The purpose of the Commission is to foster excellence in elementary, secondary, adult and postsecondary institutions, and supplementary education programs.  The Commission encourages school improvement through a process of continuing evaluation and  recognizes institutions through granting accreditation to the schools that meet an acceptable level of quality in accordance with the established criteria.

The responsibilities of the Commission are listed below:

• Establish bylaws for the governance of the Commission
• Establish criteria for accreditation
• Grant terms of accreditation
• Maintain adequate financial resources
• Maintain complete and accurate of accreditation reviews and actions
• Perform other functions consistent with the Bylaws and Operational Guidelines
• Participate in accreditation visits

The Commission consists of up to thirty-two persons selected by the Commission's Review Committee from candidates nominated by member organizations or the Commission. In addition to the individuals representing institutions, at least one-seventh of the Commission members shall be considered representatives of the general public. The representatives are from the following educational associations:

• Association of California School Administrators
• Association of Christian Schools International
• California Association of Independent Schools
• California Association of Private School Organizations
• California Congress of Parents and Teachers, Inc. (PTA)
• California Department of Education
• California Federation of Teachers
• California School Boards Association
• California Teachers Association
• Charter Schools
• East Asia Regional Council of Schools
• Hawaii Association of Independent Schools
• Hawaii Government Employees' Association
• Hawaii State Department of Education
• Hawaii State Teachers Association
• Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
• Postsecondary Education
• Public Members (Five members in addition to the PTA member)
• Western Catholic Educational Association