Step 1:  Learn about accreditation process 

In this step, PRSS programs will:

• review website and written background materials on PRSS accreditation
• consider benefits and costs of accreditation
• review possible accreditation outcomes; and
• determine whether accreditation is appropriate for the program

Step 2:  Determine accreditation readiness

CAPRSS wants every program that applies for accreditation to succeed—and for programs to spend the time they need to prepare for accreditation before they apply. In this step, PRSS programs will:

• complete online Accreditation Readiness Self-assessment
• identify areas for improvement
• have a history of at least two years in providing PRSS
• request and receive applicant assistance (as needed)

Step 3: Prepare for core accreditation

PRSS programs:

• form an Accreditation Coordinating Committee
• obtain and review candidacy checklist
• take a careful look at the standards, criteria, and elements of performance--and use resources and assessment tools to make sure your program is ready in each area
• begin to collect key information for application
• discuss accreditation with key stakeholders

Step 4: Become a Candidate for Core Accreditation

Applicants:

• register for a CAPRSS account 
• pay candidacy fee ($1,000 through June 30, 2017;  as of July 1, 2017, the fee will increase to $1,250)
• collect key information for Program Inventory

Step 5: Complete and submit Program Inventory

Candidates:

• complete three-part program inventory (self evaluation): (1) Organizational Profile (2) Welcome Walk-through, and (3) Accreditation Self-Study.

Step 6: Prepare for and Host Peer Review Site Visit

Candidates:

• set dates for Peer Review Site Visit
• participate in CAPRSS site visit orientation webinar
• pay site visit fee, or work with CAPRSS staff to set up payment plan
• finalize agenda for Peer Review Site Visit (with CAPRSS contact)
• help CAPRSS with travel logistics
• announce/introduce process to your community
• identify peer participants and community stakeholders to be interviewed during site visit
• set up resource room for onsite Peer Review Team
• work with the Peer Review Team, following the agreed upon agenda, for the duration of the site visit
• select, if any, nominations for Promising Practices (whether practice-based evidence or evidence-based practice).
• celebrate completion of the site visit 

Step 7: Receive Accreditation Determination

• Approximately six to eight weeks after the Peer Review Site Visit, CAPRSS will notify the candidate of the accreditation decision and any required or recommended areas for improvement.

Step 8:  Follow up after accreditation decision

Acccreditees:

• complete feedback survey about the accreditation process
• if required, submit a performance improvement plan (PIP)
• submit an Annual Update Report (until time to apply for accrediation again)
• as desired, participate in the Accreditee Learning Cohort
• consider opportunities, as desired, to join the committees associated with the accreditation process.

Programs that are not accredited:

• complete feedback survey about the accreditation process
• review the process for appealing the accreditation determination, if desired
• review the Accreditation Report recommendations and develop a performance improvement plan
• re-apply for accreditation after completion of tasks in the performance improvement plan.

Step 9:  Seek accreditation in optional performance domains

• Once a program is accredited in the core domains, it can seek accreditation in one or more optional domains.

Step 10:  Follow up after accreditation decision in optional domains

• Complete feedback documents and satisfaction assessments relating to the structure, process, content, and outcome of accreditation process and any recommendations for improvement.