Accreditation and certification in higher education: perspectives for university quality management

Accreditation and certification are fundamental pillars for consolidating quality in higher education institutions. This article analyzes the processes, criteria, and perspectives of accreditation as a quality assurance mechanism, as well as the role that certifications play in validating institutional and academic standards. A theoretical and regulatory review is undertaken to understand their impact on contemporary university management, highlighting the need for comprehensive, transparent, and continuous improvement-oriented evaluation models. The results of the analysis show that accreditation not only guarantees educational quality but also strengthens accountability, institutional competitiveness, and social trust in universities. Finally, perspectives are presented that point to a more strategic, evidence-based university management aligned with international standards.