Phase One

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

  • Eligibility criteria represent the baseline conditions a provider must meet to begin the CEQAC accreditation process. They reflect core elements of CEQAC’s evaluation framework and help ensure that applicants have the legal authority, operational integrity, and educational capacity to deliver credible, outcomes-based programs.
  • Meeting these requirements qualifies a provider to apply for accreditation, but does not guarantee approval. Compliance with eligibility standards must be maintained throughout the accreditation process and during any accredited term.
Phase two

Readiness
Self-Assessment
for First-Time Applicants

  • After it is confirmed they meet minimum requirements and before applying for CEQAC accreditation, non-institutional education providers are required to complete a Readiness Self-Assessment.

    The Readiness Assessment includes a short rubric based on CEQAC’s accreditation standards. Providers rate themselves as “Yes,” “Partially,” or “No” for each standard and provide brief explanations or examples. To move forward, providers must:

    • Score at least “Partially” on all standards, and “Yes” on at least three
    • Provide an improvement plan for any areas marked “No”
Phase three

Full Accreditation Review

CEQAC’s accreditation process is designed to help non-institutional education providers navigate a clear, structured pathway to recognition. It balances rigor with flexibility and includes safeguards to ensure fairness, transparency, and support throughout the journey.

Providers who pass the readiness stage will undergo a full evaluation. This includes a detailed review of documents and interviews (virtual or on-site, as applicable) to ensure alignment with CEQAC standards.

The full evaluation typically takes 5 to 8 weeks and is required for both initial applicants and providers seeking renewal.