ACHS and Honor Society Legitimacy: Common Questions Explained

The Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS) is frequently referenced in discussions about honor societies. This page answers common questions in plain language and clarifies what ACHS membership does—and does not—mean.

Definition (in one sentence): ACHS is a voluntary membership association (trade association) for certain honor societies. It is not an accrediting body and does not regulate honor societies.

Start here: What Is ACHS (Association of College Honor Societies)?

Is ACHS accreditation?

No. ACHS is not an accrediting body.

Accreditation in higher education applies to colleges and universities and is handled by recognized accrediting organizations. ACHS membership is separate from accreditation and does not carry regulatory authority.

Related: What Is a “Certified Honor Society”? Certification vs. Accreditation

What does “ACHS certified” mean?

In general terms, “ACHS certified” typically indicates that an honor society is a current ACHS member and meets ACHS’s internally defined membership criteria.

This designation has meaning within the ACHS association and is best understood as affiliation context, not as a universal endorsement of quality, academic rigor, or value.

Related: ACHS Member Societies

Is ACHS membership required for an honor society to be legitimate?

No. There is no requirement—legal or otherwise—that an honor society belong to ACHS in order to be legitimate.

Honor societies vary widely in mission, eligibility criteria, populations served, and models of recognition. Many legitimate honor societies operate outside of ACHS.

A more reliable approach is to evaluate transparency and fit rather than relying on trade-association membership alone.

Does ACHS set GPA cutoffs or academic standards?

No. GPA scales, grading standards, and eligibility thresholds vary widely by institution, discipline, and time period.

Because grading varies, no single organization—including ACHS—can define academic recognition for all students across higher education.

Related: GPA Cutoffs, Grading Variability, and ACHS

How should students evaluate an honor society invitation?

A more reliable way to evaluate any honor society invitation—regardless of affiliation—is to focus on substance rather than labels:

• Transparency of costs and refund policies
• Clarity about benefits and how they are delivered
• Consistency of eligibility criteria
• Alignment with academic, career, or leadership goals

Related: How to Evaluate an Honor Society Invitation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ACHS?
ACHS (Association of College Honor Societies) is a voluntary membership association (trade association) composed of certain honor societies. It is not an accrediting or regulatory body.

Is ACHS accreditation?
No. ACHS is not an accrediting body. Accreditation in higher education applies to institutions and is handled by recognized accrediting organizations.

What does “ACHS certified” mean?
In general terms, “ACHS certified” typically indicates that an honor society is a current ACHS member and meets ACHS’s internally defined membership criteria.

Does ACHS regulate honor societies?
No. ACHS is not a regulator. Its standards apply within its own voluntary membership association.

Is ACHS membership required for legitimacy?
No. ACHS membership is optional context and is not a universal requirement for legitimacy or value.

How should students evaluate an invitation?
Focus on transparency of costs and refund policies, clarity of benefits, consistency of eligibility criteria, and alignment with your goals.

Bottom Line

ACHS membership represents participation in a voluntary trade association. It is not accreditation, not regulation, and not a definitive measure of honor society legitimacy or value.

Related Pages

• What Is ACHS (Association of College Honor Societies)?
• ACHS Member Societies
• Certification vs. Accreditation
• GPA Cutoffs and ACHS

Important Notice

This page is provided for educational and informational purposes to support transparency and informed student choice. It does not assert wrongdoing, illegality, or misconduct by any organization, including the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS). References to third parties are descriptive and contextual; readers should consult primary sources and make independent decisions. Honor Society® is an independent, voluntary membership organization committed to transparency and informed student choice. For additional information, visit support.honorsociety.org.