Other Accreditation Statuses

Defining Intent to Apply, Accredited on Contingency, and Full Accreditation

In addition to applying for full APA accreditation, programs may also apply for contingent accreditation or submit for intent to apply status, which is not an accredited status. Accredited programs may also become inactive or may withdraw from accreditation. Descriptions of each of these statuses can be found below. It is important to understand which denote an accredited status and which do not. 

Programs that have applied for accreditation, programs that have sought the intent to apply status, and programs that have withdrawn from accreditation from accreditation are maintained on lists for one calendar year after the effective date of the decision. 

Differences between accreditation statuses

Intent to Apply

Doctoral, internship, and postdoctoral programs may seek review of “intent to apply” status prior to seeking accredited, on contingency or full accreditation. If a program is approved as “intent” for accreditation, it serves as a notice to the public that the program will be seeking accreditation in the near future.

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Accredited, on Contingency

“Accredited, on contingency” is granted once a program meets all standards except for the inclusion of all required outcome data on interns/residents in the program and after program completion. To become fully accredited, the program must provide the required data by the time two cohorts have completed the program. 

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Full Accreditation

Programs that are fully accredited will have met all the standards of accreditation and have included all required outcome data on students/ interns/ residents in the program and after program completion.

Is my program accredited?

“Intent to Apply”

Not Accredited.

If you complete a program that has successfully applied for an “intent to apply” declaration, you will not have completed an APA accredited program. Please note that master’s programs are not eligible for this status.

“Accredited, on Contingency”

Accredited.
If you complete a program that is recognized as “accredited, on contingency” effective before your graduation date, you will have completed an APA accredited program. Accreditation is effective as of the final day of the site visit preceding the CoA decision. 
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“Full Accreditation”

Accredited.
If you complete a program that is recognized as “fully accredited” effective before your graduation date, you will have completed an APA accredited program. Accreditation is effective as of the final day of the site visit preceding the CoA decision. 

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Related Pages

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Applying for Accreditation and Intent to Apply Status

Applying for Accreditation and Intent to Apply Status
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