Howard Community College is fully accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher education and the Maryland Higher Education Commission to offer programs of learning and to award the associate in arts degree and certificate of proficiency. Howard Community College hosted its latest site visit in October 2000 and received a Commendable Accreditation in early spring 2001.  The 5-year periodic review took place during 2005-2006 and the report was submitted on May 30, 2006.  It was accepted with commendation.

The college's associate degree program in nursing is fully accredited by the National League for Nursing, the national accrediting organization, and approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing. Graduates of the nursing program, upon recommendation by the director of nursing and approval of the Maryland Board of Nursing, may sit for the registered nurse licensure examination.

The college also holds membership in a number of professional organizations including the American Association of Community Colleges, the Junior College Council of the Middle Atlantic States, the National Association of Colleges, the Junior College Council of the Middle Atlantic States, the National Association of College and University Business Officers, the Maryland Association of College and University Business Officers, the Maryland Association of Community College Trustees, the National Association of Community College Trustees, the National Accrediting Commission, National League for Nursing, National Organization for Associate Degree Nursing, and the Continuous Quality Improvement Network.

Howard Community College's programs of learning are fully approved by the Veterans Administration for veterans' benefits.