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.
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.
Inquiry Timeline Graphic coming soon.
Application Review Timeline
2-3 Weeks – Applicant receives inquiries from contracted review
2 Weeks Later – Preliminary Inquiry responses due
4-5 Weeks Later – Applicant receives inquiries from NCCA Review
2 Weeks Later – NCCA Commissioner Inquiry responses due
4-5 Weeks Later – Applicant receives final determination from NCCA Commissioners
Final determination notifications are sent via email to applicant.
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.
Reference this chart for more information.
NCCA Application Fees
An application fee is required for NCCA accreditation. I.C.E. members can save up to $900 on the application. Application fees are non-refundable, and the payment needs to be received before the application is submitted. You can pay by check or with a credit card, but if paying by check we request the check is received prior to the application deadline so you application can be submitted on time.
| I.C.E. Member Initial Application |
$2,754 |
| *ICE Member Subsequent Linked Application Fee |
$1,790/application up to a max fee of 10 applications |
| Non-Member Initial Application |
$3,670 |
| *Non-Member Subsequent Linked Application Fee |
$2,390/application up to a max fee of 10 applications |
*This fee applies to each additional program that is linked to the first application for a non-member organization. Linked applications must be submitted for the same deadline.
NCCA Reaccreditation fees can be found on the NCCA Accredited Program page.
NCCA self-assessment checklist
Articles & White Papers
Reference these resources to better understand the NCCA standards and accreditation requirements.
Resources
- Job Analysis: Beyond the Basics (Standard 14):
Covers key decisions in conducting a legally defensible job analysis, the foundation of any credentialing program.
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
- Removing Roadblocks and Clearing the Way for Accreditation Success Part 1 and Part 2:
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