Accreditation

Our Process

Accredit your organization following our 10 step process

ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for accreditation with ACIEI, an institution or entity must satisfy the following requirements.

STEP 1: STUDY AND REVIEW

Study and review instructions on how to apply, eligibility criteria, financial statement requirements and other requirements as well.

STEP 2: INITIAL APPLICATION

Return the completed application with appropriate fee, a cover letter that outlines how the institution meets the initial eligibility criteria must accompany the application with the signature of owner(s) and submit financial statements.

ACIEI is committed to collaborating with the institution in effecting a smooth and deliberate path toward meeting criteria and attaining an accreditation status.

STEP 3: SELF-EVALUATION REPORT

The self-evaluation report is the most important part of the process of accreditation and must be considered a major effort of the institution. It is not an endeavor that can be completed quickly. It requires time and careful planning. The self-evaluation report provides the institution with the opportunity to engage in a comprehensive analysis of all aspects of its operation.
Upon receipt of the application and the eligibility of an institution has been verified it is sent the self-evaluation report for completion. There are two self-evaluation report deadlines each year in preparation for the two commission meetings each year. Check the ACIEI calendar for specific dates.

STEP 4: ACCREDITATION WORSKHOP ATTENDANCE

Initial and recycle institutional applicants are required to attend an ACIEI Accreditation Workshop prior to submission of the self-evaluation. Check the ACIEI calendar for specific dates.

The Accreditation Workshop provides an overview of ACIEI accreditation process as well as evaluation visit preparation and procedures. The Accreditation Workshop is required for all institutions applying for a renewal of accreditation. The chief on-site administrator and/or self-evaluation must attend an accreditation workshop before submission of the self-evaluation. The Accreditation Workshop is required for all initial applicants but is also open to anyone interested in learning about the ACIEI Initial Accreditation process.

STEP 5: PRELIMINARY VISIT

Institution is required to undergo a preliminary visit to confirm eligibility and determine whether the institution is in substantial compliance with the standards. A negative preliminary visit might delay the onsite team visit.

STEP 6: SELF-EVALUATION SUBMISSION

ACIEI accepts Self Evaluation Report 3 times a year.
2-10 January
1-10 April
1-10 September

STEP 7: ONSITE TEAM VISIT

When an institution has submitted a satisfactory self-evaluation report and other required documentation, the ACIEI President will appoint a team to visit and evaluate the institution. The institution is notified of the arrangement of the visiting team accordingly.

Institutional and programmatic applicant visits are scheduled for 1-3 days depending on school size.

STEP 8: COMMISSION REVIEW

All documents and materials pertinent to an institution’s accreditation are reviewed by the appropriate commission of ACIEI. This group will make a recommendation to ACIEI if the evaluation file is complete.

Commissioners are provided with an institution’s self-evaluation report, team reports, and its response to the team reports. Results will be provided within 2-3 weeks of the meeting.

STEP 9: ACIEI DECISION

ACIEI action to accredit or renew accreditation or not to do so, or otherwise condition the grant of accreditation, is determined only following review of relevant institution information and report by committee.