Key Elements of an Internal Quality Assurance System in the Context of Accreditation

Internal quality assurance systems (IQAS) are essential for continuous improvement in higher education institutions, particularly within the framework of academic accreditation. The main objective of this study is to analyze the similarities among the engineering reference frameworks of Mexico, Spain, and the United States in order to identify key elements in quality assurance processes. The research was conducted through a qualitative analysis in three stages: collection of the reference frameworks of the selected countries, differentiation of the evaluation criteria in each case, and conceptualization of common elements. The results reveal the existence of shared components that are essential for the design and implementation of a robust IQAS in engineering programs. It is concluded that identifying these elements enables institutions to align their systems with international standards, thereby facilitating accreditation processes and strengthening institutional management.