards for the Accreditation of Certification Programs. The NCCA Standards are periodically reviewed and updated to reflect the current best practices in the field of credentialing. Accreditation by the NCCA is recognized as a mark of quality. It signifies that the certification program operates in a consistent, comparable, and reliable manner.

Accreditation Process

The accreditation process involves a comprehensive evaluation of the certification program against the NCCA's Standards. This includes an assessment of the program's policies and procedures, governance, psychometric procedures, and the fairness, validity, and reliability of its assessment instruments. Programs that achieve accreditation must undergo a re-evaluation every five years to maintain their status.

Benefits of NCCA Accreditation

Accreditation by the NCCA benefits certification programs, professionals holding the certification, and the public. For certification programs, it enhances their credibility and legitimacy. Professionals benefit from the recognition and value that come with holding a credential from an NCCA-accredited program. The public is assured that certified professionals have met rigorous standards for knowledge and skills in their field.

Criticism and Challenges

While NCCA accreditation is widely recognized and respected, it is not without its critics. Some argue that the process can be resource-intensive and may not be accessible to smaller, less-funded certification programs. Others question whether the standards and processes are adaptable enough to keep pace with rapidly evolving professions.

Related Organizations

• Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE)
• American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
• International Accreditation Service (IAS)

See Also

• Professional certification
• Credentialing
• Accreditation