The procedures and criteria for recognizing accrediting agencies are contained in Title 34 of the \Code of Federal Regulations. The procedures and criteria that go into effect July 1, 2000 were published in the Federal Register on October 20, 1999 as follows:

PART 602--THE SECRETARY'S RECOGNITION OF ACCREDITING AGENCIES

Subpart A--General

Sec.
602.1 Why does the Secretary recognize accrediting agencies?
602.2 How do I know which agencies the Secretary recognizes?
602.3 What definitions apply to this part?

Subpart B--The Criteria for Recognition

Basic Eligibility Requirements

602.10 Link to Federal programs.
602.11 Geographic scope of accrediting activities.
602.12 Accrediting experience.
602.13 Acceptance of the agency by others.

Organizational and Administrative Requirements

602.14 Purpose and organization.
602.15 Administrative and fiscal responsibilities.

Required Standards and Their Application

602.16 Accreditation and preaccreditation standards.
602.17 Application of standards in reaching an accrediting decision.
602.18 Ensuring consistency in decision-making.
602.19 Monitoring and reevaluation of accredited institutions and programs.
602.20 Enforcement of standards.
602.21 Review of standards.

Required Operating Policies and Procedures

602.22 Substantive change.
602.23 Operating procedures all agencies must have.
602.24 Additional procedures certain institutional accreditors must have.
602.25 Due process.
602.26 Notification of accrediting decisions.
602.27 Other information an agency must provide the Department.
602.28 Regard for decisions of States and other accrediting agencies.

Subpart C--The Recognition Process

Application and Review by Department Staff

602.30 How does an agency apply for recognition?
602.31 How does Department staff review an agency's application?

Review by the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity
602.32 What is the role of the Advisory Committee and the senior Department official in the review of an agency's application?
602.33 How may an agency appeal a recommendation of the Advisory Committee?

Review and Decision by the Secretary

602.34 What does the Secretary consider when making a recognition decision?
602.35 What information does the Secretary's recognition decision include?
602.36 May an agency appeal the Secretary's final recognition decision?

Subpart D--Limitation, Suspension, or Termination of Recognition Limitation, Suspension, and Termination Procedures

602.40 How may the Secretary limit, suspend, or terminate an agency's recognition?
602.41 What are the notice procedures?
602.42 What are the response and hearing procedures?
602.43 How is a decision on limitation, suspension, or termination of recognition reached?

Appeal Rights and Procedures

602.44 How may an agency appeal the subcommittee's recommendation?
602.45 May an agency appeal the Secretary's final decision to limit, suspend, or terminate its recognition?

Subpart E--Department Responsibilities

602.50 What information does the Department share with a recognized agency about its accredited institutions and programs?

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1099b, unless otherwise noted.