Full accreditation is granted for a 5-year period. The Commission may also grant one-year accreditation to programs that have substantially met the standards but have minor standards-related deficiencies. Once the deficiencies are met, the program may become fully accredited for the remainder of the 5-year period.

Fully accredited programs submit an annual report throughout the period of accreditation, which affirms continued compliance with the CEA standards. Also, sometimes when it grants accreditation, the Commission requires annual follow-up in a particular standard area. Two years prior to the end of the initial accreditation period, CEA reminds sites that need to begin the re-accreditation process. The process is similar to the process for initial accreditation, including a self-study and site visit by a review team. Re-accreditation may be granted for one year to programs and institutions that substantially meet the standards but have minor standards-related deficiencies up to and may be granted for 10 years to programs and institutions that fully comply with the CEA standards.

Accredited programs become members of the CEA Constituent Council. They have an opportunity to nominate and elect new Commissioners and to attend an annual meeting of the Council.

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