لهيئة تقويم التعليم والتدريب

Overview

The Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC) (Arabic: هيئة تقويم التعليم والتدريب) is the principal governmental authority in Saudi Arabia responsible for the evaluation, assessment, and accreditation of educational and training systems. Established by Council of Ministers Resolution No. 94 in 1438 AH (2017 CE), ETEC operates under the auspices of the Prime Minister, ensuring its independence in both financial and administrative matters. Its mandate encompasses both public and private sectors, aiming to enhance the quality and effectiveness of education and training in alignment with national development goals.

Historical and Legal Framework

ETEC was founded in 2017 through a royal decree that consolidated various educational evaluation bodies into a single entity. This restructuring aimed to streamline and strengthen the oversight of educational quality across the Kingdom. The commission's legal foundation ensures its autonomy while maintaining alignment with the broader objectives of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which emphasizes the development of a knowledge-based economy and the enhancement of human capital.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives; Role in Higher Education

Mission: ETEC's mission is to elevate the quality and efficiency of education and training in Saudi Arabia to internationally recognized standards. This involves rigorous evaluation and accreditation processes that ensure institutions and programs meet established criteria of excellence.

Vision: To be a leading force in transforming education and training systems, fostering environments that promote innovation, critical thinking, and lifelong learning.

Objectives:

• Develop and implement comprehensive evaluation frameworks for educational institutions.
• Accredit programs and institutions based on rigorous quality assurance standards.
• Provide guidance and support to institutions in enhancing educational outcomes.
• Collaborate with international bodies to align Saudi educational standards with global benchmarks.

In higher education, ETEC plays a pivotal role by accrediting universities and academic programs, ensuring they meet national and international standards. This process supports the development of graduates equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute effectively to society and the economy.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

ETEC operates as an independent body, administratively and financially linked to the Prime Minister. Its governance structure includes a Board of Directors responsible for strategic oversight and a Secretariat General that manages day-to-day operations. The commission's independence is crucial for maintaining objectivity and credibility in its evaluation and accreditation processes.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

ETEC's accreditation processes are central to its mission. The National Center for Academic Accreditation and Evaluation (NCAAA), an integral part of ETEC, oversees the accreditation of higher education institutions and programs. NCAAA's standards are aligned with international frameworks, ensuring that accredited programs meet global quality benchmarks. In 2022, ETEC became a provisional signatory of the Washington Accord and a full signatory of the Seoul Accord in 2024, reflecting its commitment to international standards in engineering and information technology education.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

ETEC actively engages in international collaborations to enhance the quality of education and training in Saudi Arabia. It is a member of several global networks, including the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE), and has participated in international conferences to share best practices and learn from global experiences. These engagements help ETEC align its standards with international norms and contribute to the global dialogue on educational quality assurance.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

ETEC's initiatives have a significant impact on the landscape of higher education in Saudi Arabia. The launch of the Saudi Global Ranking for Higher Education Institutions (SGR) in 2023, as part of the Human Capability Development Program under Vision 2030, aims to enhance institutional performance and foster a culture of continuous improvement. ETEC's ongoing efforts to align accreditation processes with international standards further strengthen the global competitiveness of Saudi higher education institutions.

Summary

The Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC) is a cornerstone institution in Saudi Arabia's educational reform efforts. Through its comprehensive evaluation and accreditation processes, ETEC ensures that educational and training programs meet high standards of quality and relevance. Its active participation in international networks and alignment with global standards underscore its commitment to enhancing the quality and impact of education in the Kingdom.

FAQs

• What is the role of ETEC in Saudi Arabia?

  ETEC is responsible for evaluating, assessing, and accrediting educational and training systems in Saudi Arabia, ensuring they meet established quality standards.

• When was ETEC established?

  ETEC was established in 2017 by Council of Ministers Resolution No. 94.

• What is the National Center for Academic Accreditation and Evaluation (NCAAA)?

  NCAAA is a part of ETEC that oversees the accreditation of higher education institutions and programs in Saudi Arabia.

• What international agreements has ETEC joined?

  ETEC is a provisional signatory of the Washington Accord and a full signatory of the Seoul Accord, both of which pertain to the accreditation of engineering and information technology programs.

• How does ETEC impact higher education in Saudi Arabia?

  ETEC's accreditation processes ensure that higher education institutions meet national and international quality standards, enhancing the overall quality and competitiveness of Saudi higher education.

Organization Name

لهيئة تقويم التعليم والتدريب

Education and Training Evaluation Authority Commission

Acronym

ETEC

Year of Establishment

2004

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

PO Box 68566
Riayadh
11534 Riyadh Saudi Arabia

Phone

+966 (1) 920033555

Fax

n.a.

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Wikipedia Article

Education and Training Evaluation Authority Commission's Wikipedia article

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