Your accreditation journey, step by step
What happens at each stage, which form you need, and how long each step takes.
All forms are submitted in the NECPA Client Portal. The only exception is your first enrollment, which you complete on our website.
Is NECPA the best accrediting body for your program?
Choosing your quality partner is an important decision. We encourage every program to compare the leading national accrediting bodies and choose the path your team can maintain with integrity. Before you enroll:
- Review the current standards
- Confirm your program is eligible
- Map your staff qualifications to each pathway's requirements
- Calculate the full-term cost, not just the first-year fees
- Check your state's recognition and any funding supports
Key timelines at a glance
| Step | Standard timing | Expedited |
|---|---|---|
| Enrollment packet arrives | 7–10 business days | — |
| Verification visit takes place | Within 120 days of your request | Within 60 days |
| Accreditation results issued | Within 60 days of your visit | Within 2 weeks of your materials arriving |
| Annual reports due | Within 30 days of each anniversary | — |
| Re-enroll to renew | One year before your accreditation expires | — |
Enroll and complete your self-study
Enroll to receive your Enrollment Packet, then work through the Self Assessment Instrument (SAI) at your own pace. Your enrollment lasts two years.
Enrollment Application
For programs earning NECPA accreditation for the first time.
Haven't reviewed the standards yet? Get the NECPA Standards Book and Self Study Work Plan before you enroll.
Need help with your self-study? Book a 1-on-1 support call or call 855-706-3272.
Schedule your verification visit
When your self-study is complete and your documents are gathered, request your visit. Your program must be operating for at least one year before the visit.
Verification Visit Request
Tells us your self-study is complete and you're ready to schedule.
Expedited Verification Visit Request
Use instead of the standard request when you need your visit sooner.
Verification Visit On Hold Request
Pause the scheduling of your visit until a date you choose.
Verification Cancellation & Reschedule
Cancel and reschedule a confirmed visit. Fees differ depending on whether you request more or less than 30 days before your visit date.
On visit day, a NECPA Verifier observes teacher interactions, verifies documents and surveys the facility, including school-age classrooms for children up to age 12.
Receive your accreditation results
After your visit, the National Accreditation Council reviews your program and issues your results. No form is needed to receive them.
Standard results
Issued automatically after your verification visit.
Expedited Results Request
Request a faster review by the National Accreditation Council.
If your result is Pending or Deferred
Pending result: submit documentation
Upload the documentation listed in your Pending result.
Deferral Verification Visit Request
Once you've addressed your deferred items, request your deferral visit.
Stay accredited
Keep us up to date during your accreditation term with annual reports, and report important changes as they happen.
First Annual Report
Updates on changes and staff training during your first accredited year.
Second Annual Report
Updates on your second accredited year. This is also a good time to re-enroll for renewal.
Self Report
Required whenever certain changes happen at your program. Late or inaccurate reporting may result in immediate revocation of accreditation.
Report within 72 hours:
- Any suspension, probation, provisional or revoked licensing status
- A change in license number
Report within 30 days:
- Program contact information
- Director or administrator
- Program name
- Building or grounds modification or expansion
- Significant damage to the building or outdoor areas
- Adding or removing an age group
- Hours of operation
- Legal action or criminal activity
- Non-compliance with a NECPA Standard
Renew your accreditation
Re-enroll one year before your accreditation expires so you have time to complete the renewal process without a gap.
Re-Enrollment Application
For currently or previously accredited programs renewing their accreditation.
Program changes and other forms
Change in Ownership
Accredited programs with a new owner receive a 6-month extension, starting on the date ownership changes. The program completes a new Self Assessment Instrument and hosts a new verification visit.
Change of Program Location
Accredited programs that move receive a 6-month extension, starting on the date of the move. The program completes a new Self Assessment Instrument and hosts a new verification visit at the new location.
Accreditation Extension Request
Request an extension of your current accreditation term. Requests are reviewed case by case and are not guaranteed. You may need to expedite your verification visit or results review.
Verifier Evaluation
Tell us about your verification visit. Your feedback is strictly confidential and helps us keep the accreditation system working well.
Program changes and other forms
Change in Ownership
Accredited programs with a new owner receive a 6-month extension, starting on the date ownership changes. The program completes a new Self Assessment Instrument and hosts a new verification visit.
Change of Program Location
Accredited programs that move receive a 6-month extension, starting on the date of the move. The program completes a new Self Assessment Instrument and hosts a new verification visit at the new location.
Accreditation Extension Request
Request an extension of your current accreditation term. Requests are reviewed case by case and are not guaranteed. You may need to expedite your verification visit or results review.
Verifier Evaluation
Tell us about your verification visit. Your feedback is strictly confidential and helps us keep the accreditation system working well.
Not sure which form you need?
Call 855-706-3272, email [email protected], or book a support call with our team.