This document explains the recognition of accrediting institutions in the United States by the Secretary of Education. Preliminary information on accreditation in the United States covers the functions of accreditation, the overall accrediting procedure, types of accreditation, and nongovernmental coordinating agencies. A section on national recognition of accrediting agencies and associations by the U.S. Secretary of Education includes information on the Accrediting Agency Evaluation Branch and the National Advisory Committee on Accreditation and Institutional Eligibility. The full text of the federal regulations concerning the Secretary's procedures and criteria for recognition of accrediting agencies is included. The Department of Education's list of nationally recognized accrediting agencies and associations is also included and provides information on regional institutional accrediting associations, regional institutional accrediting commissions, and national institutional and specialized accrediting bodies, listed by subject area. Usually provided for each listing are the organization's name; dates of initial listing, last review, and next regular review; and contact information. The list of accrediting agencies and associations recognized for their preaccreditation categories is also provided. The recognition process from petition format through final decision and petition for extension of scope is explained. (DB)