Frequently Asked Questions
At ICAA, we believe in the transformative power of education, and we are sure you have some questions about our program. We've compiled the most commonly asked questions to help bring you clarity in helping you decide to apply for accreditation with the ICAA.
What is the first critical step in the accreditation process?
A key person at the institution must obtain a copy of the ICCA Handbook, complete the initial application and the eligibility standards application, enroll in and complete the Preparing for ICAA Accreditation tutorial to qualify as a Compliance Officer. The Compliance Officer and any other school officials will be invited to participate once the initial application payment is received. This course must be completed before submitting the Application for Accreditation and before writing the Self-Evaluation Report. ICAA will not accept an application for Accreditation without a copy of the Certificate of Completion provided by the Compliance Officer.
When will the application receive approval?
Before ICAA will officially accept an institution’s initial Application for Accreditation, the institution must demonstrate that it meets all of the eligibility requirements set forth in the ICAA Handbook.
How long is an application for candidacy valid?
An application for accreditation is valid for three years from the date it is received by the Commission. The initial period is two years and an extension must be followed if requesting a third year.
As a new applicant, how soon is a draft of our Self-Evaluation Report (SER) required for submission?
Preparing the Self-Evaluation Report may take only a few months for a small institution or as many as nine months to a year for a large institution. Please contact ICAA regarding a submission timeframe. After ICAA receives the SER, the ICAA staff will schedule a call/visit by an expert evaluator. The evaluator will review the SER to determine if the institution is prepared to undergo a full onsite visit by an examining committee.
How long does the accreditation process take?
Generally, it can take about 18-24 months for the entire procedure. A smaller school may be able to prepare for accreditation in as few as 6-18 months. Prospective applicants are advised to initiate the process at least 12 months before the meeting they wish to have their application considered.
From whom may one seek advice in preparing to undergo an accreditation review?
The ICAA accrediting commission staff in Chicago is available for consultation by mail, phone, e-mail, or personal visit regarding any questions about the accrediting process, procedures, or standards. Please contact the Commission offices for assistance.
What other publications are useful to study as an institution prepares for an accreditation review?
The ICAA Handbook, available to download for free online covers the entire accreditation process from beginning to end. The best preparation is for senior staff at the institution to enroll in and complete the ICAA Course on Preparing for Accreditation (Please Note: Enrollment in this course is required by at least one staff member at a school undergoing accreditation review.)
Can applicant in-process advertise applicant status in its literature or promotional materials?
No. This is inappropriate and has the potential to mislead the public about an institution’s affiliation with ICAA.
Does the Commission offer additional assistance and counseling with the accreditation process?
Yes. The ICAA offers free online webinars designed to assist institutions with the accrediting process.
Must the school be in operation two years before it may apply for accreditation?
No, At the time of application the institution must have students enrolled and one graduated class by the time of the site visit. It must also demonstrate that it will operate continuously thereafter.
What are the costs involved for accreditation?
To estimate the on-site review fees and subject specialist review fees, consult the ICAA Handbook. The ICAA dues and accreditation fees are based on annual tuition receipts
Are accrediting reports and documents made public?
No. The process of accreditation is regarded as a confidential one, and accreditation reports and documents are treated in a confidential manner. Chair reports, institutional responses, application documents are not available to the public. The public is notified of final decisions to grant, withdraw or deny accreditation via the ICAA website.
Will course material be returned to the institution after subject specialists review the material?
No. All course materials including kits, tools, textbooks, and hardware are thoroughly vetted in the course review process and are not returned to the applicant institution.
What does the onsite visit process entail?
A ICAA staff representative accompanies every visiting committee to coordinate the on-site logistics and serves as a resource regarding accrediting standards.
The evaluators use various rating forms that tie to ICAA’s standards as tools to assist them with the on-site reviews. The Chair, the Educational Standards Evaluator, and the Business Standards Evaluator use the appropriate sections of the Rating Form during this process.
The amount of time scheduled for an on-site visit is impacted by the number of enrolled students and number of programs offered by an institution. Typically, since most of the work may be done before the visits, on-site visits are typically one or two days. During the on-site evaluation, the committee members, having thoroughly read the institution’s SER, subject specialists’ reports, and student surveys, engage in a variety of activities to develop a thorough understanding of the institution, to verify the information in the materials, and to verify compliance with accrediting standards. Those activities include interviewing key staff and faculty, and students; reviewing records and files, and verifying outcomes data presented in the SER. The Chair informs the institution of the opportunity to present additional or clarifying information to the committee.
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We would be honored to help you find the answers and get you started on your path to accreditation!
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