Accreditation Process - International Accreditation of Counseling Services

The first step is to request the Application Packet. Each packet includes:

Application Submission Checklist and Directions
IACS Application for Accreditation
Abbreviated CV Form
Current Staff Report Form
IACS Accreditation Standards

Request an Application Packet

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Request Application Packet

What happens after submitting the application

When we receive your completed application packet, it's checked to make sure all the required documentation is included. We’ll let you know if additional information is needed. Once the application is found to be in order, the peer-review process begins.

Part 1: Application Review

The completed, full application packet is sent to two peer Application Reviewers. They will send their reviews/findings to IACS with a recommendation to proceed to the next phase of the accreditation process — the site visit. If your center is not approved for a site visit, you will be notified and have the opportunity to address the issues in order to satisfy requirements to move to the site visit phase.

Part 2: Site Visit

You are notified when you're approved for a site visit and we begin scheduling the visit. A site visit team will be identified (different peers who did not participate in the initial Application Review) and a date scheduled for the 2-day visit. Smaller centers may be able to complete the visit in less than two full days.

Once the visit takes place, the site visitors have one month to submit their findings in a report to IACS. The director of the counseling center then has an opportunity to read and comment on the report, sending a written response to IACS within 30 days. Once your response is received, a final accreditation/re-accreditation decision is made.

Part 3: Additional Review

If there are outstanding issues after the site visit, there may be up to three additional peer-reviews (two more Application Reviewers and the IACS Vice President). The additional Reviewers will be peers who have not seen your application materials before, which include the application and supplemental materials you orginally submitted, the two initial Application Reviews, the Site Visit Report, and your written response to the Site Visit Report. If, after two additional peer reviews, a clear accreditation determination cannot be made, a final peer review is conducted by the IACS Vice President of the Board of Directors.

What is required to maintain accreditation

Each year, accredited centers are assessed an annual Accreditation Fee. This fee must be paid annually to remain in good standing.

Additionally, accredited centers are required to submit an Annual Report each year to self-attest to continued compliance with IACS Standards. There is no fee associated with the Annual Report.

Centers are required to undergo re-accreditation every eight years, including a submitting full application packet, site visit, and the peer-reviews.

The IACS Board of Directors can request a re-evaluation review with a mandatory field visit, prior to eight years, if they feel it is warranted based on any Annual Reports submitted during this timeframe.

Additional re-accreditation details are here.

How to apply for IACS Accreditation

Related Pages

Not sure your center is ready or qualified?

What happens after submitting the application