Application of the CACREP 2024 Standards
Should our self-study report (SSR) be completed based on the 2016 or 2024 CACREP Standards?
One factor that determines this is what is your program’s cycle expiration date. Programs with a cycle expiration date of 3/31/2025 should submit their SSRs before the end of the year under the 2016 CACREP Standards, unless the program sought and received an extension to apply under the CACREP 2024 Standards.
All self-studies submitted on or prior to June 30, 2024 must be based on the 2016 CACREP Standards.
All self-studies submitted on or after July 1, 2024 must be based on the 2024 CACREP Standards.
When can I submit under the 2024 CACREP Standards?
You can submit self-study reports (SSRs) under the 2024 CACREP Standards on or after July 1, 2024. If you have required reports due under the 2016 CACREP Standards, those reports should be submitted addressing the 2016 Standards until July 1, 2026, the date for all programs to be in compliance with the 2024 Standards. After that date, all reports should address the 2024 CACREP Standards.
What assistance is available for the 2024 CACREP Standards?
Please see the 2024 Standards Resource Page for available resources. New items will be added to this page as they are released. A new item located on this page is a Guidance Document for the 2024 CACREP Standards. This document provides information for faculty and reviewers to assist them in understanding and utilizing the new standards. The Guidance Document provides, for each standard, a brief explanation of what the standard is about, things to consider when responding, what documents are required (if any), examples of appropriate supporting documents, and relevant policies.
Does the new Guidance Document and 2024 Standards Glossary supersede the previous “guiding documents”?
On the CACREP website, there are two types of Guiding Statements that represent the position of CACREP and should be used as a reference for seeking and/or maintaining accreditation.
The first type of Guiding Statements are on different issues or perspectives that may have an impact on the accreditation of a program and are not bound to any set of CACREP standards.
The second type of Guiding Statements are specific to the 2016 CACREP Standards and are clearly labelled as such. These statements will continue to be applicable to programs accredited under the 2016 CACREP Standards. These Guiding Statements will become void and no longer be applicable on July 1, 2026 when all programs must be in compliance with the 2024 CACREP Standards.
The Guidance Document is specific to the 2024 CACREP Standards and the 2024 CACREP Standards Glossary is applicable to programs that will begin the accreditation review process on or after July 1, 2024.
The direction provided in the Guidance Document will be applicable to all programs beginning July 1, 2026 when all programs must be in compliance with the 2024 CACREP Standards.
When must all programs be in compliance with the 2024 CACREP Standards?
The 2024 CACREP Standards will go into effect on July 1, 2024. All self-study reports (SSR) submitted on and after this date must be based on the 2024 CACREP Standards.
Beginning July 1, 2026, all required reports submitted must be based on the 2024 CACREP Standards regardless of the set of standards under which the program was granted its current accreditation. Board reviews and accreditation and monitoring decisions will be based on the 2024 CACREP Standards.
Why must all programs come into compliance with the 2024 CACREP Standards by July 1, 2026?
Historically at any given point in time, accredited programs were preparing students under three different sets of Standards as a result of the time of the submission of the Self-Study Report (SSR). Therefore, graduating students while meeting their accredited program requirements may not be meeting the current expectations for entry into the Counseling profession. The most current CACREP Standards reflect the accreditation requirements for counselor preparation. To ensure currency and equity in preparation to enter the Counseling profession, this new policy has been enacted.
Will we have to complete a Substantive Change when we adjust our curriculum and/or process to meet the 2024 Standards?
Programs do not need to submit substantive change reports for changes to existing curriculum and/or processes that are specifically being made to align with the requirements in the CACREP 2024 Standards. It is expected that currently accredited programs will be making changes to prepare for review under the 2024 Standards. CACREP’s policy on the use of new standards stipulates that all currently accredited programs must be in compliance with the new standards within two years of the effective date of the new standards. Therefore, all reports submitted on or after July 1, 2026, must address the 2024 Standards regardless of the set of standards under which the program was granted its current accreditation cycle.
Programs must still submit substantive change reports for changes that are not specific to requirements in the 2024 Standards. If there are any questions as to whether a substantive change report is needed or not, please contact your program’s designated CACREP staff point of contact.
The 2024 Doctoral Standards no longer require a practicum, must our program remove that requirement from our doctoral program?
No, your program does not have to remove the doctoral practicum. Your program can choose to retain the doctoral practicum requirement, if so desired. Programs can and often do have requirements that exceed the minimum requirements stated in the CACREP Standards.
When will the Policy Document be made available?
A new Policy Document is in development. It will be made available prior to the new policies going into effect July 1, 2024.
Will there be a comparison document of the 2016 and 2024 Standards?
A comparison document will be developed following the finalization of a 2024 Standards Guidance Document and the revision of the current Policy Document.