Accreditation Process & How to Apply
Initial CEA accreditation process consists of several phases:
- Eligibility to Apply
CEA accredits both English language programs within already accredited institutions and independent English language institutions. Programs and institutions that apply for CEA accreditation must fall within CEA's scope of accreditation.
- Eligibility Application and Accreditation Workshop
Programs and institutions seeking accreditation must fill out an application form. This form requires programs and institutions to document their eligibility. Those found to be eligible are invited to send a representative to an accreditation workshop. CEA recommends that the person who will be in charge of the self-study be the one to attend. Workshops are held annually at the time of the annual meetings of Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages, Inc. (TESOL) and NAFSA: Association of International Educators. Additional workshops may also be scheduled at the CEA offices in Alexandria, Virginia. CEA also offers customized workshops for sites that want to involve their faculty and staff in a workshop at the school.
Click here to download the Application/Eligibility Form—USA for programs and institutions in the United States. Programs and institutions in other countries can find application information here.
- Self–study Plan
Within three months of attending a workshop, participants submit a self-study plan. The plan is a brief outline of how the self-study will be conducted and includes a list of faculty and staff who will conduct and participate in the self–study.
- Self–study and Site Visit
The review process has two stages. Administrative and teaching staff participate in a review of the mission, programs, and services using the CEA Standards. The self-study takes up to 18 months to complete. When completed, the self-study report is submitted to CEA. A review team reads the report and conducts an on-site visit to assess whether the program or institution appears to meet the standards. The review team prepares a review team report, which is sent to the site for response. The site’s response to the report, the team report, and the self-study are the foundation for the Commission's accreditation decision.
- Accredited Status
The CEA Commission meets up to three times annually to make accreditation decisions. (Click here for meeting dates.) CEA may grant initial accreditation for 5 years or for one year. It may grant re-accreditation for one year of 10 years. It may also deny accreditation or defer an accreditation decision.
Accreditation reflects the fact that the program or institution has met the CEA Standards. One-year accreditation is awarded to programs and institutions that substantially meet the requirements but need to address specific standards identified by the Commission.
To maintain accredited status, programs and institutions must maintain the CEA Standards, adhere to CEA policies and procedures, post the CEA Standards in a public place, amend and adapt their programs and institutions as government rules and regulations change, and submit an annual report.
To apply for CEA accreditation, download the Application/Eligibility Form—USA and send the completed form to CEA.
