Accreditation vs. Certification – What's the Difference? These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they mean very different things. Accreditation refers to the approval of a training program by a governing organization. Think of it as the program itself being recognized for meeting certain professional standards. Examples include the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC). Achieving accreditation typ