Accreditation Process
Accreditation / Accreditation Process
What Is Accreditation?
Accreditation is a peer-review process that promotes excellence and accountability in graduate education. Through self-study, external evaluation, and continuous improvement, CACUP-ASLP ensures that programs in audiology and speech-language pathology across Canada meet rigorous national standards.
To learn more about our standards, please refer to our Policies Procedures and Standards Manual, that is found on our Resources page.
CACUP-ASLP normally grants accreditation for a seven-year term.
This period reflects confidence that a program meets or exceeds all accreditation standards.
Shorter terms may be issued if concerns are identified during review.
An interim report is required in Year 3 of each term.
If major changes occur (e.g., curriculum, faculty, governance), programs must notify CACUP-ASLP.
In exceptional cases, the Board may grant a one-year extension to allow completion of review activities.
Accreditation Term
For more detailed information on CACUP-ASLP accreditation term length and status, please download our Policies, Procedures and Standards Manual, that can be found on our Resources page.
Step-by-Step
Review Process
The accreditation review follows a consistent and transparent sequence:
1. Request for Review / Renewal
The university submits a formal request one year before its current term expires.
2. Submission of Self-Study
Programs prepare a detailed self-study document summarizing evidence for each standard.
3. Eligibility Review
The Accreditation Board determines eligibility and schedules a site review visit.
4. Site Review Visit
A trained team of academic and clinical reviewers conducts interviews, reviews facilities, and validates evidence.
5. Accreditation Decision
The Board reviews all materials and issues one of the four possible accreditation statuses.
6. Interim Report (Year 3)
All accredited programs submit an interim report describing any significant changes or confirming continued compliance.
Categories of Accreditation
University programs can hold one of four accreditation statuses:
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Meets all standards for the full term (7 years) or a shorter period.
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Granted when serious but remediable deficiencies exist (maximum two years).
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For new graduate programs developing toward full accreditation; valid up to three years.
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Indicates the program does not meet minimum standards or has not completed review requirements.
All programs are required to publicly post their current status.
Volunteer Opportunities
Site reviewers are essential contributors to CACUP-ASLP’s accreditation system. Volunteers from academic and clinical backgrounds participate in structured training, review self-study materials, conduct interviews on site, and offer an impartial assessment to the Accreditation Board.
Helpful Resources
A program's curriculum must adequately reflect areas across the scope of practice in the profession and is consistent with the Curriculum Standards for Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. We provide a variety of helpful resources to prepare.