# Regulatory Guidance Relating to the Criteria and Process for Initial Recognition of an Accrediting Agency
> **US Department of Education** · Interpretive rule. · Published 2026-02-27 · 91 FR 9709
## Document
- **Document number:** 2026-03953
- **Category:** education-other
- **Agency:** US Department of Education
- **Federal Register citation:** 91 FR 9709
- **CFR reference:** 34 CFR 602
- **Publication date:** 2026-02-27
## Abstract

This interpretive rule sets forth the Department's interpretation of certain regulations at the Criteria for Recognition, and the Recognition Process, governing an accrediting agency's submission of a written application seeking initial recognition. In general, the provisions in this interpretive rule are designed to reduce unnecessary barriers to the recognition of accrediting agencies to promote competition in the market for assessing the quality of education or training offered by postsecondary institutions and programs.

## Source
- [Federal Register document](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/02/27/2026-03953/regulatory-guidance-relating-to-the-criteria-and-process-for-initial-recognition-of-an-accrediting)
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