In 1977, in cooperation with the federal government, the National Commission for Health Certifying Agencies (NCHCA) was formed to develop standards of excellence for voluntary certification programs in healthcare. In 1989 the name was changed to the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) to accommodate all professions and industries.
The National Commission Certifying Agencies (NCCA) Standards for the Accreditation of Certification Programs were the first standards developed by the credentialing industry for professional certification programs. The NCCA Standards were developed to help ensure the health, welfare, and safety of the public. They highlight the essential elements of a high-quality program.
The 2014 NCCA Standards were implemented for the accreditation of certification programs through August 31, 2022. The 2021 NCCA Standards were implemented beginning January 31, 2023.
The NCCA standards are consistent with The Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing (AERA, APA, & NCME, 1999) and are applicable to all professions and industries. NCCA has accredited more than 315 programs from more than 130 organizations. NCCA accredited programs certify individuals in a wide range of professions and occupations including:
Accreditation for professional or personnel certification programs provides third-party validation that a program has met recognized national and international credentialing industry standards for development, implementation, and maintenance of certification programs.
NCCA Accredited Program Search - Institute for Credentialing Excellence