Two years before hosting the on-site visit, the institution must submit the Intent to Seek NCATE Accreditation form, which is available on NCATE’s website. This form requests basic information about the institution and information on programs and degrees, including off-campus programs, distance learning, and alternate route programs. It is important that the institution list all programs that prepare individuals for work in P–12 schools, no matter where they are offered or how they are delivered. Both the chief executive officer of the institution and the head of the professional education unit must sign the “Intent to Seek NCATE Accreditation” form. In response, NCATE will send a letter with links to the following materials:

• Professional Standards for the Accreditation of Schools, Colleges, and Departments of Education;
• Fee schedule;
• List of NCATE partnership states; and
• Other accreditation information.

By submitting the Intent form, the institution declares its intention to pursue NCATE accreditation within a two to three year time frame. Upon receipt of the Intent form, NCATE classifies the institution as a precandidate for accreditation. Precandidates must pay an annual fee to NCATE. Precandidates receive newsletters, e-mail communications, announcements of NCATE’s institutional orientations, and updated materials that are regularly sent to all NCATE-affiliated institutions.