The benchmark model is a developmental, systematic, and incremental approach to developing an accredited social work program, aligning the program elements with the accreditation standards, and writing a comprehensive self-study. There are three benchmarks: 

  1. Benchmark 1
  2. Benchmark 2
  3. Benchmark 3/Initial Accreditation

New Applicant Process

Visit New Applicant Programs to learn more about starting a new program. 

  1. Candidacy Eligibility Application

  2. Staff Approval of Benchmark 1 Documents

    Pre-candidacy status granted

Once a program is granted pre-candidacy status, the program is assigned to a BOA Agenda, displayed on the Program Directory, and assigned to an accreditation specialist. 

Pre-Candidacy: Benchmark 1

  1. Prepare for and Host a Candidacy Visit

    5-9 months in advance of Benchmark 1 decision

  2. Candidacy Visit 1

    4-8 months in advance of Benchmark 1 decision

  3. Candidacy Visit Report

    3-7 months in advance of Benchmark 1 decision

  4. Program Response

    2-6 months in advance of Benchmark 1 decision

  5. Benchmark 1 Decision

    If granted Candidacy status, proceed to Benchmark 2

Candidacy: Benchmark 2

  1. Prepare for and Host Second Candidacy Visit

    5-9 months in advance of Benchmark 2 decision

  2. Candidacy Visit 2

    4-8 months in advance of Benchmark 2 decision

  3. Candidacy Visit Report

    3-7 months in advance of Benchmark 2 decision

  4. Program Response

    2-6 months in advance of Benchmark 2 decision

  5. Benchmark 2 Decision

    If granted a Second Year of Candidacy status, proceed to Benchmark 3

Benchmark 3/Initial Accreditation

  1. Initial Accreditation Eligibility Application

  2. Prepare for and Host Third Candidacy Visit

    5-9 months in advance of Benchmark 3/Initial Accreditation decision

  3. Candidacy Visit 3

    4-8 months in advance of Benchmark 3/Initial Accreditation decision

  4. Candidacy Visit Report

    3-7 months in advance of Benchmark 3/Initial Accreditation decision

  5. Program Response

    2-6 months in advance of Benchmark 3/Initial Accreditation decision

  6. Benchmark 3/Initial Accreditation Decision

  7. Continuous Compliance with Accreditation Standards, Requirements

Preparation

Baccalaureate, master's, and practice doctorate programs work directly with their assigned accreditation specialist. 

Policies: Review policies 5. Candidacy & Initial Accreditation and 4.7 Document Formatting & Submission Requirements in the Accreditation Policy Handbook to learn about the Candidacy process.

Training: Click here for more information on program training 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,

Team Approach Grid: Optional resource for managing and delegating duties to team members:

Faculty Hiring Grid: Resource to assist programs in planning faculty hiring throughout the candidacy process.

Fees

The Current Candidacy Fees and Related Expenses document lists and explains fees related to the candidacy process.

Please follow the payment instructions for Candidacy Eligibility Fees and payment instructions for Candidacy Visit/Initial Accreditation Fees.

Direct questions regarding accreditation fees to [email protected].

Eligibility Applications

The 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. 

The program submits the Initial Accreditation Eligibility Application with supporting materials to begin the benchmark 3/initial accreditation application process.

Benchmark Materials/Resources

For baccalaureate and master's programs:

  • 2022 EPAS benchmark materials and resources can be found here 
  • 2015 EPAS benchmark materials and resources can be found here

For practice doctorate programs:

  • 2025 Practice Doctorate Standards benchmark materials and resources can be found here

Program Response & Report Templates

Candidacy Timetables

The program may plan for a select agenda; however, assignment to an agenda is not guaranteed. Formal assignment to an agenda occurs when a program is granted pre-candidacy status.

Once a program is granted pre-candidacy and assigned to a BOA agenda, the program will continue to follow that Candidacy Timetable through Benchmark 3/Initial Accreditation Decision.

Timetables for retroactive accreditation: Fall 2024

Timetables for retroactive accreditation: Fall 2025

Timetables for retroactive accreditation: Fall 2026

Timetables for retroactive accreditation: Fall 2027

Timetables for retroactive accreditation: Fall 2028

Timetables for retroactive accreditation: Fall 2029

Candidacy Visits

Candidacy visits are an integral step of the candidacy process. During each candidacy visit, programs host a visitor and discuss the program's Benchmark document. 

Review policies 5.9-5.10 in the Accreditation Policy Handbook to learn more about reaffirmation site visits.

Candidacy Visit Schedule Samples:

For baccalaureate and master's programs: 

For practice doctorate programs: 

Requesting an Extension or Timetable Change

A 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 Changes

Program Option Closure:

Use the Program Option Closure Form to notify CSWE of a program option closure (delivery method or location).

Other Program Changes: an Accreditation Program Record Update Form must be submitted to notify CSWE of any of the following changes:

  • Key Personnel: Primary Contact, Program Director, Field Director, President/Chancellor, Optional Additional Program Designees
  • Program Mailing Address
  • Additional fields displayed on the Directory of Accredited Programs:
    • Social Work Program Website URL Update
    • Public Program Email Update
    • Public Program Phone Number Update
    • Assessment Data URL Update
    • Update to EPAS the Program Operates Under
    • Plan of Study Update
    • Area of Specialized Practice Update
    • Certificates Offered Update
    • Dual-Degree Offered Update
    • Degree-Completion Offered Update
    • Logo Update
    • Program Name Update
    • Program Degree Title Update

Program Closure & Withdrawal of Candidacy Status

If a program wishes to withdraw from candidacy at any time during the candidacy process (i.e., after pre-candidacy status is granted and prior to earning initial accreditation status), the program’s primary contact completes the Program Closure & Withdrawal of Candidacy Status Form