Initial Accreditation Reports

IAR Template Access and Due Dates

Where: IARs are constructed and submitted via project templates in the Accreditation Management Platform.

Who: Primary Contacts are given access to IAR project templates one year before their site visit, or earlier upon request (email Sara Hiller).

When: The IAR is due at least 6 months before the site visit, or at least 9 months ahead to take advantage of the staff completeness check.

AAQEP offers a variety of resources and guidance to support you in writing the self-study report known as the Initial Accreditation Report, or IAR, in application for 5-year, nonrenewable initial accreditation status. 

The following supporting resources are available for IAR authors:

  • 2025 Expectations Framework (PDF) and 2025 Guide to AAQEP Accreditation (PDF)

  • Guidance on Writing the Initial Accreditation Report (2025 Standards) (PDF)
    This document provides detailed guidance for IAR authors. Approaches to organizing the work, evidence selection, and organizational strategies are addressed as well as instructions for using the IAR project template in the Accreditation Management Platform.

  • Tables and Templates in Support of the Initial Accreditation Report (PDF / Word)
    This consolidated document has all of the tables and templates (required and optional) for reporting documentation and evidence in support of the IAR.

  • Guidance on Data Reporting and Investigating Data Quality (forthcoming)

  • Guidance on Using Artificial Intelligence in AAQEP Reviews (PDF)
    Consult AAQEP's guidance on how AI can and cannot be used by providers, reviewers, and commissioners.

  • IAR Completeness Check (PDF / Word)
    If you turn in your draft IAR at least 9 months prior to your site visit, staff will give it a completeness check. Download the Word version to customize for your own use.

  • Webinar: "Writing the Initial Accreditation Report" (View recording)

Self-study authors in certain states must include additional evidence addressing state-specific requirements, in accordance with their cooperation agreements with AAQEP. The templates below collect the required information to be uploaded as evidence under Aspect 4g.

  • Appendix HI, for Hawaii providers only (PDF) / Word)

  • Appendix MD, for Maryland providers only (PDF) / Word)

  • Appendix UT, for Utah providers only (PDF) / Word)

  • Guidance Document (PDF)
    This quick reference explains how to access and navigate self-study templates, assign user permissions, upload evidence files, and save and submit reports in the Accreditation Management Platform (AMP).

  • Video Recording
    This brief presentation highlights best practices for self-study authors in the AMP and walks through guidance on using templates, assigning user permissions, uploading evidence files, and saving and submitting reports.

 

On-Demand Webinars

 
Find the latest Writing the IAR webinar recording in our Quality Assurance Review series

Looking for technical or logistical support? See these additional resource pages:

 ​
Questions? Contact Senior Director of Professional Learning Christine DeGregory


QUICK LINKS