[2] ANECA was created as a foundation in 2002 by the Cabinet of Spain under the Universities Organic Act, and it has the status of Autonomous agency.

[3] ANECA's mission is to coordinate policies for quality assurance (QA) in Spanish universities.

[4] Through the evaluation reports it publishes, leading to certification and accreditation, ANECA aims to measure the performance of public-sector higher education according to objective criteria and transparent processes.

Former Directors have been Mercedes Siles Molina, appointed in February 2019,[6] Ismael Crespo Martínez (founder, 2002–2004), Francisco Marcellán (2004-2006), Gemma Rauret (2006-2009), Zulima Fernández Rodríguez (2009-2012), Rafael van Grieken Salvador (2012-2016) and José Arnáez Vadillo (2016-2019).

Participation by major stakeholders has been encouraged in higher education through representatives from different affiliated bodies: students, the Conference of the Social Bodies of Spanish Public Universities, trade unions, and the National Confederation of Business Organisations, as well as a Regional Administration representative with responsibilities in university education.