Commission for Accreditation and Academic Quality

Overview

The Comisión de Acreditación de la Calidad Académica (CdA)or Commission for Accreditation and Academic Quality, is the official accreditation body for higher education in El Salvador. Established in 2001, the CdA operates as a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and maintaining the quality of higher education in the country. It is affiliated with the Ministerio de Educación, Ciencia y Tecnología (MINEDUCYT), functioning with operational autonomy to define and apply accreditation standards and procedures.

History and Legal Framework

The CdA was created under Legislative Decree No. 468, promulgated on October 14, 2004 and published in the Official Gazette No. 216, Volume 365, on November 19, 2004. This decree was part of the broader framework established by the Ley de Educación Superior (Higher Education Law), which outlines the legal and regulatory basis for the accreditation of higher education institutions and programs in El Salvador.

Mission, Vision and Objectives in Higher Education

The CdA's mission is to ensure that higher education institutions and programs in El Salvador meet established quality standards through a rigorous evaluation process. Its vision is to contribute to the development of a higher education system that is transparent, accountable and aligned with national and international standards. The CdA's objectives include:

• Conducting comprehensive evaluations of higher education institutions and programs.
• Providing technical assistance to institutions to help them meet accreditation standards.
• Promoting continuous improvement in the quality of higher education.
• Enhancing the transparency and accountability of the higher education system.

Governance, Structure and Independence

The CdA operates as an autonomous entity within the Salvadoran higher education system. It is governed by a commission composed of seven members appointed for four-year terms through mutual agreement between the Ministry of Education and the Directorate of Higher Education. This structure ensures a balanced representation and decision-making process in the accreditation activities.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation in Higher Education

Accreditation by the CdA represents official recognition of the academic quality of higher education institutions and their programs. The accreditation process involves a rigorous evaluation based on established criteria and indicators of quality. Institutions seeking accreditation must submit to this evaluation, which assesses various aspects such as governance, academic performance, research and social projection. The accreditation granted is valid for a minimum of five years, subject to renewal through continuous evaluations conducted by the CdA.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The CdA is an active member of the Red Iberoamericana de Aseguramiento de la Calidad de la Educación Superior (RIACES), a network that integrates state and private accreditation agencies from Ibero-American countries. This membership facilitates the exchange of best practices, experiences and knowledge among quality assurance agencies, enhancing the CdA's capacity to improve the Salvadoran higher education system. Additionally, the CdA is a member of the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE), comprising over 200 organizations globally dedicated to promoting and maintaining the quality of higher education.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

As of 2025, the CdA is expanding its accreditation scope to include individual academic programs, starting with Medicine and Education. This initiative aims to deepen the evaluation of academic offerings and improve learning processes. The CdA is also undergoing a certification process with international organizations, marking El Salvador's first accreditation at the international level. These developments are expected to elevate the standards of higher education in the country and align them with global trends.

Summary

The Comisión de Acreditación de la Calidad Académica plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and credibility of higher education in El Salvador. Through its rigorous accreditation processes, international collaborations and commitment to continuous improvement, the CdA contributes significantly to the advancement of the Salvadoran higher education system, positioning it to meet both national and international standards.

FAQs

• What is the role of the CdA? The CdA is responsible for accrediting higher education institutions and programs in El Salvador, ensuring they meet established quality standards.
• How can an institution apply for accreditation? Institutions must submit a formal request to the CdA, undergo a comprehensive evaluation process and meet the criteria set forth by the commission.
• What is the duration of accreditation? Accreditation granted by the CdA is valid for a minimum of five years, subject to renewal through continuous evaluations.
• Is the CdA recognized internationally? Yes, the CdA is a member of both RIACES and INQAAHE, facilitating international collaboration and adherence to global quality assurance standards.
• What new initiatives is the CdA undertaking? The CdA is expanding its accreditation scope to include individual academic programs and is pursuing international certification to enhance the quality of higher education in El Salvador.

Organization Name

Commission for Accreditation and Academic Quality
Comisión de Acreditación de la Calidad Académica

Acronym

CdA

Year of Establishment

2001

Control Type

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

Alameda Juan Pablo II y Calle Guadalupe, Plan Maestro, Centro de Gobierno, Edificio A2
San Salvador
San Salvador El Salvador

Phone

+503 281 0282

Fax

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

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X (Twitter)

Not available

LinkedIn

Not available

YouTube

Not available

Instagram

Not available

Wikipedia Article

Not available

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