CACREP Policy Revisions- July 2025

The CACREP Board of Directors adopted the policy revisions below at the July 2025 meeting. The majority of these changes were editorial changes made for the purpose of improving readability and/or clarity. The changes detailed here will go into effect January 1, 2026. Until that time, the current version of the policy remains in effect. On January 1, 2026, the revised version of the policy will replace the existing version in the CACREP 2024 Accreditation Policy Document.

Policy A.2.b Use of Degree Program Name and Degree Titles

Modification that clarifies that criterion 2 focuses on aligning the degree and titles in relation to a specialized practice area that CACREP accredits.

Policy A.2.j Use of Degree Program Name and Degree Titles

Modifications that provide additional clarification of expectations regarding program completion pathways versus a sole focus on program delivery methods or sites. Programs need to identify their program completion pathways and demonstrate equivalency of student experience, curricula, and access to resources and faculty, and program quality/integrity in each pathway.

Policy A.2.l Substantive Change in an Accredited Degree Program

Modifications that clarify that the CACREP Board must review and approve a substantive change before the change can be considered to be included in the current accreditation.

Policy A.2.m Teach-out of an Accredited Degree Program

Modifications that clarify that CACREP’s use of the term “teach-out” applies to a variety of scenarios, not just to program closures. Additionally, clarifies what is meant by “throughout the teach-out.”

Policy A.3.c Site Visits

Removed a sentence for which the meaning was not clear.

Policy A.3.d Site Team Findings

Modifications that clarify that the ultimate authority to determine whether a standard should be cited for compliance issues rests with the CACREP Board. The modifications also clarify that procedurally the Board will not reverse a site visit decision that a standard is met without first giving the counselor education program notice and an opportunity to respond.

Policy A.3.e Materials Due for Board Decisions

Modifications that clarify that there may be limited circumstances in which the CACREP staff or the Board will provide direction to a program to submit a report within the 45 days prior to a Board meeting, for review.

Note: These circumstances relate primarily to reviews for initial or reaffirmation of accreditation and are based on internal, procedural considerations, not on requests by programs.

Policy A.3.g Voluntary Withdrawal of Accreditation Status

Modifications that clarify the applicability of teach-out considerations to scenarios where a program voluntarily withdraws from accredited status.

Policy A.3.n Complaints

Modifications that clarify that complaints may allege noncompliance with procedures as well as standards and policies. Additionally, the modifications clarify the types of actions for which complaints may be considered in relation to staff, site visitors, and/or the Board.

Policy C.6 CACREP Accreditation of Non-US-Based Program

Modification to enhance clarity and readability of the policy.

Policy C.12 Policy Waiver

Modification that clarifies that there may be instances when the Board grants a policy waiver that is not time limited.