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 200 educator preparation providers in 36 states and other jurisdictions, with 104 providers in 23 states and territories currently AAQEP-accredited.
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
Rates are valid July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024; prorated by the quarter when the membership application is received
| Regular Membership, 0-100 completers per year | $3,150 |
| Regular Membership, 101-500 completers per year | $4,275 |
| Regular Membership, over 500 completers per year | $5,975 |
Site Visit Fees
Rates are valid for visits taking place between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2025
| Virtual Site Visit Fee (for Initial Accreditation Reports) | $3,500 |
| Site Visit Fee (for Quality Assurance Reports) | $11,000 (plus reviewer travel expenses) |
The regular membership fee covers participation in monthly cohort meetings, a variety of members-only webinars, and the optional Accreditation Proposal process as well as access to exclusive resources and a staff liaison. Learn more about member benefits here.
Other commonly incurred expenses include workshops, conferences, and consulting services, all of which have discounted fees for AAQEP members. For the 2023-24 academic year, the following rates apply:
| Activity | Member Rate (per person) |
Nonmember Rate (per person) |
| Workshop, online (two 3-hour sessions) | $250 | $300 |
| Workshop, in person (one day, 9:00-4:00) | $325 | $375 |
| AAQEP Institute (2-day intensive seminars) | $745 Regular / $695 Advance / $645 Early Bird | $795 Regular / $745 Advance / $695 Early Bird |
| Quality Assurance Symposium (2-day professional conference) | $745 Regular / $695 Advance / $645 Early Bird | $795 Regular / $745 Advance / $695 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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