CEA states that its purpose is to provide a systematic approach by which programs and institutions can demonstrate their compliance with accepted standards, pursue continuous improvement, and be recognized for doing so.

In 2003, CEA was recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education[3] as a national accrediting agency for English language programs and institutions.

CEA continues to be the only specialized accrediting agency for English language programs and institutions in the U.S. that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

CEA achieves its mission by advancing widely-held standards to foster student success and continuous program development through a rigorous process of regular self-assessment and peer evaluation.

[6] The CEA Standards focus on the overall quality of an English language program or institution and are the basis of all accreditation decisions.

The eleven Commissioners from the field represent a range of program and institutional perspectives and domains of academic and administrative experience.

In concert with the Commission, the executive director is responsible for implementing CEA’s policies, programs, services and decisions.

Reviewer qualifications include academic requirements and evidence of professional engagement, relevant domains of expertise, experience with self-study or program evaluation, skill in written and oral communication.