Is SCLA Accredited?

When college students receive an invitation to join an honor society, one of the first and most important questions they often ask is: “Is this organization accredited?” In the case of the SCLA – The Society for Collegiate Leadership & Achievement — commonly referred to simply as SCLA — the answer is a definitive yes. But understanding what that accreditation means, who recognizes it, and how it impacts you as a student requires some context.

In this article, we’ll explore:

• What SCLA is and how it defines accreditation
• Who acknowledges or verifies that status
• What being “accredited” means for members
• How SCLA accreditation compares with other honor society credentials
• Practical implications for students, resumes, and professional development

By the end, you’ll have a clear and nuanced understanding of SCLA’s accreditation and how it influences your academic and career trajectory.

What Is SCLA? A Quick Overview

The Society for Collegiate Leadership & Achievement, or SCLA, is a national honor society dedicated to recognizing academic excellence while also preparing students for life after college. It combines traditional honor society recognition with career readiness tools, leadership development, and networking opportunities — making it a hybrid between recognition and professional growth programming. (SCLA)

According to SCLA’s own website, the organization celebrates academic achievement and equips students with skills, resources, and connections needed to succeed “from campus to career.” It has over 100,000 members across more than 850 campuses nationwide. (SCLA)

Importantly for this topic, SCLA describes itself as an accredited honor society — which means it positions its programs and credentials as recognized within formal education and professional environments. (SCLA)

What Does “Accredited” Mean?

Before diving into whether SCLA is accredited, it’s useful to clarify what accreditation usually means in higher education.

In academia, “accreditation” typically refers to a process by which an independent body evaluates and certifies that an institution or program meets established standards of quality. For colleges and universities, this usually involves regional or national accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

For honor societies, there’s a different structure: the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS) is the traditional body that sets quality standards for honor organizations. Membership in ACHS is often viewed as a benchmark of legitimacy because it signifies voluntary evaluation against established criteria. (achshonor.org)

However, being “accredited” as an honor society does not always require ACHS certification. Many honor societies, including SCLA, can be accredited or recognized by other academic evaluators or through internal institutional partnerships that uphold standards.

Is SCLA Accredited? Here’s What the Official Sources Say

According to SCLA’s official pages (including their FAQ and overview pages), the organization explicitly identifies itself as an accredited honor society. Students and administrators are told that SCLA is an accredited honor society that celebrates academic excellence and provides structured career readiness certifications. (SCLA)

The organization also describes its programs — particularly the Career Readiness Certification — as accredited programs that may even include college credit upon completion. (SCLA)

Additionally, some university sites that reference SCLA describe it as a nationally accredited honor society — for example, Pepperdine University’s student services page lists SCLA as an accredited honor society that connects students with career preparation tools and leadership development. (community.pepperdine.edu)

These statements reflect how SCLA portrays its credentials publicly: as an accredited organization providing meaningful recognition and certification.

Accreditation vs. Recognition: What’s the Difference?

Even though SCLA calls itself “accredited,” it’s important to distinguish between types of accreditation:

1. Academic Accreditation

• Typically granted by recognized accrediting agencies (e.g., regional accreditors like WASC, Middle States, etc.)
• Applies to colleges, universities, degree programs, or professional schools
• Often required for federal financial aid eligibility

2. Honor Society Accreditation

• Can be granted by organizations like ACHS, which set standards for honor societies
• SCLA does not currently appear on the official list of ACHS-certified societies, based on publicly available information from the Association of College Honor Societies. (achshonor.org)
• Many reputable honor societies choose ACHS affiliation to demonstrate quality and standards

3. Program Accreditation

• Some specific programs (e.g., career readiness certification) can receive accreditation from third-party evaluators
• This type of accreditation adds credibility to the certificate or credential earned

In SCLA’s case, the organization uses the term “accredited honor society” in its own marketing and FAQs, and universities list it as such, but it may not be accredited by the traditional honor society accrediting body (ACHS). That doesn’t necessarily make it illegitimate, but it’s a distinction worth understanding if you’re comparing multiple organizations.

What Accreditation Means for You as a Member

So if SCLA is accredited — whether by internal evaluators, external partners, or other accrediting entities — what does that mean for you?

✔ Recognized Achievement

Being part of an accredited honor society is usually seen as higher status than membership in informal clubs or non-accredited groups. It signals that the organization has standards for excellence and evaluation mechanisms for its members.

✔ Professional Credibility

Listing SCLA on your resume or LinkedIn can demonstrate that you were invited for academic achievement and that you actively participated in a structured program. According to career resources and SCLA’s own messaging, being part of a recognized honor society can signal initiative, leadership, and preparation — qualities employers value in candidates. (SCLA)

✔ Certification Value

SCLA’s programs — especially its Career Readiness Certification — are designed to teach real world skills and offer credentials that can be integrated into a student’s academic record or professional portfolio. Earning these certificates can help you stand out in competitive job markets, especially when paired with documented leadership skills and academic achievement. (SCLA)

✔ College Credit Opportunities

Some SCLA programs, upon completion, offer college credit. This adds educational value beyond just recognition — meaning it can have meaningful impact within your academic journey. (SCLA)

Comparing SCLA with Other Honor Societies

When evaluating whether to join SCLA, you might want to compare it to other honor societies such as those affiliated with ACHS. Here are a few points to consider:

✔ ACHS vs. Non-ACHS Accreditation

• ACHS certification is a widely respected standard, but organizations can still be legitimate without ACHS membership
• Lack of ACHS affiliation does not automatically mean a society is illegitimate

✔ Educational and Career Focus

Some honor societies primarily recognize academic achievement (e.g., by GPA or discipline), while SCLA positions itself as a career readiness and leadership organization — meaning its value extends beyond ranking and into skill development. (SCLA)

✔ Membership Scope

SCLA’s reach — with over 100,000 members across more than 850 campuses — gives it scale and visibility within the academic community. (SCLA)

✔ Student Preparedness

Because SCLA focuses on practical skill building, many students find that it offers more immediate value for career preparation than honor societies that primarily serve as recognition bodies. (SCLA)

Is SCLA Legitimate? Frequently Asked Questions

✔ Is SCLA a Scam?

No. Multiple sources — including college student services pages — refer to SCLA as a legitimate, accredited honor society. It has operated for over a decade and continues to grow its membership network. (California State University, East Bay)

✔ Does SCLA Have Chapters at Real Universities?

Yes. Many universities list SCLA within student services or leadership development pages and confirm that local chapters meet institutional standards for clubs and recognized organizations. (American Military University)

✔ Will Employers Recognize SCLA?

While employer awareness varies by industry, many career professionals agree that listing a reputable national honor society — especially one that includes structured skill development — can enhance a resume. (SCLA)

✔ Does SCLA Accreditation Affect Transfer Credit or Graduate School Applications?

Accreditation impacts different institutions differently. If your SCLA certification has been accepted for college credit, it may factor into transfer or graduate applications — but this is always up to the receiving institution. (SCLA)

Final Takeaway

Yes — SCLA is accredited as an honor society according to its own documentation and institutional references. Its programs are recognized by universities, and its certification offerings can even translate into college credit. (SCLA)

However, it’s important to understand what type of accreditation is being referenced. While SCLA may not appear on the traditional list of honor societies accredited by ACHS, it is widely acknowledged as a legitimate and credible national honor society that emphasizes career readiness, leadership development, and practical skill building.

If your goal as a student is not just to be recognized for academic success — but to gain career skills, connections, and resume-ready credentials — SCLA’s accredited structure offers tangible value.