Council on Occupational Education

Council on Occupational Education (COE)

The Council on Occupational Education (COE) was initially established in 1971 as a regional accrediting commission within the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The organization was re-established in 1995 as a national accreditor, distinct from SACS. COE is an independent, non-profit organization which evaluates and accredits non-degree-granting career and technical schools, as well as institutions which offer applied associate’s degree programs. It is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) as a reputable national accreditor. The mission of COE is “assuring quality and integrity in career and technical education.”

A current list of COE accredited institutions and schools can be found at http://www.council.org/accredited-institutions.

Accreditation Eligibility

An institution must fulfill certain criteria before becoming eligible for accreditation through COE. The institution must be licensed by the state, and must operate for at least one-year as a licensed post-secondary institution. The institution must only provide career and vocational oriented training programs, and must grant diplomas, certificates, or degrees up to (but not beyond) the level of Associate’s degree. The institution must also demonstrate financial stability, and must undergo an audit from an external CPA firm. In addition, any institution applying for COE accreditation must not have been denied accreditation or had their accreditation revoked by any other national or regional accrediting agency that is recognized by the United States Department of Education.

Annual Commitment to Meeting Established “Conditions” and 10 Standards

In order to maintain its accreditation status, Lively Technical College must verify adherence to various institutional “Conditions” and to 10 Standards established by the USDOE and COE.  Lively Technical College as maintained accreditation with COE since 1977. These include:

Institutional Conditions

• Standard 1: Institutional Mission
• Standard 2: Educational Programs
• Standard 3: Program & Institutional Outcomes
• Standard 4: Strategic Planning
• Standard 5: Learning Resources
• Standard 6: Physical Resources & Technical Infrastructure
• Standard 7: Financial Resources
• Standard 8: Human Resources
• Standard 9: Organizational Structure
• Standard 10: Student Services & Activities

The Council on Occupational Education (COE) is located at:

7840 Roswell Road
Building 300, Suite 325
Atlanta, GA 30350
Phone: 770-396-38998 or 1-800-917-2081
Website: www.council.org