The NCCA accreditation application process takes 4-5 months to complete; from the time the application is submitted to the time the applicant receives official notification of the accreditation decision. You can apply for accreditation three (3) times per year. The reaccreditation and initial accreditation process follow the same steps and timelines.
Need help with the accreditation process? Reference the consultant directory featuring providers of services and products related to the credentialing industry.
2021 NCCA Standards
The 2021 NCCA Standards for the Accreditation of Certification Bodies outline nationally recognized requirements for the development, governance, and operation of certification programs. The standards reflect current best practices and serve as the foundation for NCCA accreditation.
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NCCA Accreditation Timeline
Programs can apply for accreditation by January 31, April 30, and August 31 of each year. Approximately 2-3 weeks after the application deadline, you will receive an inquiry for a primary review of compliance. From application submission deadline to determination, the process takes approximately four months and requires applicant to respond to all inquiries.
NCCA Application Decisions
Your final notification will only be sent via email from the online accreditation portal. The Commission can reach one of three possible decisions regarding an application:
- Accredit (for a period of 5 years)
- Accredit with Compliance Reporting (for 1 or 5 years)
For more information, reference page 6 of the policy manual.
- Deny
For first time applicants, following an initial denial, the program is permitted to reapply at one of the next two application deadlines for a reduced fee.
Application Preparation Resources
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- Tips and Tricks for Navigating the NCCA Online Portal
Complimentary training that walks through the application process, highlights common mistakes, and offers tips for using the online platform effectively.
- NCCA Self-Assessment Checklist
The self-assessment tool is intended to provide guidance on your program’s readiness to submit an application. The checklist is intended to identify any gaps in evidence or documentation that should be addressed before an application is submitted in order to demonstrate the rigor and completeness needed to achieve or to maintain accreditation.
- Security and Confidentiality Checklist.
This checklist supports accreditation applicants in documenting compliance with NCCA Standards 10, 11, 12, and 18.
NCCA Guidance Documents and NCCA Issued Templates
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Additional Resources
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- The Separation of Certification and Education (Standard 3):
Explains how keeping certification independent from education protects exam integrity. Organizations may offer both and still meet accreditation requirements.
- Job Analysis: Beyond the Basics (Standard 14):
Covers key decisions in conducting a legally defensible job analysis, the foundation of any credentialing program.
- Removing Roadblocks and Clearing the Way for Accreditation Success Part 1 and Part 2:
Outlines common challenges that can hinder accreditation and offers strategies for overcoming them while building a culture of best practices and continuous improvement. Part 1 and Part 2
- Making NCCA Accreditation Work for You:
Takes a deep dive into re-accreditation challenges and shows how a structured quality improvement approach can help programs succeed.
- Documenting Psychometric Evidence - A Goldilocks Conundrum:
Provides guidance on the right level of evidence needed to support testing components, with examples of what information to include.
- Certification: The ICE Handbook 3rd Edition:
A step-by-step guide to designing and implementing professional certification exams, written by experts and edited by James Henderson, Ph.D.
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