Several national higher education associations exist that utilize assessment tools to reach their goals in assisting professionals in their field. Although their focus is not solely on assessment, these associations have played an important role in creating the foundation for the assessment field. These associations typically focus on professional development and advocacy for their members. Some of these associations include:
- AAC&U (Association of American Colleges and Universities)
- AAHEA (American Association for Higher Education and Accreditation)
- AASCU (American Association of State Colleges and Universities)
- ACPA (American College Personnel Association)
- AIR (Association for Institutional Research)
- ASHE (Association for the Study of Higher Education)
- CHEA (Council for Higher Education Accreditation)
- COFHE (Consortium On Financing Higher Education)
- NASPA (National Association of Student Personnel Administrators)
- NASULGC (National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges)
- NIRSA (National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association)
- NODA (National Orientation Directors Association)
- Other associations