The Accreditation Process

The AAHRPP accreditation process includes four steps:

1. Application preparation

The first step in earning accreditation is to conduct a self-assessment, where you evaluate your Human Research Protection Program and make improvements. An application includes a two-page application form, a program overview (10 page maximum), copies of documents used by your Organization, and an index to those documents. If you are applying as a formal applicant, further instructions on the final preparation of your application can be found in the Instructions to Apply for AAHRPP Accreditation. If you are applying as a preliminary applicant, further instructions on the final preparation of your preliminary application can be found in the Instructions to Apply as a Preliminary Applicant.

2. On-site evaluation

A team of experts reviews your materials and schedules an on-site visit. During the visit, the team evaluates your program's performance with respect to the AAHRPP Evaluation Instrument for Site Visitors.

3. Council review

AAHRPP's Council on Accreditation reviews the report, deliberates on the team's findings, and determines your accreditation status.

4. Notification of accreditation status

Your Organization receives a report detailing the status of your accreditation. Organizations that achieve accreditation must be re-evaluated every three years in order to remain accredited.