Preparation
Visit the Accreditation Scope and Services for more information about the Department of Social Work Accreditation offerings.
Policies
Review policy 5. Candidacy & Initial Accreditation in the Accreditation Policy Handbook to learn about the Candidacy process. (updated 9/2023)
Training
- For programs prior to pre-candidacy status: Attend bi-weekly drop-in group consultations with CSWE Accreditation Staff for programs.
- Attend 2022 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) training for baccalaureate and master's programs hosted by CSWE staff members.
- Visit our training web page for previous presentation slide decks and upcoming opportunities.
Benchmark Grid:The Benchmark Model chart illustrates which features of the Educational Policies and Academic Standards (EPAS) and which accreditation standards (AS) the program is working on during each candidacy visit. For more information on the Candidacy Benchmark Model can be found in the Accreditation Policy Handbook .
Team Approach Grid: Optional resource for managing and delegating duties to team members.
Faculty Hiring Grid: Resource to assist programs in planning thier faculty hiring throughout the candidacy process
Policy 4.7 Document Formatting & Submission Requirements in the Accreditation Policy Handbook: Required guidelines for formatting documents for submission to CSWE.
Fees
- New fees effective July 1, 2024 | CSWE Accreditation Fees Memo | 2022 EPAS
- To qualify for the current structure for the remainder of the candidacy process, the program's candidacy eligibility payment must be dated June 30, 2024 or before, and the program must submit a complete candidacy eligibility application to [email protected] on June 30, 2024 or before. If a program's application does not meet all candidacy eligibility requirements, the program will be subject to the new fee structure noted above. Any payments dated or applications submitted July 1, 2024 or after will adhere to the new fee structure noted above. Programs that are currently in pre-candidacy or candidacy will continue with the current fee structure for the remainder of the candidacy process.
- Current Candidacy Fees and Related Expenses: List and explanation of fees related to the candidacy process for baccalaureate and master's programs.
Direct questions regarding accreditation fees to [email protected].
Direct questions regarding membership fees to [email protected].
Candidacy Eligibility
Candidacy Eligibility Application: The baccalaureate or master's program submits the Candidacy Eligibility Application with supporting materials to begin the candidacy application process. Once approved, the program may submit its draft Benchmark 1 document.
Initial Accreditation Eligibility
Initial Accreditation Eligibility Application: The baccalaureate or master's program submits the Initial Accreditation Eligibility Application with supporting materials to begin the initial accreditation application process.Benchmark Materials/Resources
- 2022 EPAS benchmark materials and resources can be found here
- 2015 EPAS benchmark materials and resources can be found here
Timetables
- Timetables for retroactive accreditation Fall 2024 (updated 9/2023)
- Timetables for retroactive accreditation Fall 2025 (updated 9/2023)
Candidacy Visits
Review policies 5.9, 5.10, 5.11 in the Accreditation Policy Handbook. (updated 9/2023)
Resources for in-person visits:Resources for virtual visits:
BOA Decisions
Review policies 5.12, 5.13, 5.14 in the Accreditation Policy Handbook. (updated 9/2023)
Requesting a Timetable Change
A baccalaureate or master's program in pre-candidacy or candidacy may request a permanent 4-month timetable change per each benchmark. To request an agenda adjustment please submit this form to the program's accreditation specialist. For more information on timetable changes during pre-candidacy or candidacy, please review policy 4.6 in the Accreditation Policy Handbook.