All independent education institutions in General and Further Education must be accredited by Umalusi (the Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training).

Umalusi is responsible for standard setting and accreditation of both the institutions and programmes. Independent institutions must comply with policy and criteria developed by Umalusi for quality assurance of independent education institutions.

ISASA also requires independent schools applying for membership to undergo an initial quality assurance process to ensure that a potential member school meets the prescribed conditions for membership, provides quality education and is committed to adhere to principles of ethical practice. 

Once a school is accepted for ISASA membership, it must undergo a regular quality assurance process every six years. This is undertaken by an independent organisation, the Independent Quality Assurance Agency (IQAA) which ISASA has contracted to fulfil this specialised purpose. Provisional accreditation with Umalusi is required before the school is quality assured by IQAA.