ABET

About ABET:

ABET is the world’s leading accreditation body for college and university programs in the disciplines of applied science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology. Established in 1932 by seven founding technical societies, the organization currently accredits more than 3,200 programs at more than 670 colleges and universities in 24 countries. ABET accreditation evaluates an individual program of study, rather than an institution as a whole.

Fast Facts:

• ABET has 31 member societies that collaborate to review and accredit academic programs in the fields they represent. In addition, these societies recruit and help to train the more than 2,200 volunteers who carry out ABET's accreditation activities.

• Most ABET volunteers begin their service as Program Evaluators, or "PEVs," serving in a variety of positions in the ABET accreditation process. As part of their job, volunteers evaluate program material and visit campuses, actively participate in accreditation decisions and play an essential role in assisting institutions to improve their academic programs. 

• ABET accreditation, which is voluntary and achieved through a peer review process, ensures that a college or university program meets quality standards established by the profession for which the program prepares its students.

• Global demand for ABET accreditation is rising rapidly. ABET accreditation criteria processes are the same, regardless of location. Currently, ABET accredits 324 programs at 64 institutions in 23 countries outside the U.S.

• ABET was one of the first accrediting agencies to introduce the “outcomes-based” system, which measures what students learn rather than what instructors teach.  In this process, the central focus is on outcomes, not on the course content.

• The ABET Foundation is an independent entity that provides consultation services, workshops, and training events, covering all aspects of quality education and best practices in accreditation and assessment.  

Become a PEV

ABET could not perform its accreditation activities without its volunteers – individuals who are passionate about improving their professions through quality education. These men and women find many rewards in volunteering with ABET, including playing a crucial role in improving technical education, gaining insight into “best practices” and trends in technical education, contributing to the future of their profession and interacting and networking with equally committed peers from industry, government and academe.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a PEV, you can find more information here. 

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