National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences (NACCAS)

The National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences is an agency that resulted from the merger of two related accrediting agencies. It focuses its attention on the whole of the United States, offering rigid standards of acceptance for cosmetology training programs that meet its approval. NACCAS is listed as an independent accrediting commission that traces its roots back to the 1960's.

NACCAS focuses on institutional accreditation of departments of cosmetology arts and sciences and post-secondary school programs. It has about 1,000 institutions listed with its accreditation seal of approval. There are more than 20 different courses and programs of study that fall under the watchful eye of the NACCAS. The group is overseen by a board that meets several times a year to review applications, approve renewals of accreditation and more.

The nonprofit organization is a Delaware corporation that runs autonomously of any other agency. Its accreditation standards are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation by this commission requires adherence to a strict set of standards set forth by the agency in regard to educational quality, programs, administration and more. The process itself involves 12 steps and includes on-site visits. Visits can range from one day to two, depending on the size of the program and other requirements. Schools must be operational and licensed to be considered for accreditation. Institutions that receive accreditation are re-evaluated at least once every five years to ensure that NACCAS standards are still being met.

Campus-Based Colleges Accredited by NACCAS

For more information and a complete list of schools accredited by NACCAS, visit http://www.naccas.org/.