Higher education quality assurance and accreditation were officially implemented in Vietnam over twelve years ago. From a totally centralized model, Vietnam’s accreditation system has been becoming more independent, especially with the establishment of accrediting agencies. The first accreditation certificates were also awarded to universities that met quality standards and criteria. This paper investigates the development of Vietnam’s higher education quality assurance and accreditation for the last decade since the national quality assurance organization was established. The study first synthesizes the results achieved within this system, both in policy and practice, leadership and management. It also discusses human resources development for quality assurance and accreditation in the national context. Next, the paper highlights the self evaluation and external evaluation activities, two most important steps of the accreditation process. In addition, building a quality culture within higher education institutions is also paid attention to. Finally, lessons from the establishment and development of Vietnam’s accreditation are drawn. This study looks at an overall picture of Vietnam’s higher education quality assurance system since its establishment with a focus on policy, practice, leadership and management. It also hopes to contribute to the literature related to accreditation of Vietnam’s higher education.