Candidacy Process

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Preparation

Visit New Program Applicants to learn more about starting a new program. New applicant programs work directly with the Accreditation Services Manager. Once a program is granted pre-candidacy status, it is then is assigned to an accreditation specialist

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. 

Policies

Review policy 5. Candidacy & Initial Accreditation in the Accreditation Policy Handbook to learn about the Candidacy process. (updated 9/2023)

Training

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.

For baccalaureate and master's programs:

For practice doctorate programs:

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

For baccalaureate and master's programs:

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.

Candidacy Eligibility

Candidacy Eligibility Application: 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

Initial Accreditation Eligibility Application: 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. Submissions from practice doctorate programs will be accepted starting August 1, 2025.

Program Response & Report Templates

Timetables

Once granted pre-candidacy, the program is assigned to a BOA Agenda and the program will continue to follow that Candidacy Timetable through Benchmark 3/Initial Accreditation Decision. However, certain accreditation decisions may alter a program's timeline. Programs are advised to check with their assigned accreditation specialist if they have questions about their timetable. 

Candidacy Visits

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

Resources for in-person visits:

Resources for virtual visits:

BOA Decisions

Review policies 5.12, 5.13, 5.14 in the Accreditation Policy Handbook.  (updated 9/2023)

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