Accreditation Process

ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for accreditation with ACATM, an institution or entity must satisfy the

following requirements.

STEP 1:

STUDY AND REVIEW

Study and review instructions on how to apply, eligibility criteria, financial statement

requirements and other requirements as well.

STEP 2:

INITIAL APPLICATION

Return the completed application with appropriate fee, a cover letter that outlines how the

institution meets the initial eligibility criteria must accompany the application with the

signature of owner(s) and submit financial statements.

ACATM is committed to collaborating with the institution in effecting a smooth and

deliberate path toward meeting criteria and attaining an accreditation status.

STEP 3:

SELF-EVALUATION REPORT

The self-evaluation report is the most important part of the process of accreditation and

must be considered a major effort of the institution. It is not an endeavor that can be

completed quickly. It requires time and careful planning. The self-evaluation report

provides the institution with the opportunity to engage in a comprehensive analysis of all

aspects of its operation.

Upon receipt of the application and the eligibility of an institution has been verified it is

sent the self-evaluation report for completion. There are two self-evaluation report

deadlines each year in preparation for the two commission meetings each year. Check

the ACATM calendar for specific dates.

STEP 4:

ACCREDITATION WORSKHOP ATTENDANCE

Initial and recycle institutional applicants are required to attend an ACATM

Accreditation Workshop prior to submission of the self-evaluation. Check the ACATM

calendar for specific dates.

The Accreditation Workshop provides an overview of ACATM accreditation process as

well as evaluation visit preparation and procedures. The Accreditation Workshop is

required for all institutions applying for a renewal of accreditation. The chief on-site

administrator and/or self-evaluation must attend an accreditation workshop before

submission of the self-evaluation. The Accreditation Workshop is required for all initial

applicants but is also open to anyone interested in learning about the ACATM Initial

Accreditation process.

STEP 5:

PRELIMINARY VISIT

Institution is required to undergo a preliminary visit to confirm eligibility and determine

whether the institution is in substantial compliance with the standards. A negative

preliminary visit might delay the onsite team visit.

STEP 6:

SELF-EVALUATION SUBMISSION

ACATM is accepting Self Evaluation Report 3 times a year

2-10 January

1-10 April

1-10 September

STEP 7:

ONSITE TEAM VISIT

When an institution has submitted a satisfactory self-evaluation report and other required

documentation, the ACATM President will appoint a team to visit and evaluate the

institution. The institution is notified of the arrangement of the visiting team accordingly.

Institutional and programmatic applicant visits are scheduled for 1-3 days depends on

school size.

STEP 8:

COMMISSION REVIEW

All documents and materials pertinent to an institution’s accreditation are reviewed by

the appropriate commission of ACATM. This group will make a recommendation to

ACATM if the evaluation file is complete.

Commissioners are provided an institution’s self-evaluation report, team reports, and its

response to the team reports. Results are provided within 2-3 weeks of the meeting.

STEP 9:

ACATM DECISION

ACATM action to accredit or renew accreditation or not to do so, or otherwise condition

the grant of accreditation, is determined only following review of relevant institution

information and report by committee.

STEP 9: