INSTITUTIONAL AND PROGRAM ACCREDITATION
for Higher Education and Training Institutions
including program endorsement and approval
AI-ENABLED
CONSULTANCY INCLUDES 1/ 3-DAY INTRODUCTORY ACCREDITATION AWARENESS SESSIONS [LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT] AND FULL CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR THE ENTIRE ACCREDITATION CYCLE
Colleges of Excellence - Endorsement Process
[CoE]
CONSULTANCY INCLUDES 1-DAY INTRODUCTORY ENDORSEMENT AWARENESS SESSIONS [LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT] AND FULL CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR THE ENTIRE ENDORSEMENT CYCLE
INTRODUCTORY 1-DAY TRAINING PROGRAM
ABOUT COLLEGES OF EXCELLENCE (CoE)
Programme Endorsement and Approval for Technical and Vocational Training
Colleges of Excellence (CoE) supports program design and development, quality assurance, and improvement of technical and vocational training programs within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The CoE program endorsement process provides a structured means for training organisations to demonstrate that their programs are designed and delivered in line with defined quality expectations, relevant occupational requirements, learner needs, and labour market demand.
Through the endorsement process, training institutions can demonstrate that their training programs:
a) Have clear aims, objectives, learning outcomes, and progression pathways.
b) Are relevant to occupational standards, sector requirements, and employer expectations.
c) Provide learners with a valuable, structured, and effective technical or vocational training experience.
d) Are supported by appropriate curricula, learning materials, assessment arrangements, facilities, equipment, and competent staff.
e) Are subject to quality assurance, monitoring, review, and continual improvement.
f) Contribute to the development of skilled national talent aligned with the needs of the Saudi labour market.
For training institutions, engagement with the CoE program endorsement process provides an opportunity to review program design, strengthen delivery arrangements, confirm assessment mechanisms, and ensure that supporting documentation and resources are aligned with the expectations of high-quality vocational training.
The CoE program endorsement process focuses on areas such as:
a) Program purpose, objectives, structure, duration, and intended outcomes.
b) Labour market relevance, sector requirements, and alignment with occupational or professional skills needs.
c) Curriculum design, content structure, learning outcomes, and training pathways.
d) Training delivery methods and the learner experience.
e) Assessment methods, assessment criteria, and mechanisms for demonstrating achievement.
f) Facilities, equipment, learning resources, and supporting materials.
g) Trainer competence, subject expertise, and sector knowledge.
h) Quality assurance, programme monitoring, review, and continual improvement.
i) Policies, procedures, records, and evidence supporting effective program management.
These areas provide a valuable framework for organisations seeking programme endorsement or approval, as well as for training providers wishing to strengthen existing technical and vocational programmes or develop new programmes in line with Saudi workforce priorities.
TSA Support for the CoE Program Endorsement Process
Training Solutions Arabia supports training providers in preparing programs for review, approval and endorsement within the Saudi technical and vocational education and training environment. Our consultancy services assist institutions in aligning program design, learning outcomes, assessment strategies and supporting documentation with relevant national requirements and the expectations of bodies such as Colleges of Excellence and other appropriate approval or quality assurance authorities.
From initial program review and gap analysis to documentation preparation, curriculum alignment and submission readiness, TS Arabia helps institutions develop robust, market-relevant training programs that are positioned for successful external review.
Training Solutions Arabia supports educational and training organisations throughout the Colleges of Excellence program endorsement.
Our consultant-led support may include:
Reviewing program documentation against endorsement and approval expectations.
Supporting the development of clear program aims, objectives, learning outcomes, and structures.
Strengthening curriculum design, review of study plans and adaptation to CoE requirements, course specifications, and training pathways.
Reviewing alignment with labour market needs, occupational requirements, and employer expectations.
Supporting assessment methodology, assessment criteria, moderation arrangements, and supporting evidence.
Reviewing trainer requirements, facilities, equipment, learning resources, and delivery arrangements.
Developing or improving policies, procedures, forms, registers, and program quality records.
Organising evidence files and documentation for program submission and review.
Supporting internal review, gap analysis, action planning, and readiness preparation.
Helping organisations use AI-enabled solutions to draft, review, organise, and align program documentation, while maintaining appropriate professional oversight, data protection, and quality controls.
Through expert guidance and practical support, TSA helps training organisations develop programs that are relevant, credible, well documented, and positioned to meet the quality expectations of technical and vocational training in Saudi Arabia.
Contact Training Solutions Arabia to discuss how we can support your institution through the Colleges of Excellence program endorsement process.
WHAT TSA WILL DO TOGETHER WITH OUR CLIENT PARTNERS
Given that accreditation processes can be exhausting and time-consuming, TSA will commit to a consultancy role in the preparation of the endorsement project, beginning with a one-day initial “get to know the CoE process” outlined in the chart above. These sessions for institutions offering training courses or programs will address all criteria of the endorsement process to give a comprehensive view of the road ahead and timeline for completion.
Cost of the CoE bundle: PRICE ON REQUEST [10 pax max]
The accreditation process itself, addressing the requirement areas plus housekeeping documentation, will be submitted via a proposal and cost estimate to be agreed upon with the accreditation team of the institution.
Home
CEA ACCREDITATION
COMMISSION ON ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROGRAM ACCREDITATION [CEA]
CONSULTANCY INCLUDES 3-DAY INTRODUCTORY ACCREDITATION AWARENESS SESSIONS [LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT] AND FULL CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR THE ENTIRE ACCREDITATION CYCLE
INTRODUCTORY 3-DAY TRAINING PROGRAM
ABOUT CEA [COMMISSION ON ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROGRAM ACCREDITATION
The establishment of CEA by name in 1999 led to the creation of a specialised accrediting agency that focuses on post-secondary intensive English language programs and institutions. CEA’s purpose is to provide a systematic approach by which programs and institutions can demonstrate their compliance with accepted standards, pursue continuous improvement, and be recognised for doing so. CEA conducts accreditation activities in the U.S. and internationally.
The CEA Standards for English Language Programs and Institutions comprise 44 individual standards in 11 standards areas. They were developed initially by an Accreditation Advisory Committee (AAC) that took into consideration the various English language program standards that existed in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The standard areas are based on those required by U.S. Department of Education regulations for accrediting agencies that seek recognition by that agency. The individual standards reflect good practice in the field of English language teaching and administration.
The CEA Standards form the basis for all accreditation activities. At eligibility, applicant programs and schools must have the structures in place to be reviewed on the basis of the standards. The site conducts a self-study and submits a self-study report in which it responds to prompts for each individual standard and evaluates itself against each standard. The review by a site visit team and the accreditation decision by the Commission are based on the site’s compliance with the standards.
The CEA Standards can also serve as standards of good practice for English language professionals and organisations interested in program improvement and especially to anyone in the initial stages of developing a new English language program or institution
Accreditation centres on 11 standard areas:
STANDARD AREA 1 - MISSION
STANDARD AREA 2 - PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT, PLANNING AND REVIEW
STANDARD AREA 3 - CURRICULUM
STANDARD AREA 4 - FACULTY
STANDARD AREA 5 - FACILITIES, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES
STANDARD AREA 6 - ADMINISTRATIVE AND FISCAL CAPACITY
STANDARD AREA 7 - STUDENT SERVICES
STANDARD AREA 8 - RECRUITING
STANDARD AREA 9 - LENGTH AND STRUCTURE OF PROGRAM OF STUDY
STANDARD AREA 10 - STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
STANDARD AREA 11 - STUDENT COMPLAINTS
WHAT TSA WILL DO TOGETHER WITH OUR CLIENT PARTNERS
Given that accreditation processes can be exhausting and time-consuming, TSA will commit to a consultancy role in the preparation of the accreditation project, beginning with a three-day initial “get to know the CEA process” outlined in the chart above. These sessions for institutions offering English language courses or programs will address all criteria of the accreditation to give a comprehensive view of the road ahead and timeline for completion.
Cost of the CEA bundle: PRICE ON REQUEST [10 pax max]
The accreditation process itself, addressing the 11 standard areas plus housekeeping documentation, will be submitted via a proposal and cost estimate to be agreed upon with the accreditation team of the institution.
Home
ACCET ACCREDITATION
ACCREDITING COUNCIL FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION AND TRAINING
CONSULTANCY INCLUDES 3-DAY INTRODUCTORY ACCREDITATION AWARENESS SESSIONS [LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT] AND FULL CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR THE ENTIRE ACCREDITATION CYCLE
INTRODUCTORY 3- DAY TRAINING PROGRAM
ABOUT ACCET
Founded in 1974, the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET) has been continuously recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a reliable authority on educational quality since 1978. ACCET strives to identify, evaluate, and enhance the delivery of continuing education and training through an independent peer-evaluation process. With a global reach, ACCET’s expansive scope is designed to support a diverse array of non-traditional post-secondary educational providers, including post secondary vocational training colleges.
ACCET standards cover nine main areas of good practice:
I- MISSION, CORE VALUES, ETHICS AND PLANNING
II- GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
III- FINANCIAL CAPACITY AND RESPONSIBILITY
IV- CURRICULUM DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT
V- INSTRUCTIONAL DELIVERY AND RESOURCES
VI- QUALIFICATIONS AND SUPERVISION OF INSTRUCTIONAL PERSONNEL
VII- ADMISSIONS AND STUDENT SERVICES
VIII- STUDENT ASSESSMENT AND ACHIEVEMENT
IX- INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS
WHAT TSA WILL DO TOGETHER WITH OUR CLIENT PARTNERS
Given that accreditation processes can be exhausting and time-consuming, TSA will commit to a consultancy role in the preparation of the accreditation project, beginning with a three-day initial “get to know the ACCET process” outlined in the chart above. These sessions will address the main and some would say critical areas of the accreditation to give a comprehensive view of the road ahead and timeline for completion.
Cost of the ACCET bundle: PRICE ON REQUEST [10 pax max]
The accreditation process itself, addressing the 9 standard areas plus housekeeping documentation, will be submitted via a proposal and cost estimate to be agreed upon with the accreditation team of the institution.
Home
ABET ACCREDITATION [ETAC]
ACCREDITATION BOARD FOR ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY [ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY ACCREDITATION COMMISSION]
CONSULTANCY INCLUDES 3-DAY INTRODUCTORY ACCREDITATION AWARENESS SESSIONS [LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT] AND FULL CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR THE ENTIRE ACCREDITATION CYCLE
INTRODUCTORY 3-DAY TRAINING PROGRAM
ABOUT ABET [ETAC]
The establishment of ABET by name in 1980 created a a nonprofit, non-governmental agency that accredits programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering and engineering technology. ABET accreditation provides assurance that a college or university program meets the quality standards of the profession for which that program prepares graduates. This is achieved through a series of commissions for different areas based on academic profiles. Each commission such as ETEC [Education and Training Evaluation Commission] supports different disciplines at the appropriate academic level.
Accreditation centres on 8 criteria:
CRITERION 1 - STUDENTS
CRITERION 2 - PROGRAM EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
CRITERION 3 - STUDENT OUTCOMES
CRITERION 4 - CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
CRITERION 5 - CURRICULUM
CRITERION 6 - FACULTY
CRITERION 7 - FACILITIES
CRITERION 8 - INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT
WHAT TSA WILL DO TOGETHER WITH OUR CLIENT PARTNERS
Given that accreditation processes can be exhausting and time-consuming, TSA will commit to a consultancy role in the preparation of the accreditation project, beginning with a three-day initial “get to know the ABET process” outlined in the chart above. These sessions for institutions offering engineering technology will address all criteria of the accreditation to give a comprehensive view of the road ahead and timeline for completion. Please note that it is now required to have national accreditation (Saudi Arabia) granted before requesting accreditation through ABET.
Cost of the ABET bundle: PRICE ON REQUEST [10 pax max]
The accreditation process itself, addressing the 5 standard areas plus housekeeping documentation, will be submitted via a proposal and cost estimate to be agreed upon with the accreditation team of the institution.
Home
MASAR ACCREDITATION
NATIONAL CENTER FOR TRAINING EVALUATION & ACCREDITATION
CONSULTANCY INCLUDES 3-DAY INTRODUCTORY ACCREDITATION AWARENESS SESSIONS [LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT] AND FULL CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR THE ENTIRE ACCREDITATION CYCLE
INTRODUCTORY 3-DAY TRAINING PROGRAM
ABOUT MASAR
The establishment of MASAR supports ETEC [Education and Training Evaluation Commission] to fulfil its mandates towards the training sector in KSA, which include evaluating and accrediting the training institutes and programs, licensing trainers and evaluating trainees, in order to achieve the goals of Vision 2030 in regard to the training sector. MASAR is responsible for the development and implementation of the institutional and program accreditation standards based on objective and documented forms and processes. The Institutional Technical and Vocational Accreditation Standards for training institutes consist of:
8 main areas of good practice in 8 standards and with 37 sub-standards:
STANDARD 1- EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT
STANDARD 2- GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
STANDARD 3- ADMISSION AND TRAINEE SERVICES
STANDARD 4- PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND ASSESSMENT
STANDARD 5- TRAINING AND RESOURCES
STANDARD 6- TRAINEE ACHIEVEMENT
STANDARD 7- TRAINER QUALIFICATION AND DEVELOPMENT
STANDARD 8- SUSTAINABILITY AND EFFECTIVENESS
WHAT TSA WILL DO TOGETHER WITH OUR CLIENT PARTNERS
Given that accreditation processes can be exhausting and time-consuming, TSA will commit to a consultancy role in the preparation of the accreditation project, beginning with a three-day initial “get to know the MASAR process” outlined in the chart above. These sessions will address the main and some would say critical areas of the accreditation to give a comprehensive view of the road ahead and timeline for completion.
Cost of the MASAR bundle: PRICE ON REQUEST [10 pax max]
The accreditation process itself, addressing the 8 standard areas plus housekeeping documentation, will be submitted via a proposal and cost estimate to be agreed upon with the accreditation team of the institution.
Home
NCAAA ACCREDITATION
NATIONAL CENTER FOR ACADEMIC ACCREDITATION AND ASSESSMENT
CONSULTANCY INCLUDES 3-DAY INTRODUCTORY ACCREDITATION AWARENESS SESSIONS [LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT] AND FULL CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR THE ENTIRE ACCREDITATION CYCLE
INTRODUCTORY 3-DAY TRAINING PROGRAM
ABOUT NCAAA [NATIONAL CENTER FOR ACADEMIC ACCREDITATION AND ASSESSMENT
The establishment of NCAAA by name in November 2016 led to the rebirth of a specialised accrediting agency in higher education that focuses on:
Accreditation of higher education institutions and programs within the Kingdom.
Organizing and monitoring programs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia applying for academic accreditation from international bodies.
Follow up the quality of accredited higher education institutions and their programs.
Conducting evaluation studies in favor of institutions and programs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Cooperation with various relevant sectors in and out of the Kingdom.
Accreditation of international institutions and programs seeking accreditation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia or abroad.
The NCAAA Institutional Accreditation Standards for Higher Education Institutionscomprise slightly different standard areas for institutional and programmatic accreditation. Institutional accreditation assesses the entire institution, including all its functions and services. It is broader and covers governance, support services, and overall effectiveness. Program accreditation is focused on individual academic programs (e.g., BSc in Computer Science, MPP in Public Policy) and how well they meet educational and professional standards. They were developed against the backdrop of the National Qualifications Framework which among other aims, established level descriptors in terms of knowledge and skills acquisition.
The institutional accreditation standard areas serve as indicators of good practice to be harnessed by higher educational institutions whose goal it is to add value through program and institutional quality improvement:
INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITATION
STANDARD AREA 1 - MISSION and OBJECTIVES
STANDARD AREA 2 - GOVERNANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
STANDARD AREA 3 - MANAGEMENT OF QUALITY ASSURANCE AND IMPROVEMENT
STANDARD AREA 4 - LEARNING AND TEACHING
STANDARD AREA 5 - STUDENTS
STANDARD AREA 6 - TEACHING STAFF
STANDARD AREA 7 - LEARNING RESOURCES, FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT
STANDARD AREA 8 - FINANCIAL PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT
STANDARD AREA 9 - INSTITUTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE COMMUNITY
PROGRAM ACCREDITATION
Context of the Program
Including mission, goals, learning outcomes, and alignment with national qualifications framework (NQF).
Governance and Management (program level)
Teaching and Learning
Including curriculum design, delivery and assessment
Students
Admissions, support, progression, and learning outcomes
Faculty and Staff
Qualifications, performance, and development
Learning Resources, Facilities and Equipment
Program Management and Quality Assurance
Relationship with the Community
WHAT TSA WILL DO TOGETHER WITH OUR CLIENT PARTNERS
Given that accreditation processes can be exhausting and time-consuming, TSA will commit to a consultancy role in the preparation of the accreditation project, beginning with a one-day initial “get to know the NCAAA process” outlined in the chart above. These sessions for institutions offering training courses or programs will address all criteria of the accreditation to give a comprehensive view of the road ahead and timeline for completion.
First of all, as your partner we will help you decide on which accreditation path to choose - institutional or program accreditation.
In Saudi Arabia, under NCAAA guidelines, institutional accreditation is generally expected before program accreditation. However, this is not a strict legal requirement in all cases, and exceptions exist, especially under certain conditions.
Preferred Sequence
Institutional accreditation first, then program accreditation.
This is because program accreditation relies on the quality systems, governance, and infrastructure of the institution — which are validated in institutional accreditation.
Exceptions
A program can apply for accreditation even if the institution is not fully accredited, provided the program demonstrates it meets the standards independently.
This is more common for:
New or stand-alone programs
Private institutions or new universities/colleges
Pilot programs aligned with national priorities (e.g., Vision 2030 sectors)
In such cases, NCAAA may require additional documentation or assurance about the institution’s readiness and internal quality assurance systems.
The NCAAA has publicly clarified:
"Institutional accreditation is not a prerequisite for program accreditation, but institutions without institutional accreditation must provide stronger evidence that the institution’s support systems meet required standards."
(Source: NCAAA guidelines and FAQ documents)
Also to consider
Programs cannot rely on institutional systems that do not meet standards. So, a weak or unaccredited institution makes program-level success harder.
Many institutions pursue institutional accreditation first to ease the process of getting multiple programs accredited later.
If your institution doesn’t yet have institutional accreditation but is planning to apply for program accreditation:
Ensure robust internal QA systems
Align with the NCAAA’s 2018 framework
Document program-level governance, assessment, and support services clearly
Cost of the NCAAA bundle: PRICE ON REQUEST [10 pax max]
The accreditation process itself, addressing the requirement areas plus housekeeping documentation, will be submitted via a proposal and cost estimate to be agreed upon with the Leadership and accreditation team of the institution.
Home