The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Accreditation Program® recognizes organizations that have demonstrated excellence in the ability to deliver continuing nursing education (CNE). The Accreditation Program is committed to ensuring the integrity of the accreditation process through systematic, evidence-based evaluation of application materials submitted by qualified applicants for Accredited Provider or Accredited Approver status. ANCC's Accreditation Program contributes to improved healthcare outcomes by providing a voluntary peer review process that defines standards for high performance in providing quality CNE and measures compliance with those standards for organizations that elect to apply for accreditation.

History and Structure
Changes continually affecting nursing practice require registered nurses (RNs) to engage in a life-long process of active participation in learning activities. These learning activities enhance professional practice and ultimately improve the health of the public. The American Nurses Association (ANA), the national professional association of RNs, has emphasized throughout its history the professional growth of the RN.

ANCC's Accreditation Program originated in 1974 when the ANA House of Delegates approved a resolution to establish an Accreditation Program for CNE ( Contemporary Strategies for Continuing Education in Nursing, Abruzzese & Hinthorn, 1987). The first formal accreditation review occurred the following year, and by the late 1970s, a model had been instituted to accredit CNE approvers and providers at the state, regional, and national levels (Accreditation of continuing education: The critical elements, The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, DeSilets, 1998).

Over the years, the structure of the Accreditation Program has evolved. In 1991, ANCC became a separately governed and incorporated organization, and the accreditation activities originally housed in ANA were transferred to ANCC. Since that time, the ANCC Commission on Accreditation (COA), whose members have expertise in continuing education, adult education, research, standard setting, and professional development, has governed the Accreditation Program.

• Accredited PROVIDERS — organizations that have demonstrated the ability to offer their ownquality CNE activities to activity participants.
• Accredited APPROVERS — organizations that have demonstrated the ability to monitor compliance with ANCC accreditation criteria that supports the provision of quality CNE activities offered by other organizations or individuals.