Candidacy Process

Preparation

Visit New Program Applicants to learn more about starting a new baccalaureate or master's program.

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 .

• 2015 EPAS Benchmark Grid

• 2022 EPAS Benchmark Grid

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

• 2015 EPAS Accreditation Team Approach Grid

• 2022 EPAS Accreditation Team Approach Grid

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

Timetables

• Timetables for retroactive accreditation Fall 2024 (updated 9/2023) 

  • Timetable for Candidate Programs October 2024-2026

  • Timetable for Candidate Programs February 2025-2027

  • Timetable for Candidate Programs June 2025-2027 

• Timetables for retroactive accreditation Fall 2025 (updated 9/2023)

  • Timetable for Candidate Programs October 2025-2027

  • Timetable for Candidate Programs February 2026-2028

  • Timetable for Candidate Programs June 2026-2028

Candidacy Visits

Review policies 5.9, 5.10, 5.11 in the Accreditation Policy Handbook.  (updated 9/2023)

Resources for in-person visits:

• Sample In-Person Candidacy Visit Schedule 

Resources for virtual visits:

• Sample Virtual Candidacy Visit Schedule

• Guidelines & Tips for Virtual Visits

Program Response to the Candidacy Visit Report Template

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.