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Accountability systems check that the rules have been properly complied with and make it possible to investigate and sanction potential misbehaviour. Schools are traditionally responsible for observing regulations and norms that are supposed to ensure good quality education, and more, generally speaking, educational systems are held responsible for the quality of their products, namely: students’ knowledge, skills, behaviour and performance.

Any prescribed action taken in connection with an examination or test that attempts to gain an unfair advantage. Beyond examination or test issues, it covers malpractices related to credentials, diplomas, research, academic journals and publications, admission to universities and accreditation fraud. Bias in the admissions or grading process; plagiarism.

The right by law – often through freedom of information legislation (acts or laws) – to access key facts and data from the government and any public body based on the notion that citizens should be able to obtain information that is in the possession of the state. Public access to information on resources allocated to schools.

Illegal use of public resources and therefore lack of resources for the intended purpose. Capture of school funds at the local administrative level.

Set of written guidelines, produced by public authorities or professional organizations, which details the set of recognized ethical norms (or values) and professional standards of conduct to which all members of a profession must adhere. Codes aim to enhance the commitment, dedication, and efficiency of members of the teaching profession, and to provide self-disciplinary guidelines by establishing norms of professional conduct. Teacher codes of conduct.

A situation where an individual or the entity for which they work, whether a government, business, media outlet or civil society organization, is confronted with having to choose between the duties and demands of their position and their own private interests. When a university professor sits in a selection jury and at the same time provides private tutoring lessons to candidates.

The abuse of entrusted power for private gain. Corruption can be classified as grand, petty or political, depending on the amounts of money lost and the sector where it occurs. Corruption in education can be defined as “the systematic use of public office for private benefit, whose impact is significant on the availability and quality of educational goods and services, and, as a consequence on access, quality or equity in education”.

Dubious providers of educational offerings or operations that offer certificates and degrees that are considered bogus. Online selling of a Master's degree to anyone willing to pay for it.

When a person holding office in an institution, organization or company dishonestly and illegally appropriates, uses or traffics the funds and goods they have been entrusted with for personal enrichment or other activities. Educational funds used for political campaigns.

Dubious providers of accreditation and quality assurance or operations that offer a certification of quality of institutions that is considered bogus. "Accreditation” of a diploma mill.