Twice a year, the CAEP Accreditation Council  convenes to review and make accreditation decisions through a three-step process.

Step One: Initial Review Panel 

There are three to four Council members assigned to each initial panel. They review the following:

• Self-Study Reports (as amended in response to formative response, if applicable)
• Evaluation Team Reports (including possible provider corrections and response)
• Lead site reviewer’s comments on the provider’s response

An educator preparation provider (EPP) representative, a representative from the EPP's state, and the lead site reviewer may observe the panel's discussion. Clarifying questions may be directed to either the EPP representatives or lead site reviewer during the initial panel. After a thorough review, the panel prepares a written recommendation on the EPP's accreditation status.

Step Two: Joint Review Panel

The six to eight members of two initial panels cross-present to ensure rigor, clarity, and consistency in accreditation recommendations in one joint panel. The joint panel may make changes to the initial panel's recommendations. The joint panel's recommendations are submitted to the full Accreditation Council. 

Step Three: CAEP Accreditation Council

The final accreditation decision is made based on:

• Evidence submitted by the provider
• Findings from the Reviewer Team together with their identification of the evidence
• The joint panel's recommendations relevant to the CAEP Standards