Accreditation Handbook—Chapter XV: Overview of Application Review Processes
The CAA accreditation program is open to graduate education programs that offer (or are developing):
- A master’s degree program in speech-language pathology
- A clinical doctoral program in audiology
Submitting Accreditation Reports
For programs voluntarily seeking to becoming accredited by the CAA or designated as a candidate for accreditation (for new or developing programs), the CAA requires documentation of compliance with its Standards for Accreditation, via completion and submission of an application and annual reports. The accreditation peer review process is comprehensive—looking at a program from many angles and against standards that have been developed by the professions as indicators of quality in the discipline of communication sciences and disorders. As a result, detailed documentation is required.
Programs planning to file an Application for Candidacy or a Substantive Change Plan must use the appropriate form and submit according to the outlined procedures. For instructions, questions, or additional information please email the staff in the Accreditation Office to discuss eligibility, the review process, timelines, and related fees. All CAA reviews and decisions are based on the program’s compliance with the CAA’s Standards for Accreditation.
| Form | Due Date | Notice of Intent Required? | Should a Fee Accompany? | Staff Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application for Accreditation | February 1 or August 1 | Yes (initial only) | Yes—initial applications No—continuing accreditation | Accreditation Office |
| Annual Report | February 1 or August 1 | No | No | Accreditation Office |
| Application for Candidacy [DOC] | February 1 or August 1 | Yes | Yes | Tess Kirsch |
| Candidacy Annual Progress Report [DOC] | February 1 or August 1 | No | No | Tess Kirsch |
| Substantive Change Plans | February 1 or August 1 | Yes | No | Accreditation Office |
| Administrative Structure Change Notice [PDF] | Within 30 days of change | N/A | No | Accreditation Office |
| Program Director Change Notice [DOC] | Within 30 days of change | N/A | No | Accreditation Office |
Report Submission Time Lines
Accreditation reports, including (re)accreditation applications, annual reports, and substantive change plans, must be submitted online to the CAA in either February or August, based on the program’s accreditation anniversary date:
| February 1 | August 1 |
|---|---|
| November | May |
| December | June |
| January | July |
| February | August |
| March | September |
| April | October |
Recent Updates to the Accreditation Handbook
The CAA maintains a policy and procedures document to support the accreditation program and its activities. The contents of the Accreditation Handbook are dynamic, and as a result, policies and procedures are reviewed and updated as needed.
