Any educational degree program that has been accredited offers a guarantee to its students that the curriculum they will follow, the training they will receive and the skills they will develop meet the rigorous expectations of the profession. Accreditation is the means by which a school can demonstrate the validity and stability of a particular degree program.
"CACREP equivalency" is a term that is used by programs that have not undergone an accreditation process; often, such programs offer many of the courses and training required by CACREP, but they have not as yet been reviewed or monitored by a professional entity such as CACREP to have their certification verified.
For students pursuing higher education in professional fields that require a license for practice, earning a degree from an accredited program makes the process much simpler. CACREP accreditation ensures that students have met all of the requirements to complete the expected professional course of study. While some licensing boards accept CACREP-equivalent coursework, often students who have not attended an accredited program must complete additional coursework and/or training hours. Additionally, the accreditation process guarantees that the program, coursework and training meet standards of quality that will thoroughly prepare students to enter the profession; a program that only offers equivalency has not undergone the same evaluation and scrutiny and may vary widely in quality. Finally, although each state controls its own licensing requirements, CACREP accreditation is a uniformly accepted set of criteria that is recognized across the U.S. For those who wish to practice in a different state than their graduate program, having a common base can be integral in securing licensure.
Most accredited programs will indicate their status in their information for prospective students. In order to determine the accreditation status of any program you might be considering, consult the CACREP directory (cacrep.org/directory).