This page outlines the candidacy process for baccalaureate, master's, and practice doctorate programs with pre-candidacy status or candidacy status through an initial accreditation decision. Visit New Applicant Programs to learn more about starting a new program. If you have questions, please visit our FAQ page or contact an accreditation specialist!

Candidacy Process

  1. Candidacy Eligibility Application

  2. Staff Approval of Benchmark 1 Documents

    Pre-candidacy status granted

  3. Prepare for and Host a Candidacy Visit

    5-9 months in advance of Benchmark 1 decision

  4. Candidacy Visit 1

    4-8 months in advance of Benchmark 1 decision

  5. Candidacy Visit Report

    3-7 months in advance of Benchmark 1 decision

  6. Program Response

    2-6 months in advance of Benchmark 1 decision

  7. Benchmark 1 Decision

    If granted Candidacy status, proceed to Benchmark 2

Benchmark 2: Process Overview

  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: Process Overview

  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

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: 2022 EPAS Grid  »  2025 Practice Doctorate Grid  »  2015 EPAS Grid 

Team Approach Grid: Optional resource for managing and delegating duties to team members: 2022 EPAS Grid  »  2015 EPAS Grid 

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], and direct questions regarding membership fees to [email protected].

Candidacy Eligibility

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. 

Initial Accreditation Eligibility

The program submits the Initial Accreditation Eligibility Application with supporting materials to begin the 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

Timetables

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

BOA Decisions

Review policies 5.12, 5.13, 5.14 in the Accreditation Policy Handbook.

Requesting a Timetable

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 Closure Option

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