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"Since 2000, NCATE has been leading the reform movement for accountability in higher education by requiring colleges of education to produce performance based assessments to measure candidate’s proficiencies, programs, and unit operations. Regional accreditation organizations are now requiring the same rigorous value-added assessments and are asking faculty from education to be leaders at their institutions. This paradigm shift is creating a culture on college campuses towards innovation and quality improvements."
Dr. Barbara Chesler Buckner, Coastal Carolina University
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FAQs About Preconditions
Updated May 8, 2009
Frequently Asked Questions about Preconditions
My institution is already accredited and is coming up for its next visit. Do I need to submit preconditions?
Who reviews the preconditions?
How will I know whether my preconditions have been met?
What happens after the preconditions are met?
How long should the conceptual framework be?
What if I can’t have my preconditions in by the deadline?
What if I still have questions about preconditions?
 
 
 
My institution is already accredited and is coming up for its next visit. Do I need to submit preconditions?
No, preconditions are required only of institutions seeking NCATE accreditation for the first time. However, your conceptual framework should be evident in the exhibit room. Also, depending on your state’s partnership agreement with NCATE, you may be required to submit program reviews approximately one year before the visit.
 
 
Who reviews the preconditions?

The Annual Report and Preconditions Audit Committee, comprised of representatives from NCATE constituent organizations, reviews Precondition #4, the conceptual framework. ARPA reviews Precondition #6 documentation when the institution is not eligible for institutional accreditation. NCATE staff review the others.

 
 
How will I know whether my preconditions have been met?
After an institution’s preconditions documents are reviewed, NCATE sends the institution a report indicating whether the preconditions have been satisfied. If some preconditions are not met, the institution is asked to submit additional information. Precondition #3 is considered met once the institution has submitted the required program reports.
 
 
What happens after the preconditions are met?
Once all preconditions are met, the institution is nominated as a formal candidate for NCATE accreditation by NCATE’s Unit Accreditation Board at its next meeting (April or October). The institution is then eligible for an on-site visit, and the dates of that visit are officially confirmed. In addition, the institution is authorized to advise its constituents that it has met its preconditions and is actively seeking NCATE accreditation. The Unit Accreditation Board must establish formal candidacy before an on-site visit may take place.
 
On-site visits normally occur one to two years after formal candidacy has been granted. Postponement beyond that period must be requested in writing and cannot extend beyond a five-year period. After five years, the institution must reinstate the process of establishing candidacy.
 
 
How long should the conceptual framework be?
The Unit Accreditation Board recommends that the conceptual framework be no longer than 40 pages, including tables and appendices.
 
 
 
What if I can’t have my preconditions in by the deadline?
If you miss the deadline, your documents will not be reviewed by the Annual Report and Preconditions Audit Committee at its next meeting. This will delay your institution’s advancement to candidacy and could ultimately postpone your visit.
 
 
 
What if I still have questions about preconditions?
Please contact Donna Gollnick, Senior Vice President, at (202) 466-7496 or donna@ncate.org.
 
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