[Accreditation and its implementation in graduate studies in Public Health].

This article aims to contribute to a better understanding of the establishment and implementation of accreditation in graduate courses in public health and to encourage discussions to improve quality in this area. The term accreditation is defined, and two of its main thrusts are discussed: quality and competence. The basis for establishing and implementing an accreditation system is described, and some of the key characteristics of the Brazilian experience are presented.