FAQ

If you are interested in seeking NCATE accreditation, complete the “Intent to Seek Accreditation” form that is available on NCATE’s website. The form can be downloaded in Word, completed, and returned to NCATE as an email attachment or fax; it could also be sent through regular mail. The form does require the signature of both the unit head and CEO of the institution to initiate the candidacy process.

NCATE will acknowledge receipt of the letter and classify your institution as a precandidate, which will give you access to support from NCATE staff, updates, and announcements about the NCATE process. Around that time, you will also receive an invoice for annual NCATE fees, prorated based on the time of year your letter is received.

What is the meaning of candidacy?

An institution becomes a candidate for NCATE accreditation after it has met preconditions. The preconditions must be met for an on-site visit by a Board of Examiners (BOE) to occur. Preconditions are usually submitted three semesters months before the on-site visit. The Unit Accreditation Board (UAB) officially accepts candidates at its semi-annual meetings in April and October.

When are preconditions due at NCATE?

Preconditions must be submitted to NCATE on February 1 or September 1.

The Institutional Report

What is the format for the institutional report (IR)?

The institutional report (IR) must be submitted through the Accreditation Information Management System (AIMS). The IR can be written in an online template, which includes character limits and space to upload tables, figures, and lists of key exhibits. The online template is available in the unit's workspace in AIMS. Another option is to write the entire document in Word or other word processing program and upload the document in AIMS. In the second option, the overall length of the IR should not exceed 85 pages, including tables, figures, and links to key exhibits. Institutions selecting the second option may either use the online template as a guide or respond to each element without using the template. The Word version of the template is available on NCATE website (www.ncate.org) and the Resources section of AIMS.

Should we include appendices or attachments with the institutional report?

The institutional report (IR) may include appendices or attachments, but it should not exceed page and character limits including appendices.

How many copies of the institutional report do I need and to whom should it be sent?

The institutional report (IR) must be submitted through the Accreditation Information Management System (AIMS). Prior to the previsit, institutions should send a draft copy to the team chair. When the unit submits the final IR, national and state board members, the state consultant, and the NEA and AFT representatives will be informed that it is available.

Programs in the NCATE Review

What program reports need to be submitted before the visit?

You may be required to submit program reports for national review if your state partnership requires program submission. To determine whether you must submit program reports, please click here. An institution that is not required to submit program reports may voluntarily submit one or more program reports if it chooses to have its programs nationally recognized.

When are program reports due at NCATE?

Program reports must be submitted electronically the semester before the visit (on February 1 or September 15) for all programs. Click here for additional information on the timelines for program reviews.

We have initiated a doctoral program that will have produced a small number of graduates by the time of our continuing accreditation review next year. Should we prepare additional documentation?

NCATE will consider your doctoral program as one among the offerings at the advanced level. Doctoral programs must be included in the NCATE review only if they prepare personnel to work in P-12 schools; the only doctoral program that most institutions include is the one that prepares school leaders, particularly school superintendents. If it is a new program, you may have limited assessment data at the time of the visit, but it must be included in the review. A program report for the program will have to be submitted if NCATE has standards for it and you are required to submit program reports for national review. At your previsit, you should discuss the program with the BOE team chair to ensure appropriate interviews and review at the time of the visit. A BOE team will pay particular attention to resource allocation when it examines doctoral programs.

Do we have to include our endorsement programs in the NCATE review?

Endorsements are usually included only when the endorsement is the only route to receiving a license in the field. Some fields are offered only at the endorsement level (e.g., ESL and computer education) at many institutions. Those programs must be included in the review. If you are not sure whether to submit a program report or include the program in the on-site review, contact a NCATE staff members to discuss your options.

Third Party Testimony

Where should institutions place the notice asking for third-party comment on the quality of programs that prepare teachers and other school specialists?

The U.S. Department of Education asked accrediting organizations to require accredited institutions to call for comment about program quality as evidence of accountability and outreach to graduates and the general public. The announcement should reach a public audience in what is considered the service area of the institution. Examples of where notices could be placed include daily and weekly newspapers, alumni magazines, and the world wide web site of the institution. You can send a copy of this notice to NCATE or keep a copy available in the exhibit room at the time of the BOE visit. Read more about asking for third party comment.

The Visit

How large will the team be for the continuing visit?

The Board of Examiners team for your visit should be the same size as your previous continuing accreditation visit unless you have added a degree level or off-campus programs since that visit. The size of the team depends on a combination of factors, including the number of candidates and the complexity of the unit and the university.

NCATE Assistance

Who should I contact at NCATE for assistance?

Annual reports and other NCATE data: Tech Support
BOE reports and general accreditation questions: Patty Garvin
Institutional orientations: conference@ncate.org
Program reports and review process, and recognition status of programs: Monique Lynch.
Standards and the accreditation process: Yi Huang.