Steps to Initial Accreditation
Programs seeking ACOTE accreditation must review the Policies & Procedures related to the accreditation process for new programs and the Applicant Program Process Guide for complete details and requirements. The multi-step accreditation process consists of the following:
Slot Selection
Reference the New Program Slots page, select an available candidacy application due date and include in the Letter of Intent.
Step 1
Create eAccreditation Portal Account
Create the program's eAccreditation portal account by visiting acote.aota.org/apply.
Step 2
Letter of Intent and Eligibility Application
Complete the Letter of Intent and Eligibility Application in the eAccreditation portal. Once the Letter of Intent and Eligibility Application is submitted, the program will receive an invoice for a nonrefundable deposit. Upon receipt of payment, the candidacy slot is secured, and the program will receive an email outlining the established timeline.
Step 3
Required Personnel
Hire required personnel as per ACOTE Policy III.A. Overview of the Initial Accreditation Process. Refer to the New Program Application Process guide (steps 8 and 9) for instructions. If documentation is not approved, the program will be moved to the next available review cycle and planned student admission must be delayed accordingly.
Step 4
Candidacy Application
Submit a Candidacy Application, upon ACOTE approval the program may proceed to the Preaccreditation review.
Step 5
Preaccreditation Review
Submit a Report of Self-Study. Upon ACOTE review, the program may proceed to the initial on-site evaluation.
Step 6
On-site Evaluation
A team visits and evaluates the program and provides a report to ACOTE.
ACOTE will determine accreditation status at their next scheduled meeting.
Step 7
Looking to start an OT or OTA program?
Use this link to create the program's eAccreditation portal account (step 2).
