Read through the 2009 Standards provided by CACREP before beginning the process.
Fill out and send either an electronic application or a printable application (by mail) to the CACREP. If the application is accepted, proceed with the rest of the requirements. If your application is not approved, then you may send an addendum to address issues noted.
Thoroughly and carefully analyze existing programs, comparing their strengths and weaknesses to the CACREP standards. Hiring a consultant can make this task easier. After making this analysis, get a copy of and read through the CACREP Accreditation Manual and read the Electronic Formatting Guidelines as provided by the CACREP. Based on the information provided in these resources, write the self-study. Given that your application has been approved, you can send in the self-study once completed.
Set up a site visit by CACREP representatives. The visit will be comprised of two to four team members visiting the campus for three days. An agenda will be set up and at the end of the visit, the team will vocalize its findings. A team report will be sent back within the following weeks to various members of your college (including the president and dean).
When the self-study is submitted to the CACREP, an application fee of $2,500 is due. When a site visit is approved, a fee of $2,000 per visitor for two to five visitors is due. Annual maintenance fees as of 2011 include $2,153 for one program, $2,573 for two, and $2,972 for three. The cost of the CACREP accreditation manual is $50. Mailing labels as used for CACREP liaisons are $35 each. Student graduation certificates are $25 each.
It can take as little as one year to complete accreditation while some institutions have taken up to 10 years. Once the self-study has been received, a final board decision may not occur for as long as two years.