Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges

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The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) is an accrediting organization in the United States. It accredits private and public colleges that provide students two-year education programs and confer the associate degree.^[1] Formerly one of the nation's seven regional accreditors, the commission accredits colleges in California, Hawaii, and American territories and protectorates in the Pacific Ocean.^[2]

ACCJC was formed in 1962 when several accrediting agencies joined to create the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).^[3] In 2012 and 2013, the three commissions of WASC separated into independent organizations. ACCJC is not a governmental entity but an independent organization of educators and others representing the public interest.^[4] In concept, colleges apply to become members of the ACCJC and volunteer to participate in the accreditation process.

ACCJC has sanctioned colleges at a rate vastly higher than the other accrediting bodies in the United States.^{[citation needed][further explanation needed]} At a forum on the City College of San Francisco campus, California State Senator James Beall and Assemblyman Tom Ammiano described legislation which would undo the monopoly the ACCJC holds on accreditation of California Community Colleges.^{[citation needed][when?]}