Accreditation: Get Accredited - Overview

The first step in the accreditation process is to conduct a self-assessment, where you evaluate your HRPP and make improvements as needed.

The application submission process for initial and renewing applicants involves two steps: Once your organization’s policies have been reviewed and revised to meet AAHRPP accreditation standards, you will put together an Application for Accreditation. The Application for Accreditation includes an overview of your HRPP and requires you to identify written materials (e.g., policies, guidance, checklists, manuals) that demonstrate how your organization meets each accreditation Standard and Element.

When an organization submits an Application for Accreditation to AAHRPP, a two-part peer review process begins. The first stage of the process involves evaluation of the written materials included in the Application for Accreditation. An individual from an accredited organization will assess the written materials based on the Evaluation Instrument and work with your organization to ensure the materials meet AAHRPP accreditation standards.

After the review of the Application for Accreditation is complete, AAHRPP schedules a site visit, which involves a team of individuals from accredited organizations who evaluate how HRPP policies and procedures are operationalized at your organization through document review and interviews with key personnel. The site visit team will provide written feedback about any areas that need to be addressed to meet accreditation standards.

Following the site visit, the Council on Accreditation makes a decision about accreditation based on the Draft Site Visit Report, the Organization’s response, and the evaluation of the response.