Comparative analysis of accreditation models: normative and methodological convergences between SINEACE, ICACIT and CNA Colombia

Ponte J.A.T.; Alanya R.C.; Inchicaqui L.A.R.; Usquiano D.C.C.; Cárdenas L.A.U.; Luna L.B. · ICACIT 2025 - Proceedings: 11th International Symposium on Accreditation of Engineering and Computing Education (2025) · DOI: 10.1109/icacit66767.2025.11369664

Resumen

The study presented below consisted of a comparative analysis of three quality models used by accrediting agencies in Latin America: the National System for the Evaluation, Accreditation, and Certification of Educational Quality (SINEACE) and the Institute for Quality and Accreditation of Computer, Engineering, and Technology Programs (ICACIT) in Peru, and the National Accreditation Council (CNA) in Colombia. The objective was to identify regulatory and methodological convergences that support the construction of an interoperable and coordinated quality assurance framework at the international and regional levels. Methodologically, a qualitative design based on comparative documentary analysis was adopted. The evaluation was carried out around four key stages for achieving accreditation: quality conditions, self-evaluation, external evaluation, and dissemination of results. Key elements were used: duration of the phases, composition of evaluation teams, and duration of the process. The analysis is based on official documents and statistics from accredited programs [1]. The results show substantive similarities between the models, particularly in aspects related to the four phases studied. Likewise, in relation to the quality requirements specific to the accreditation models under study, convergence is required with respect to the SINEACE model [2], ICACIT model [3] (based on the self-study questionnaire template [4]) and CNA of Colombia [5]. However, there are significant differences in terms of regulatory scope and degree of consolidation in each country. The CNA in Colombia has 1,689 accredited programs and 104 institutions with institutional accreditation, making it the most consolidated model. SINEACE, for its part, reports 65 accredited programs and only one university with institutional accreditation. Finally, ICACIT, although with less coverage, stands out for its alignment with international guidelines such as the Washington Accord, and also for its significant presence in public universities in Peru. Following the study, it was concluded that, although accreditation processes in Latin America are predominantly voluntary and have certain particularities, the common structures and elements shared between these models indicate the feasibility of moving towards convergent reference frameworks at the regional level. This could strengthen mutual recognition, facilitate inter-institutional cooperation and internationalization, and reinforce quality assurance in higher education in the region.

Instituciones: Universidad Privada San Juan Bautista