The Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA) is a specialized accrediting agency that accredits post-secondary English language training programs. CEA states that its purpose is to provide a systematic approach by which programs and institutions can demonstrate their compliance with accepted standards, pursue continuous improvement, and be recognized for doing so. CEA accredits intensive English programs and institutions in the U.S. and internationally. CEA accredits over 340 programs and institutions. History CEA was founded in 1999 by English language teaching and administration professionals, following a recommendation by a TESOL task force composed of appointees from TESOL, NAFSA, UCIEP, and AAIEP (now EnglishUSA). TESOL provided early operational and financial support for CEA, after which CEA was incorporated as a separate and independent non-profit accreditation agency in 1999. In 2003, CEA was recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a national accrediting agency for English language programs and institutions. CEA continues to be the only specialized accrediting agency for English language programs and institutions in the U.S. that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. In 2005, the mission of CEA was expanded to include the accreditation of post-secondary English language programs and schools outside the U.S. In 2013, federal legislation (P.L. 111-306) requiring that all English language programs seeking to issue student visas to non-immigrant international students for full-time intensive English study be accredited by a USDE-recognized accreditor took effect. Mission and Values "The mission of the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation is to protect the interests of students and promote excellence in the field of English language teaching and administration through accreditation of English language programs and institutions worldwide. CEA achieves its mission by advancing widely-held standards to foster student success and continuous program development through a rigorous process of regular self-assessment and peer evaluation."CEA operates in keeping with the published CEA Values. Standards The CEA Standards focus on the overall quality of an English language program or institution and are the basis of all accreditation decisions. A program or institution seeking accreditation must respond to each standard and document its compliance with the standard. The CEA Standards are divided into 11 standard areas: Mission, Curriculum, Faculty, Facilities/Equipment/Supplies, Administrative and Fiscal Capacity, Student Services, Recruiting, Length and Structure of the Program of Study, Student Achievement, Student Complaints, and Program Development/Planning/Review. Organizational structure Commission and Commissioners CEA is governed by a commission of thirteen unpaid elected and