CAC accreditation is a 16-month process on average, from application to decision. The journey unfolds in four phases : Apply, Prepare, Review, and Decide, each with its own pace and purpose.
Here’s what to expect.
About this Phase
The journey begins with your application. We’ll set you up with materials, timelines, and a Support Coordinator who’ll be with you from this point forward.
Step 1: Receive your materials
Receive your accreditation materials, timelines, and key deliverable dates from the CAC team.
Step 2: Meet your Support Coordinator
Meet your Support Coordinator for orientation. They'll guide you through the process and stay with you long after — for as long as your organization is accredited by CAC.
ABOUT THIS PHASE
This is the longest phase. You’ll work through CAC’s standards, assess your organization, and make any needed changes. Your Support Coordinator and review team will provide feedback along the way.
Step 3: Begin your self-study
Work through CAC's standards section by section, comparing them to your organization's policies, practices, and outcomes. Identify what's already in place, what needs adjustment, and what's missing.
Step 4: Check in with your review team
Your review team will share feedback on what's working well and what needs further work before the on-site visit.
Step 5: Make your final adjustments
Make any final adjustments based on your review team's feedback. The goal is to walk into the on-site visit confident that your work meets the standards.
Step 6: Prepare for the visit
Gather your documentation and arrange interviews with board members, staff, and persons served in preparation for your review team's on-site or virtual visit.
ABOUT THIS PHASE
Your review team spends focused time with your organization, observing operations, reviewing documents, and talking with the people you serve.
Step 7: Welcome the review team
Welcome your review team for 2–5 days of observation, documentation review, and interviews with board, staff, and persons served. Their goal is a thorough, fair assessment of how your organization actually operates day to day.
Step 8: Receive the findings
Receive the review team's findings, including strengths and any areas flagged for response.
ABOUT THIS PHASE
If anything needs further attention, you’ll have the chance to respond before the accreditation panel makes its final decision.
Step 9: Review Findings
If the review identified areas needing further attention, you'll have an opportunity to respond and submit your comments to the accreditation panel.
Step 10: Final Decision
Receive your final accreditation decision from the CAC accreditation panel, and begin the next chapter as an accredited organization. Make it visible, you've earned it.
At any given time, we know our policies, processes, and staff training are all up to date. I think our clients feel an extra measure of respect and empowerment. Everything flows easier.
Make your hard work visible
Your journey to advancing excellence and demonstrating to funders and community partners that you work with the highest standards begins here