Accreditation Process
The ABHE process of accreditation involves three (3) stages whereby institutions proceed from applicant to candidate and finally to accredited status.
Applicant Status is a
pre-membership status granted to those institutions that meet the Association’s Conditions of Eligibility and that possess such qualities as might
provide a basis for achieving candidate status within four (4) years. Applicant institutions are required to submit annual reports demonstrating progress toward candidate status. During year four, an institutional self-study report and an institutional planning document are to be submitted to the Association office prior to an evaluation team visit regarding the institutional readiness for candidate status.
Candidate Status is a
pre-accredited status granted to those institutions that
show promise of achieving accreditation within four (4) years. Candidate institutions are required to submit annual progress reports demonstrating progress toward accreditation. During year four, an institutional self-study report and an institutional planning document are to be submitted to the Association office prior to an evaluation team visit regarding the institution’s readiness for initial accreditation.
Accredited status is granted to those institutions that substantially meet or exceed the Standards of the Association and give evidence of continual striving toward excellence. During year five, an institutional self-study report and an institutional planning document are to be submitted to the Association office prior to an evaluation team visit regarding the reaffirmation of the institution’s accredited status. Once reaffirmed, the institution will
repeat the reaffirmation process every ten (10) years.