CSWE’s Board of Accreditation (BOA) is recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) to accredit baccalaureate, master's, and practice doctorate social work degree programs in the United States and its territories.

Below you’ll find information for institutions seeking accreditation or reaffirmation of baccalaureate, master's, or practice doctorate social work programs. 

Additionally, the BOA also accredits post-master’s social work fellowship programs—click here for more information.

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New Applicant Programs

Programs in Candidacy

Programs Seeking Reaffirmation

Substantive Program Changes

Important Reminders

Frequency of Communication 

It is important to keep a line of communication open between the accreditation staff and program for timely and consistent contact. Programs are responsible for selecting a primary contact and reporting certain changes. Accreditation staff send periodic news and updates via email to the program’s primary contact after BOA meetings and as-needed.  

 

Unsure whom to contact? Email accreditation@cswe.org.  

 

External Accreditation-related Information  

CSWE’s accreditation team is your primary and verified source of information. If you are unsure of information received from an external source, confirm accuracy with your program’s CSWE accreditation specialist. Neither the CSWE-BOA nor accreditation staff review, comment on, appraise, nor endorse external presentations, publications, resources, or consultants.  

 

Accreditation consultations and CSWE-BOA review processes are confidential. Staff do not share program-specific information with other stakeholders, including other programs. This includes discussing other program’s compliance plans, sharing samples, offering networking connections, identifying programmatic innovations, etc.  

 

Program Role & Responsibility 

Accreditation is an elective, program-driven, and self-managed peer-review process. Programs are responsible for meeting all deadlines associated with submission(s) of accreditation materials.  

 

Programs are solely responsible for implementing, demonstrating, and maintaining compliance with accreditation standards. Thus, it is important to understand all tools and resources available to you to successfully navigate accreditation.  

 

Programs must also demonstrate honesty and integrity, in submitting materials for candidacy, reaffirmation, or other accreditation-related review processes. 

The CSWE-BOA and accreditation team are committed to engaging in continuous quality improvement efforts. As we assess and enhance our offerings, we appreciate your participation and feedback. When resources, policies, procedures, and interpretations are clarified or developed, staff send e-mail blast updates.

 

In all exchanges, program representatives and accreditation staff engage in mutually respectful communication. Accreditation staff reserve the right terminate services and request supervisory support.

 

Our services and resources fill your toolkit with the essential tools you need to achieve your program’s accreditation goals. You are empowered to reach out as questions arise.

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Practice Doctorate (DSW) Program Accreditation

The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) approved CSWE’s request for a change in scope of accreditation in July 2025 to include practice doctorate social work programs. CSWE began accepting practice doctorate accreditation applications in August 2025.

New Applicant Process

  1. Declare your intent to seek accreditation

  2. Determine timeline for launching your new applicant program

  3. Submit Candidacy Eligibility Application and Fee

  4. Submit Benchmark 1 materials in accordance with selected Candidacy Timetable

  5. Review and/or approval

Declare your intent to seek accreditation

  • New applicants should email the Accreditation Services Manager to be added to the expressed interest list. Please include:
    • Institution Information​​​​:
      • Institution Name
      • Institution Address 
      • President/Chancellor Name and Credentials
      • President/Chancellor Email
    • Program Information
      • Level (Baccalaureate, Master's, or Practice Doctorate)
      • Primary Contact Name and Credentials (see policy 4.1 in Accreditation Policy Handbook)
      • Primary Contact Email

Determine timeline for launching your new applicant program

  • Begin the candidacy planning process by identifying the admission date for the first cohort of students.
    • Consult with Accreditation Services Manager and your institutional administrators to determine a realistic timeline for launching your new applicant program
    • Programs are advised to ensure its admission date corresponds with the program’s retroactive accreditation status , ensuring student degrees are earned from an accredited program. Accreditation status is retroactive to the academic year in which the program is granted candidacy status. Therefore, programs are advised to pursue a timetable in which the program’s admission date and retroactive accreditation date are identical.
  • Review and select a Candidacy Timetable. Then, review the activities, dates, and submission instructions.
    • Please note: The program may plan for a select agenda; however, assignment to an agenda is not guaranteed. Formal assignment to an agenda occurs when a program is granted pre-candidacy status. 

Submit Candidacy Eligibility Application and Pay Candidacy Eligibility Fee (in accordance with selected Candidacy Timetable)

Submit Benchmark 1 materials (in accordance with selected Candidacy Timetable)

For programs submitting Benchmark 1 materials after March 1, 2025 (seeking June 2026-2028 agenda), submissions are no longer accepted on a rolling basis and the firm deadlines must be followed as outlined in the Candidacy Timetable.

2022 EPAS materials for Baccalaureate and Master's programs can be found here. Practice Doctorate materials can be found here. 

Review and Approval by Accreditation Services Manager

  • Once approved, the program is:
    • Granted pre-candidacy status
    • Displayed on the Directory of Accredited Programs
    • Assigned to a BOA Agenda
    • Assigned to an accreditation specialist
  • The program will continue to follow that Candidacy Timetable through Benchmark 3/Initial Accreditation Decision

Training and Consultations

Baccalaureate and Master's Programs

Drop-In Group Consultations: Join the Accreditation Services Manager for drop-in group consultations on the candidacy process. While these consultations are optional, all institutions considering accreditation are encouraged to attend. The drop-in sessions are applicable from the exploration phase through granting of Pre-candidacy Status/Benchmark 1 approval by CSWE Staff.

One-on-one consultations are available as necessary by emailing the Accreditation Services Manager.

Upcoming Dates (Eastern Time):

DateTime (Eastern)Registration Link
8/19/20261:00-2:15pm  https://cswe.zoom.us/j/88572725681
9/23/20261:00-2:15pmhttps://cswe.zoom.us/j/86133046283

Practice Doctorate Programs

Drop-In Group Consultations: Join the Accreditation Services Manager for drop-in group consultations on the candidacy process. While these consultations are optional, we encourage all institutions considering accreditation to attend. Registration information can be found below. Please stay tuned for additional drop-in session dates.

The drop-in sessions are applicable from the exploration phase through granting of pre-candidacy status/Benchmark 1 approval by CSWE Staff. All program faculty members and administrators are welcome to attend; a team-approach is encouraged. Topics discussed cover understanding timetable considerations, retroactive accreditation in relation to student admittance, required institutional actions to demonstrate accreditation eligibility. 

One-on-one consultations are available as necessary by emailing the Accreditation Services Manager.

Upcoming Dates (Eastern Time):

DateTime (Eastern)Registration Link
8/18/20261:00-2:15pmhttps://cswe.zoom.us/j/81311743696
9/22/20261:00-2:15pmhttps://cswe.zoom.us/j/81267407269

Candidacy Process

Benchmark 1: Process Overview

  1. Candidacy Eligibility Application

  2. Staff approval of Benchmark 1 documents

    Pre-candidacy status granted

  3. Prepare for and host a Candidacy Visit

    5-9 months in advance of Benchmark 1 decision

  4. Candidacy Visit 1

    4-8 months in advance of Benchmark 1 decision

  5. Candidacy Visit report

    3-7 months in advance of Benchmark 1 decision

  6. Program response

    2-6 months in advance of Benchmark 1 decision

  7. Benchmark 1 decision

    If granted Candidacy status, proceed to Benchmark 2

Benchmark 2: Process Overview

  1. Prepare for and host second Candidacy Visit

    5-9 months in advance of Benchmark 2 decision

  2. Candidacy Visit 2

    4-8 months in advance of Benchmark 2 decision

  3. Candidacy Visit report

    3-7 months in advance of Benchmark 2 decision

  4. Program response

    2-6 months in advance of Benchmark 2 decision

  5. Benchmark 2 decision

    If granted a second year of Candidacy status, proceed to Benchmark 3

Benchmark 3/Initial Accreditation: Process Overview

  1. Initial Accreditation Eligibility Application

  2. Prepare for and host third Candidacy Visit

    5-9 months in advance of Benchmark 3/Initial Accreditation decision

  3. Candidacy Visit 3

    4-8 months in advance of Benchmark 3/Initial Accreditation decision

  4. Candidacy Visit report

    3-7 months in advance of Benchmark 3/Initial Accreditation decision

  5. Program response

    2-6 months in advance of Benchmark 3/Initial Accreditation decision

  6. Benchmark 3/Initial Accreditation decision

  7. Continuous compliance with accreditation standards, requirements

Preparation

Policies: Review policies 5. Candidacy & Initial Accreditation and 4.7 Document Formatting & Submission Requirements in the Accreditation Policy Handbook to learn about the Candidacy process.

Training: Click here for more information on program training opportunities.

Benchmark Grid: The Benchmark Model chart illustrates which features of the Educational Policies and Academic Standards (EPAS) and which accreditation standards (AS) the program is working on during each candidacy visit: 2022 EPAS Grid  »  2025 Practice Doctorate Grid  »  2015 EPAS Grid 

Team Approach Grid: Optional resource for managing and delegating duties to team members: 2022 EPAS Grid  »  2015 EPAS Grid 

Faculty Hiring Grid: Resource to assist programs in planning faculty hiring throughout the candidacy process.

Fees

The Current Candidacy Fees and Related Expenses document lists and explains fees related to the candidacy process.

Please follow the payment instructions for Candidacy Eligibility Fees and payment instructions for Candidacy Visit/Initial Accreditation Fees.

Direct questions regarding accreditation fees to feesaccred@cswe.org, and direct questions regarding membership fees to membership@cswe.org.

Candidacy Eligibility

The program submits the Candidacy Eligibility Application with supporting materials to begin the candidacy application process. Once approved, the program may submit its draft Benchmark 1 document. 

Initial Accreditation Eligibility

The program submits the Initial Accreditation Eligibility Application with supporting materials to begin the initial accreditation application process.

Benchmark Materials/Resources

For baccalaureate and master's programs:

  • 2022 EPAS benchmark materials and resources can be found here 
  • 2015 EPAS benchmark materials and resources can be found here

For practice doctorate programs:

  • 2025 Practice Doctorate Standards benchmark materials and resources can be found here

Program Response & Report Templates

Timetables

Timetables for retroactive accreditation: Fall 2024

Timetables for retroactive accreditation: Fall 2025

Timetables for retroactive accreditation: Fall 2026

Timetables for retroactive accreditation: Fall 2027

Timetables for retroactive accreditation: Fall 2028

Timetables for retroactive accreditation: Fall 2029

Candidacy Visits

BOA Decisions

Review policies 5.12, 5.13, 5.14 in the Accreditation Policy Handbook.

Requesting a Timetable Change

A program in pre-candidacy or candidacy may request a permanent 4-month timetable change per each benchmark. To request an agenda adjustment please submit this form to the program's accreditation specialist. 

For more information on timetable changes during pre-candidacy or candidacy, please review policy 4.6 in the Accreditation Policy Handbook.

Program Option Closure

Use the Program Option Closure Form to notify CSWE of a program option closure (delivery method or location).

Reaffirmation Process

  1. Site Visit Planning Form

    12 months in advance of reaffirmation determination

  2. Eligibility Application

    11 months in advance of reaffirmation determination

  3. Self-study

    10 months in advance of reaffirmation determination

  4. Letter of Instruction (LOI)

    8 months in advance of reaffirmation determination

  5. Prepare for and host a Site Visit

    5-6 months in advance of reaffirmation determination

  6. Site Visit Report

    4-5 months in advance of reaffirmation determination

  7. Program response

    2-3 months in advance of reaffirmation determination

  8. Reaffirmation Determination

  9. Continuous compliance with accreditation standards, requirements

Preparation

Accredited baccalaureate, master's, and practice doctorate programs work directly with their assigned accreditation specialist. 

Policies: Review policy 6. Reaffirmation and policy 4.7 Document Formatting & Submission Requirements in the Accreditation Policy Handbook to learn about the reaffirmation process.

Training: Visit our training page for program training opportunities.

 

Fees

Reaffirmation Fees and Related Expenses lists and explains fees related to the reaffirmation process for baccalaureate, master's, and practice doctorate programs. Payment instructions can be found here. Questions? Email feesaccred@cswe.org.

Eligibility Materials

Reaffirmation Eligibility Application is the application for reaffirmation of accredited status for baccalaureate, master's, and practice doctorate programs. The program must demonstrate that its host institution can and will support and sustain a baccalaureate, master's, or practice doctorate social work program.

Reaffirmation Timetables

The following timetables guide baccalaureate, master's, and practice doctorate programs through the reaffirmation process. They include information such as deadlines and required documentation. To determine a program's Board of Accreditation (BOA) agenda date, please contact the program's Accreditation Specialist, or visit the Directory of Accredited Programs.

Self-Study Materials

Program Response & Report Templates

Site Visits

Site visits are an integral step of the reaffirmation process. During the site visit, programs host a site visitor and clarify outstanding questions from the CSWE Board of Accreditation (BOA). Site visitors operate under the authority of the CSWE-BOA and visit accredited social work programs to gather information related to the accreditation standards based on questions provided by the BOA.

Review policies 6.6 - 6.8 in the Accreditation Policy Handbook to learn more about reaffirmation site visits.

Site Visit Planning Form

Reaffirmation Site Visit Planning Form—June Agenda: This form is due June 1 for programs reviewed for reaffirmation of accreditation at the June Board of Accreditation Meeting with a self-study review at the preceding October BOA meeting. 

Reaffirmation Site Visit Planning Form–October Agenda: This form is due October 1 for programs reviewed for reaffirmation of accreditation at the October Board of Accreditation Meeting with a self-study review at the preceding February BOA meeting

Reaffirmation Site Visit Planning Form—February Agenda: This form is due February 1 for programs reviewed for reaffirmation of accreditation at the February Board Accreditation Meeting with a self-study review at the preceding June BOA meeting. 

Important Dates for Programs

At least 60 days before the visit - The program must make contact with the site visitor and inquire about any accommodations needed

At least 30 days before the visit - The program has sent the self-study to the site visitor via email. The program ensures travel is finalized for the visit (if applicable). The program and visitor agree upon a contingency plan for the visit, in case of emergency

At least 1 week before the visit - The program and visitor agree upon a site visit schedule 

General Questions: The site visitor will ask at least one general question to program stakeholders for each accreditation standard from this bank of questions.

Letter of Instruction Samples: 
For baccalaureate and master's programs, see the Sample Letter of Instruction (LOI), 2022 EPAS.

Site Visit Schedule Samples:
For baccalaureate and master's programs, see the Sample Site Visit Schedule (in-person), and the Sample Site Visit Schedule (virtual).

Requesting an Extension or Timetable Change

An acccredited baccalaureate, master's, or practice doctorate program may request to delay its reaffirmation review. To request an extension, please submit this form to the program's accreditation specialist. For more information on agenda adjustments and postponements of reaffirmation review, please review policy 4.6 in the Accreditation Policy Handbook.

Requesting Early Document Submission

An accredited baccalaureate, master's, or practice doctorate program may request to submit a progress report or restoration report early. To request early submission, please submit this form to the program's accreditation specialist. 

Program Changes

For more information on baccalaureate, master's, or practice doctorate program changes that take place between scheduled accreditation reviews, please review policy 4.9 in the Accreditation Policy Handbook.

Substantive Changes:
In order to add a program option (delivery method or location) where 51% or more of the social work curriculum will be offered, use the Substantive Change Proposal Template. 

Program Option Closure:
Use the Program Option Closure Form to notify CSWE of a program option closure (delivery method or location). 

Other Program Changes: An Accreditation Program Record Update Form must be submitted to notify CSWE of any of the following changes:

  • Key Personnel: Primary Contact, Program Director, Field Director, President/Chancellor, Optional Additional Program Designees
  • Program Mailing Address
  • Additional fields displayed on the Directory of Accredited Programs:
    • Social Work Program Website URL Update
    • Public Program Email Update
    • Public Program Phone Number Update
    • Assessment Data URL Update
    • Update to EPAS the Program Operates Under
    • Plan of Study Update
    • Area of Specialized Practice Update
    • Certificates Offered Update
    • Dual-Degree Offered Update
    • Degree-Completion Offered Update
    • Logo Update
    • Program Name Update
    • Program Degree Title Update

Program Closure & Withdrawal of Accredited Status

Use the Program Closure & Withdrawal of Accredited Status Form to formally close a social work program.

For more information, please review policy 4.12 in the Accreditation Policy Handbook and/or contact your program's accreditation specialist.

Substantive Change Process

Any accredited baccalaureate, master's, or practice doctorate programs planning to offer a new program option, such as a branch campus or online option, must utilize the Substantive Change Proposal Template.

For more information review policy 4.9 Program Changes in the Accreditation Policy Handbook.

Fee

For each substantive change application there is a $1,250 fee. To complete payment, review the Substantive Change Fee Payment Instructions.

Drop-in Group Consultations

Join Michael Leff, Accreditation Services Manager for drop-in group consultations on the substantive change process:  

Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm ET / 10:00 am - 11:00 am PT

Dates:

August 20, 2026: https://cswe.zoom.us/j/83661449107

September 24, 2026: https://cswe.zoom.us/j/81991445521

No registration required. For any questions, please contact Michael Leff at mleff@cswe.org.