Preparation
Visit New Program Applicants to learn more about starting a new baccalaureate or master's program. New applicant programs work directly with the Accreditation Services Manager. Once a program is granted pre-candidacy status, it is then is assigned to an accreditation specialist
This page outlines the candidacy process for programs with pre-candidacy status or candidacy status through an initial accreditation decision.
Policies
Review policy 5. Candidacy & Initial Accreditation in the Accreditation Policy Handbook to learn about the Candidacy process. (updated 9/2023)
Training
- 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 .
- 2015 EPAS Benchmark Grid
- 2022 EPAS Benchmark Grid- - Updated December 2024
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
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
Program Response & Report Templates
- Program Response to the Candidacy Visit Report Template
- Program Response to the Modified Site Visit Report Template
- Deferral Response Template
- Progress Report Template
- Restoration Report Template
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.
Program Option Closure
Use the Program Option Closure Form to notify CSWE of a program option closure (delivery method or location).