Accreditation

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College of Western Idaho (CWI) is accredited through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). The NWCCU is a regional postsecondary accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

The overriding purpose of NWCCU accreditation is to assure stakeholders that an NWCCU-accredited institution has been rigorously evaluated and that it meets or exceeds the criteria required to maintain accreditation. In addition, the accreditation process is designed to build a culture of evidence, promote a commitment to continuous institutional improvement, validate institutional integrity, and provide opportunities for feedback that improves the accreditation process.

Accreditation status granted by NWCCU is recognition that an institution’s own purpose and mission are soundly conceived, that its educational programs promote student success and help close equity gaps, and that its structure, resources, and programs support and result in achieving the institution’s stated mission and purpose. When granted or reaffirmed, accreditation applies to the entire institution at the time of the most recent evaluation. It indicates that the institution as a whole has been evaluated and has been found to be substantially fulfilling its mission and substantially meets NWCCU’s expectations for compliance with the accreditation standards.

Effective September 1, 2016, the NWCCU granted initial accreditation to CWI at the associate degree level. CWI is now in a seven-year accreditation cycle, which includes periodic evaluations and site visits from the NWCCU.

Credits, certificates, and degrees earned at CWI are transferable to four-year institutions, subject to the specific policies of those institutions. Due to our previous accreditation partnership with the College of Southern Idaho (CSI), credits, certificates, and degrees earned from January 2009 through August 2014 appear on both CSI and CWI transcripts. Credits, certificates, and degrees earned from August 2014 to present appear on CWI transcripts.

Any inquiries regarding the College of Western Idaho’s accredited status by the NWCCU should be directed to the administrative staff of the college. Individuals may also contact:

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
8060 165th Avenue NE, Suite 100
Redmond, WA 98052-3981
nwccu.org

Accreditation Reports

Supporting documents for CWI’s accreditation reports are available by clicking on links throughout the reports. While every effort has been made to ensure that links are up-to-date and in working order when the report is published, several are housed by agencies outside of the College and may change at any time without warning.  Should you need assistance accessing any of the information below, please contact communications@cwi.edu.

Program & Specialized Accreditation Information

Several of the College's programs are also accredited by the appropriate accrediting agencies, and graduates are eligible to take the qualifying examinations of the respective state and national licensing or registration bodies and join professional organizations.

Accredited Programs

Accrediting Organization

Automotive Technology

National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)

Business

Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP)

Cybersecurity
 
National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (CAE-CD)

Dental Assisting

Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)

Dual Credit

National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP)

Early Childhood Education

National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

Fire Service Management

International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC)

Fire Service Technology

International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC)

Heavy-Duty Truck Technician

National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)

Heavy Equipment Technician

Associated Equipment Distributors Foundation (AED)

Law Enforcement

Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Council

Medical Assistant Intermediate Technical Certificate (ITC)

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)

Nursing, Professional

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

Occupational Therapy Assistant

 
Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)

Physical Therapist Assistant

Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)

Powersports and Small Engine Repair Technology

Equipment and Engine Training Council (EETC)

Surgical Technology

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)