ACOTE Newsletter Update
May 2026
2023 ACOTE STANDARDS CLARIFICATIONS
ACOTE has issued an important clarification through the Interpretive Guide for the 2023 ACOTE Standard A.2.5. OT and OTA Faculty License and Faculty Degrees.
For degrees earned from institutions in countries other than the United States, ACOTE recognizes the following authorities for recognition:
1. The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT): for individuals seeking to practice in a jurisdiction of the United States and who are presenting degrees or other qualifications earned abroad.
2. The hiring employer: for individuals seeking work and who are presenting degrees or other qualifications earned abroad.
POLICY UPDATES
IV.B.2. Additional Locations
ACOTE clarified the process for accredited programs transitioning from independent accreditation to an additional location. Programs considering this transition are encouraged to review the full policy details on the ACOTE website for guidance.
SELF-STUDY AND ON-SITE EVALUATION
Ensure you read the Planning for the On-Site Evaluation section on the ACOTE website to find the Sample Schedule and planning information including timelines.
When responding to B Standards ensure you provide evidence using assessments that assess ALL the competency elements of the Standard.
ANNUAL FEES
Annual fees are required each year from ALL accredited programs, including the year in which an on-site evaluation is scheduled. For newly accredited programs, the annual fee becomes effective with the first full academic year for which the program has accreditation status. Programs accredited in December 2025 or April 2026 will not receive an annual fee invoice for this cycle.
Refer to the ACOTE Policy V.A. Fees for details. Invoices for the 2026 annual fees will be emailed to program directors on July 1, 2026, and payment is due no later than October 15, 2026. Payments received after this date will incur a late fee.
Please contact the Accreditation Department at accred@aota.org if you did not receive an invoice or to request an early invoice.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Conversation with ACOTE
June 17, 2026
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM EDT
An opportunity for program directors, faculty, and stakeholders to engage directly with ACOTE.
Register here: Events & Workshops – ACOTE
‘Cred Talk
June 11 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EDT
An informal, open discussion session with the Accreditation Team. No agenda, just a collaborative space to:
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- Ask questions
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- Share updates
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- Discuss ideas
- Stay informed
Self-Study Preparation Workshop
September 22-23, 2026
This workshop is ideal for:
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- Programs preparing for a self-study review
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- New program directors navigating the accreditation process
Visit the ACOTE website for additional dates and registration details.
Interim Report Preparation Workshop
November 17, 2026
This workshop is ideal for:
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- Programs preparing to submit an Interim Report
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- New program directors navigating the accreditation process
Visit the ACOTE website for additional dates and registration details.
Reminders
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- Action Letters
Distributed within 6 weeks after an ACOTE meeting.
➤ Please do not contact the office regarding decisions during this timeframe.
- Action Letters
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- eAccreditation Portal
Ensure the “FACULTY” tab is fully up to date.
- eAccreditation Portal
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- Standard A.1.4. Compliance
Programs must notify ACOTE within 30 days of:-
- Program director resignation
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- Appointment of a new or interim director
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- Standard A.1.4. Compliance
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- Stay Informed
Program directors are responsible for keeping current with:-
- ACOTE Standards and Interpretive Guide
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- ACOTE policies
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- Stay Informed
Updates are posted on the ACOTE website following each meeting.
RESOURCES
The ACOTE website is your central hub for:
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- Program numbers
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- Past ACOTE actions
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- Newsletters
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- FAQs
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- Forms and templates
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- Policy updates
Visit: www.acoteonline.org
Thank you for your continued commitment to accreditation excellence and program quality!