Final answer:
The statement about professional accreditation being a recognition process based on demonstrated skills is true. Accreditation serves as a credential, especially in fields like engineering, and is crucial for professional development and certification.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement is true; professional accreditation is indeed a process through which an agency recognizes an individual, usually upon successfully passing an examination, as having specialized professional skills. This process is a form of credentialism, where certificates or degrees serve as evidence that a person has achieved a certain level of skill, education, or met specific job qualifications.
Accredited programs, such as those in engineering, are formally approved by an external body, like the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), confirming that certain standards have been met. This stamp of approval indicates the quality of the education provided and its alignment with industry standards.
Understanding the accreditation process is vital for students and professionals who wish to explore professional development options and learn more about the certification process within their chosen field.