A look at the Standards of Accreditation self-study instructions

In February 2016, the Commission on Accreditation (CoA) released the inaugural self-study instructions for the Standards of Accreditation (SoA)opens in new window (PDF, 222KB). All self-studies must be submitted using the CoA Portal. In an effort to make the 2017 self-study instructions accessible to the public outside of the portal, CoA created a series of preparation sheets tailored to each training level.

Here’s a look at the resources offered to programs.

CoA Online Self-Study Preparation Sheets

The self-study preparation sheets are an excellent resource for any program to learn more about the application of the SoA. By clicking on a specific training level, you will have access to the self-study instructions, titled “2017 Narrative Preparation Sheet,” along with all optional and required supporting material templates. The narrative preparation sheet is similar to the Word template of the self-study instructions that were used in the past to complete a paper self-study under the Guidelines and Principles (G&P).

Online Self-Study Tutorial Videos

Moving forward, all self-studies for “accredited, on contingency” and “full accreditation” must be submitted using the CoA Portal. No paper submissions will be accepted.

There are two resources to help you navigate the CoA Portal. The first is a series of online self-study tutorial videos. The second resource is the Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation (OPCA). OPCA is open from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. EST, and staff members are happy to help with any question related to the portal or the self-study process.

Transition Resources and FAQ

For those of you who have previous experience with the G&P, CoA has created a series of resources to help you transition to the SoA. The transition from G&P to SoA Web page provides links to the SoA, revised AOP and SoA Implementing Regulations — all of which will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2017.

We also provide frequently asked questions regarding the transition process. The FAQ is designed to be a living document and as such will be updated as new questions are submitted. If you have a question that you do not see addressed in the FAQ document, please contact OPCA for further consultation.

Accreditation Workshops

CoA is committed to providing its publics with resources and tools to complete a self-study. In line with this commitment, the CoA will offer accreditation workshops focused on the SoA through three avenues: in-person workshops, recorded webinars and an online learning platform.

• In-person workshops: The in-person workshops are offered in conjunction with training conferences, meetings and other events. These are free of charge and provide you with an opportunity to ask questions directly to members of CoA. They are also an excellent opportunity to meet your peers who are also going through the self-study process.
• Recorded webinars: In late spring 2016, CoA will release a series of recorded webinars that will mirror the training provided at the in-person self-study workshops. The webinars will be placed on the accreditation website. Internship and postdoctoral residency self-study training will be posted first, followed by doctoral self-study training (scheduled to be posted in summer 2016). You will be able to view these videos as your schedule allows.
• Online learning platform: The online learning platform, CoA-ACT, is scheduled to be released in late 2016. It will be available free of charge and have three learning tracks: general, self-study and site visitor. Users will be able to log on and watch each module within a given learning track at their own pace. Participants who are seeking site visitor training will be eligible for CE credit.

SoA Rollout Timeline