There are two basic types of educational accreditation: one identified as "institutional" and one referred to as "specialized" or "programmatic".

"Institutional" accreditation normally applies to an entire institution, indicating that each of an institution's parts is contributing to the achievement of the institution's objectives.

"Specialized" or "programmatic" accreditation normally applies to programs, departments, or schools that are parts of an institution.

Accreditation does not provide automatic acceptance by an institution of credit earned at another institution, nor does it give assurance of acceptance of graduates by employers. Acceptance of students or graduates is always the prerogative of the receiving institution or employer. For these reasons, besides ascertaining the accredited status of a school or program, students should take additional measures to determine, prior to enrollment, whether or not their educational goals will be met through attendance at a particular institution. These measures should include inquiries to institutions to which transfer might be desired or to prospective employers and, if possible, personal inspection of the institution at which enrollment is contemplated