Does a certificate or diploma program have to be accredited?

No, a certificate or diploma program does not *have* to be accredited. Accreditation is a voluntary process where an external organization evaluates a program's quality and adherence to certain standards. While highly recommended, especially if you plan to use the credential for career advancement or further education, it's not legally mandated for all certificate or diploma programs. Many reputable institutions offer non-accredited programs. However, the value and recognition of a non-accredited certificate or diploma may be significantly less than an accredited one.