Pursuing ACS-AEI Accreditation (Initial Applicants)

New centers interested in becoming an Accredited Education Institute (AEI) can begin the process through the AEI Accreditation Portal. To get started, all applicants must first submit a pre-application. This can be accessed by selecting “Register a New Center” within the portal.

Before submitting a pre-application, centers must:

• Intend to actively pursue accreditation at the Comprehensive or Focused level.
• Demonstrate the ability to meet all applicable standards.
• Submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) using the provided template along with the pre-application.
• Agree to the terms outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

This is a voluntary, peer-reviewed accreditation program. The ACS AEI Accreditation Review Committee (ARC) meets twice a year—in June and December—to review applications and make accreditation decisions.

Accreditation Review Process

1. Pre-Application

• Review the ACS-AEI Standards.
• Submit the online pre-application via the AEI Accreditation Portal.
• Upon approval, the institute will receive login credentials for the full application portal.
• ACS staff will confirm the institute’s timeline: June or December review cycle.

2. Application

• Log in and complete the application by:
• January 15 for a June decision, or
• July 15 for a December decision.
• The institute must meet all accreditation criteria at the time of submission.

3. In-Person Site Visit

• Prior to submitting the application, provide three potential site visit dates (in spring or fall, based on the selected cycle).
• ACS will select the date and assign surveyor(s):
• 1 surveyor for Focused AEIs
• 2 surveyors for Comprehensive AEIs
• The institute is responsible for reimbursing surveyor(s) for travel, lodging, and meals.

4. Annual Participation Fee

• Submit the annual accreditation fee as invoiced.
• Invoices are sent to the billing contact listed in your AEI Portal.
• Invoice Schedule:

• June Cycle Institutes: Invoices generated on May 1
• December Cycle Institutes: Invoices generated on November 1

Payment Terms: Payment is due within 30 days of receiving the invoice.

5. Accreditation Decision

• An ARC member reviews the surveyor’s report and application materials.
• The Accreditation Review Committee (ARC) votes on the final decision.
• Institutes are notified in June or December, depending on the cycle, and receive:
• An official accreditation letter
• A performance report
• An accreditation certificate
• Accreditation is valid for a five-year term.

If you have questions about pursuing accreditation, contact Danielle Taylor, Manager of the Program for Accreditation of Education Institutes, at edinstitutes@facs.org or 312-202-5573.