Frequently Asked Questions

Higher Council for Distance Education (HCDE) is a private, independent, non-governmental body. It accredits institutions, training centers and online programs against standards it publishes, and records its decisions in a public registry.

No. HCDE is a private, independent, non-governmental body. Its accreditation rests on its own published standards and does not constitute governmental recognition. If you need a qualification to be recognised for a job, a licence or further study, ask the relevant authority what it accepts.

Institutions, training centers and providers of online or distance programs that meet the eligibility conditions. See Who can apply.

Eight areas: mission and governance, academic integrity, programs and learning outcomes, faculty and instructors, learner support, technology and delivery, assessment and records, and continuous improvement. Each has its own page under Accreditation Standards.

There are six stages: inquiry, application, self-study, review, decision and annual monitoring. Accreditation Process explains each one.

It depends on the size and scope of what is reviewed and on how quickly the evidence is ready. HCDE gives an applicant an indicative timetable when the application is accepted.

Fees depend on the scope of the review. The structure is set out on Fees and Membership, and an applicant is told the amount before committing.

No. Fees pay for the review, whatever its outcome. The decision is taken by a committee on the evidence, and HCDE does not offer consultancy to bodies it is reviewing.

You can appeal in writing. The appeal is heard by a panel that took no part in the decision. See Appeals and Complaints.

Use the verification page. Search by the registration number, certificate number or name, or scan the QR code on the certificate, which leads to the same record.

A private evaluation of an individual's qualifications and experience. It is an assessment service and is not an official attestation or verification. See Credential Review and Equivalency.

Yes, within the scope of its certificate and under the rules in Use of the Accreditation Mark. It must stop if the accreditation is suspended or withdrawn.

Our office address is 500 Delaware Ave, Wilmington, DE 19801, USA.

Write to [email protected] for general questions and to [email protected] about the verification of a record.