Accreditors Prestige Works With
Are there other accreditors that hours-based cosmetology, massage, nails, or skin care schools use? Yes — here are the agencies, contacts, and scopes of recognition our schools most often ask about.
NACCAS
National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences
The accreditation of postsecondary schools and departments of cosmetology arts and sciences, electrology, massage, and esthetics/skin care, including those offering programs via distance education.
- The most widely used accreditor among hours-based cosmetology and barbering schools.
- Prestige reports hours, attendance, and outcomes in NACCAS-ready formats for the Annual Report.
MSA
Middle States Association
The accreditation of institutions with postsecondary, non-degree granting career and technology programs to include the accreditation of postsecondary, non-degree granting institutions that offer all or part of their educational programs via distance education modalities.
- MSA was advised by NACIQI not to accredit schools for Title IV until they meet in April 2027.
- However, MSA will accredit schools for non-Title IV and then, once the ban is lifted, bridge schools over to Title IV.
- If a school wanted to apply to MSA and they were quick, they might get approval as early as April 2027 when the MSA Commission next meets; otherwise it will be in October 2027.
COE
Council on Occupational Education
The accreditation and preaccreditation (“Candidate Status”) of postsecondary occupational education institutions offering non-degree and applied associate degree programs in specific career and technical education fields, including institutions that offer programs via distance education.
ACCSC
Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
The accreditation of postsecondary, non degree-granting institutions and degree-granting institutions, including those granting associate, baccalaureate and master's degrees, that are predominantly organized to educate students for occupational, trade and technical careers, and including institutions that offer programs via distance education.
ACCET
Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training
The accreditation of institutions of higher education that offer continuing education and vocational programs that confer certificates or occupational associate degrees, including those programs offered via distance education.
- Title IV note: Only those institutions classified by this agency as “vocational” may use accreditation by the agency to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.
COMTA
Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation
The accreditation of institutions and programs that award postsecondary certificates, postsecondary diplomas, academic Associate degrees and occupational Associate degrees, in the practice of massage therapy, bodywork, and aesthetics/esthetics and skin care, including those offered via distance education.
- Title IV note: Only freestanding schools or colleges of massage therapy, body work and aesthetics/esthetics may use accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.