The accreditation process involves a self-study in which a site evaluates itself in relation to the 52 individual CEA standards. The response requires a narrative, in which the site makes claims as to how it meets a standard, a document section in which the site gives evidence of its claims, an evaluative section, and a recommendation section, in which the site makes plans for future improvement, if necessary.

Throughout the self-study process, sites find that they make improvements in order to meet the standards, and this is an expected part of the accreditation review process. In other words, a program is expected to put changes into place throughout the process. However, if there are too many changes that need to be made in order to meet the standards, the site may not be ready to start the process, and needs time to put the new practices into operation.

The following questions will help you to determine readiness:

1. Have you reviewed the CEA Standards for English Language Programs and Institutions, including reading the discussion of each standard, to make sure that you understand the intent of each standard?
2. Does your program or institution have a mission statement that clearly states the goals and objectives of the program or school and guides activities and the allocation of resources?
3. Is there a written curriculum that includes goals and objectives for each course and level?
4. Is there a means in place to assess student outcomes in relation to the goals and objectives of the courses and are there proficiency scales with expected student outcomes for each level?
5. Do faculty and staff receive written job descriptions, and are they provided with performance criteria on which they are evaluated?
6. Are the needs of students met through the provision of student services including orientation and counseling services?
7. Do all materials used in marketing and recruitment accurately describe the program or institution?
8. Do you have mechanisms in place for review of your activities, including written plans for review of curriculum, student services, and student achievement practices, as well as a process for development of the overall program or institution?
9. Is your program or institution in a strong enough financial position such that reserves are adequate to meet obligations to students, staff, and contractual parties?
10. Is your program or school prepared to show through narrative and documentation that it substantially meets the 52 standards?
11. Do you have adequate faculty and staff to complete a self-study, which requires a response to 52 standards, with documentary support? Do you have the funds to commit resources to this activity?

If you can answer "yes" to most of these questions, you may be ready to start the accreditation process. Click here to download the CEA Application / Eligibility Form.

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