Standards & Guide

The AAQEP system is based on four standards that establish clear expectations for quality and frame opportunities for inquiry and improvement.

As the figure on this page illustrates, Standards 1 and 2 focus on candidate/completer outcomes, while Standards 3 and 4 address program practice.

The figure also shows another important alignment: Standards 1 and 3 represent "foundational expectations" on which the field broadly agrees and for which widely accepted measures exist; Standards 2 and 4 represent "contextual challenges" that are important aims but defy easy definition or common assessment.

In the 2018 expectations framework, each standard includes six aspects. Each aspect must be directly addressed with evidence for every program being reviewed in order for the overall standard to be met. For details about the standards, aspects, and evidence expectations, see the links at left as well as the 2018 Expectations Framework and the full Guide to AAQEP Accreditation.

Standards Renewal Note: The 2025 AAQEP expectations framework has been approved! This website and other resources will be updated in the coming weeks. Learn More