Why Choose AAQEP?
Interested in joining AAQEP? We’re ready to answer your questions!
AAQEP is a membership association and quality assurance agency that provides accreditation services and formative support to all types of educator preparation providers. Nationally recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), AAQEP has membership of over 200 educator preparation providers in 36 states and other jurisdictions.
Whether it’s required or optional in your state, accreditation has several important benefits. Participating enables you to:
- Strengthen your program through a structured review process
- Share successful practices in collaboration with partners
- Grow professionally and broaden your support network
- Build stronger stakeholder relationships through data sharing
- Improve program effectiveness by engaging stakeholders
- Make credible quality claims via third-party validation
AAQEP's model for accreditation incorporates both time-honored features and new ones that increase the utility and credibility of the process while encouraging innovation. These enhancements include the opportunity for programs to:
- Navigate the path to accreditation with a cohort of peers
- Submit a proposal for feedback before completing the self-study
- Have a dedicated AAQEP liaison to provide ongoing support
The AAQEP process is designed to be formative, flexible, collegial, accurate, contextual, and supportive (see also the Design Principles at right). AAQEP’s challenging professional standards address all types and levels of educator preparation programs within their own context.
You can join AAQEP at any time. Programs have successfully transitioned from other accreditation systems on a range of timelines. AAQEP staff can support you in mapping out a transition timeline by backward-mapping from the desired decision date.
AAQEP generally recommends 3 years of preparation for a quality assurance review. This schedule gives you time to take full advantage of AAQEP’s formative supports by:
- Engaging with peers in monthly cohort meetings
- Attending a variety of webinars and workshops
- Participating in the optional Accreditation Proposal process to secure peer feedback early in your self-study timeline
For some programs that already have good internal quality controls and data systems, a shorter transition timeline may be sufficient.
Once accredited, most programs enter a 7-year review cycle supported by annual reports and continuous opportunities to engage in cohorts.
The basic expenses associated with being AAQEP-accredited are member dues (annually) and site visit costs (generally once every 7 years, unless a shorter accreditation status is awarded).
Annual Dues
Regular membership rates for July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 (click here for 2025-2026 rates):
| Regular Membership, 0-50 completers per year | $3,450 |
| Regular Membership, 51-100 completers per year | $3,700 |
| Regular Membership, 101-150 completers per year | $4,700 |
| Regular Membership, 151-250 completers per year | $5,000 |
| Regular Membership, 251-500 completers per year | $6,500 |
| Regular Membership, 501-1,000 completers per year | $7,000 |
| Regular Membership, over 1,000 completers per year | $7,550 |
The regular membership fee covers monthly cohort meetings, a variety of members-only webinars, and ongoing participation in accreditation and proposal processes as well as access to exclusive resources and a staff liaison. Learn more about member benefits here.
Site Visit Fees
Rates for visits taking place through June 30, 2026:
| Virtual Site Visit Fee (for Initial Accreditation Reports) | $3,500 |
| Site Visit Fee (for Quality Assurance Reports) | $11,000 (plus reviewer travel expenses) |
Professional Learning Opportunities
Other commonly incurred expenses include workshops, conferences, and consulting services, all of which have discounted fees for AAQEP members. For the 2024-25 academic year, the following rates apply:
| Activity | Member Rate (per person) |
Nonmember Rate (per person) |
| Online Workshop (two 3-hour sessions) | $250 | $300 |
| In-Person Seminar (2 days) | $675 | $750 |
| AAQEP Institute (2-day, in-person intensive seminars) | $775 Regular / $725 Advance / $675 Early Bird |
$850 Regular / $800 Advance / $750 Early Bird |
| Quality Assurance Symposium (2-day, in-person professional conference) | $845 Regular / $795 Advance / $745 Early Bird |
$945 Regular / $895 Advance / $845 Early Bird |
| Consulting Service (1-day online or on-campus delivery), plus reimbursed travel expenses | $3,000 | $3,500 |
Contact Linda McKee for a complimentary consultation about membership.
Want More Information?Contact Linda McKee to discuss specific transition timelines, costs, and benefits or to request a presentation for your faculty or higher administration. You can also attend a free introductory webinar or view a recording at your convenience.
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AAQEP Design Principles |
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