Accreditation guide
What NACCAS accreditation means
NACCAS evaluates cosmetology and other career-arts schools against institutional standards. It is separate from the state license a school needs to operate.
01 / Definition
NACCAS is an institutional accreditor
The National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences is an independent nonprofit commission recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit postsecondary cosmetology and career-arts institutions.
02 / Meaning
Accreditation is one signal of institutional oversight
A NACCAS-accredited school has gone through an institutional review process and received accreditation through formal action of the commission. NACCAS reviews schools against its standards and uses information from the school and an inspection team.
03 / Limits
Accreditation is not the same as licensing or financial aid
Texas licensing determines whether a cosmetology school may operate in the state. NACCAS accreditation is a separate institutional status. Accreditation alone does not confirm current tuition, class availability, credit transfer, a particular program's outcomes, or that every student qualifies for federal aid.
04 / Verification
Use the official NACCAS record
Accreditation can change and may apply to a specific institution or location. NACCAS's official search shows the institution and campus address covered by its current record.