“Certification” is a review of the quality of private faith-based higher education institutions and programs.

In the United States, certification is a major way that students, families, government officials, and the press know that an institution or program provides quality education.
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Certification of institutions and programs is provided by a Certifying Commission.

The CPCA Certification Commission is a Certifying Commission for private faith-based higher education institutions and programs.

When a faith-based private college, university, or program chooses not to seek accreditation by an Accrediting Commission approved by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), certification becomes the comparable alternative method of determining the administrative and academic quality of a faith-based private
institution.

The USDE makes the point; “It should be noted that some institutions have chosen not to participate in the federal student aid program (Title IV Funds) and therefore do not have to be approved by an accrediting agency recognized by the USDE. While these institutions do not appear on the USDE’s Department list, they may be legitimate schools.”

​A USDE, CHEA recognized accrediting agency the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) executive director stated that “There are hundreds of Bible Colleges and Seminaries in the United States and Canada that are offering good solid theological training, yet they are not accredited. This would be the case with our Affiliate institutions that take advantage of the programs and services that we offer.”

When an institution has CPCA Certification:

The Certified Institutions offer lower tuition rates and faith-based scholarships to replace State and Federal financial aid.

Individuals, Churches, and Faith-based Organizations use CPCA Certification as a basis for deciding to provide tuition assistance to current employees, evaluating the credentials of new employees, or making a charitable contribution.

Churches and Faith-Based Organizations often accept CPCA Certification as a valid educational standard for employment.

Churches and Faith-Based Organizations often accept CPCA Certification as a valid educational standard for membership or certification in the fields of mission and ministry.