Thailand Accreditation Body for Engineering Education

Washington Accord

The Washington Accord is an international agreement on the accreditation of undergraduate engineering degree programs (e.g., Bachelor of Engineering or B.Eng.). The primary goal of this agreement is to mutually recognize that engineering programs accredited by one country's member organization are of "equivalent" quality and standards to programs in other member countries.

Key Points of the Washington Accord

• 1. International Recognition If you graduate from an engineering program accredited according to the Washington Accord criteria, other member countries will recognize that you possess the knowledge and graduate attributes that meet international standards, making it easier to proceed with the engineering licensing process in their respective countries.
• 2. Emphasis on Outcome-Based Education (OBE) Programs that meet this criterion should not only focus on the number of hours of study or credits, but also on the graduate's ability to solve problems upon completion of the degree. "Is it truly possible to solve 'Complex Engineering Problems'? This involves analytical thinking skills, engineering design (Capstone Design Project), as well as social and environmental responsibility."
• 3. Benefits to Engineers and Universities For students/engineers: Facilitates easier work, migration, or further studies abroad (Cross-border Practice) because the qualifications are internationally recognized.

For universities

Helps elevate and reflect the quality of engineering education to be on par with leading universities around the world.

Who are the members?

Currently, there are representative organizations from many countries around the world that are full members (Signatories), such as the United States (ABET), the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

For Thailand

The Council of Engineers (COE) has established the Thailand Accreditation Board for Engineering Education (TABEE) to evaluate and certify engineering curricula in Thailand to meet the criteria. Currently, the Thai Council of Engineers is in the process of promoting and preparing to upgrade to full signatory membership status, so that Thai engineers can fully receive these benefits at the international level.