Accreditation for career and technical education

committed to quality,
integrity and continuous
improvement.

Our Story

Our journey began in 1971 when the Council on Occupational Education, known as the Council or COE, was founded as the Commission on Occupational Education Institutions (COEI) under the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Initially serving institutions within an 11-state region, COEI later expanded its scope to become a national accrediting body.
In 1994, the Council was officially incorporated as a non-profit educational organization in the State of Georgia, marking a pivotal moment in our evolution. By 1995, the Council had assumed full operational status, taking over all assets and membership from COEI, becoming a prominent voice in the field of career and technical education.

Over the years, our commitment to excellence, integrity, and innovation has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, reinforcing our role as a respected authority in the accreditation of non-degree-granting and applied associate degree-granting postsecondary occupational education institutions.
Our story is one of trustworthiness, transparency, accountability, and a deep dedication to promoting quality and integrity in career and technical education.

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States / Territories

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Campuses

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Member Institutions

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FTE students

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What are the benefits
of accreditation?

Quality

We provide public assurance that accredited institutions offer high-quality career and technical education that meets the needs of both students and the labor market.

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integrity

We promote high ethical and educational standards in career and technical education.

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Continuous Improvement

We guide institutions in continually enhancing their educational offerings and related activities.

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featured institutions

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TCAT McKenzie Gets Personal: A Small School with a Big Heart

McKenzie, TN

Around 40% is teaching curriculum and skill, but 60% is instilling that students are worth it and have the potential to do great things,” says Ms. Daphne Brown, Student Services Coordinator at TCAT McKenzie. As one of the smallest TCAT schools, the biggest benefits are the easy access, constant contact, and personal connection with faculty.

A Salute to U.S. Army Ordnance School

Fort Gregg-Adams, VA

“I am most impressed with the level of professionalism in the COE program…Their leaders not only come in to inspect an institution but provide insight and advice on best practices to help a school meet high standards of educational quality. This ensures that we are serving our students, the community and the U.S. Army.” – Jose N. Osorio, Training Specialist

TCAT Hartsville Gets Technical About Integrity

Hartsville, TN

TCAT Hartsville has brought the promise of a quality education, the potential for workplace opportunities, and the privilege of lifelong learning to individuals, businesses, and industries across five counties in northern Middle Tennessee since 1965.

Our Strategic Plan
2024-2029

Strategic Plan

workforce testimonials

Since COE is technically focused, their processes and structure are specific and relevant to what’s going on in the business and the industry. In the long run, COE saves taxpayer dollars by ensuring schools offer only quality, relevant programs that put people to work.

Coretta B.

workforce testimonials

We look at COE accreditation as something that’s beneficial to us. It helps us learn to be more efficient and come up with new initiatives that benefit our students and employers year after year.

Stewart S.

workforce testimonials

I am most impressed with the level of professionalism in the COE program…Their leaders not only come in to inspect an institution but provide insight and advice on best practices to help a school meet high standards of educational quality. This ensures that we are serving our students, the community and the U.S. Army.

Jose O.

workforce testimonials

Since COE is technically focused, their processes and structure are specific and relevant to what’s going on in the business and the industry. In the long run, COE saves taxpayer dollars by ensuring schools offer only quality, relevant programs that put people to work.

Coretta B.

workforce testimonials

We look at COE accreditation as something that’s beneficial to us. It helps us learn to be more efficient and come up with new initiatives that benefit our students and employers year after year.

Stewart S.

workforce testimonials

I am most impressed with the level of professionalism in the COE program…Their leaders not only come in to inspect an institution but provide insight and advice on best practices to help a school meet high standards of educational quality. This ensures that we are serving our students, the community and the U.S. Army.

Jose O.

NEWS

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November 14-16, 2023

2023 COE Annual Meeting

Registration is now open for the 2023 COE Annual Meeting. This will be the first Annual Meeting for our new President and CEO, Dr. Kirk Nooks.

Our Story

explore our membership

explore our membership

What are the benefits of accreditation?

Our Strategic Plan 2024-2029

workforce testimonials

workforce testimonials

workforce testimonials

workforce testimonials

workforce testimonials

workforce testimonials

Vanessa Perez Sworn in as Commissioner for the Council on Occupational Education

COE President and CEO Dr. Kirk A. Nooks Continues Presidential Leadership in Motion Tour with South Carolina Visits

COE Leaders Attend CSPEN Conference and Meet with Federal Lawmakers on Capitol Hill

NEWSLETTER

What are the benefits
of accreditation?

Our Strategic Plan
2024-2029