Penn Foster Career School is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency. Penn Foster Career School is regionally accredited by the Commission on Secondary Schools of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council is also a recognized member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Penn Foster Career School is licensed by the Pennsylvania State Board of Private Licensed Schools.

The undergraduate certificate programs being offered through Penn Foster College are certificate programs, not degree programs.