The procedure by which an authoritative body gives formal recognition that a service or person is competent to carry out specific tasks to a specific standard; approval of a course which meets a specific standard. Includes refusing to grant accreditation

EXAMPLES: Accrediting a laboratory, a qualification or a course, accrediting agents engaged on specific tasks for government departments, e.g. Land Information New Zealand agents, accrediting a course. EXCLUDES: recognition of standards, see 'Rulemaking', excludes individuals gaining qualifications, see 'Enabling, Educating, Assessing student achievement' or taking an appeal against refusal to grant accreditation, see 'Upholding the rules, Ensuring compliance, Conducting legal hearings' Excludes revoking accreditation (which may be after taking some form of legal action) see 'Upholding the Rules, Ensuring compliance, Conducting legal hearings'