1. Identify the Accrediting Agency: Your diploma or transcript should list the institution that granted the degree or certificate. Contact that institution's registrar's office or admissions office. They should be able to tell you which accrediting agency (or agencies) they are accredited by, if any. Look for this information on official documents like your diploma, transcript, or the institution's website.
2. Check the Accrediting Agency's Website: Once you know the name of the accrediting agency, go to their official website. These agencies usually have a database where you can verify the accreditation status of institutions. Search for your institution's name. Note that some accrediting agencies only accredit specific types of institutions (e.g., universities, vocational schools, etc.).
3. Verify the Agency's Legitimacy: Make sure you are checking the website of a *recognized* accrediting agency. In the United States, the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) maintain lists of recognized accrediting agencies. If the accrediting agency isn't listed there, its accreditation may not be widely accepted. Other countries have their own equivalent organizations.
4. Understand the Type of Accreditation: There are different levels and types of accreditation. Regional accreditation is generally considered the most prestigious for higher education institutions. Programmatic accreditation focuses on specific programs within an institution. National accreditation is another type, but its recognition varies. The level of accreditation matters; a nationally accredited program may be less widely recognized than one with regional accreditation.
5. Consider the Relevance of Accreditation: The importance of accreditation depends on your intended use of the diploma. For example, many employers will only accept degrees from regionally accredited institutions. Licensure boards may also require graduation from an accredited program. If you plan on using your diploma for professional licensing or further education, confirming accreditation is crucial.
In short, you need to start with your institution, get the accrediting agency's name, and then verify that agency and your institution's accreditation status on the agency's official website and/or relevant governmental databases.