The tool used in the evaluation of the institution or program is the Accreditation Instrument.  The bases of institutional accreditation are the seven Criteria, which are reflected in the instrument, as:

Criterion I.    Governance and Management
Criterion II.   Teaching and Learning
Criterion III.   Faculty and Staff
Criterion IV.  Research and Development.
Criterion V.   Extension, Consultancy and Linkages
Criterion VI.  Resources
Criterion VII. Support to Students

Each of the seven Criteria contains more specific parameters which are called "Indicators" in the APACC accreditation and certification system.  The Indicators contain one or more sub-indicators, herein called "Elements" 

Thus, in this scheme, we have:

I. Criterion

     A. Indicators

           1. Elements