HLC has published new guidelines for institutions and peer reviewers on Evaluating Certificate Programs.  

HLC defines a certificate program to mean an educational program that culminates in the awarding of a certificate or diploma, but not a degree. A certificate program may require previous college credit for admission and may be at any level.  

Effective July 1, 2026, certificate programs may include programs that an institution also intends to be eligible workforce programs for purposes of Workforce Pell. 

Depending on the circumstances, an institution may need to notify HLC prior to offering a certificate program or may need to obtain HLC approval prior to offering a certificate program.  

As applicable, an institution’s certificate programs will also be regularly reviewed as part of an institution’s ongoing accreditation evaluations. 

Relevant HLC Requirements and Examples of Evidence 

The guidelines identify HLC requirements that are most relevant in the context of certificate programs, including aspects of the Criteria for Accreditation, Assumed Practices and Federal Compliance Requirements. The guidelines also provide examples of evidence an institution could use to demonstrate compliance with HLC requirements with respect to its certificate programs.  

Read the guidelines to learn more. 

Thank You to Our Collaborating Peer Reviewers and ALOs 

HLC staff developed the guidelines in collaboration with the following peer reviewers and Accreditation Liaison Officers from HLC member institutions. We are extremely grateful for their time and insights into this topic. 

• Matt Ashcraft, Senior Associate Vice President for Strategy, Insight, and Impact at Maricopa Community Colleges – GateWay Community College 
• Shawna L. Herwick, Associate Vice President, Accreditation and Strategic Initiatives at Southeast Community College Area 
• Kathleen Gorski, Associate Provost, Curriculum and Instruction at Harper College