Professional Accreditation and Competency-Based Computing Education

Abstract

Professional accreditation in medicine and religious organizations started in the 1800s; business and engineering followed in the early 1900s. Program accreditation in computing commenced in the 1980s after computer science, informatics, and information systems programs had become widespread. In 2008, accrediting bodies in eight countries signed the Seoul Accord to set up mutual recognition of professional computing degrees. Although competency-based learning has existed for centuries, it has only made headway in computing in the last dozen years. Computing Curricula 2020 defined competency as the amalgamation of knowledge, skills, and dispositions. This working group report examines professional accreditation in computing, exploring aspects of professional accreditation criteria that support competency-based learning. The report will help educators understand professional accreditation and competency-based learning worldwide. Finally, it will also guide future efforts contributing to competency-based accreditation.