How long does it take to complete the MACTE accreditation process?
The time it takes a program faculty to prepare a Self-Study varies and depends on circumstances such as program structure, available documentation, state context, and the institution’s commitment to the process.
Once the Self-Study is accepted for review, the process to the accreditation decision takes 10 to 12 months. Please note, Self-Studies should be submitted at least 9 months prior to the desired on-site date for renewal applicants and 9 to 12 months prior for initial applicants; the on-site visit must take place when adult learners are in session.
Application: When and how do I submit the MACTE Application and payment?
A program may submit an initial/renewal application for accreditation at any time. Once the program submits their application and payment, MACTE will review for completeness and notify the program of acceptance or request any additional information needed for completion. When a program’s application is accepted, the program may then advertise as an “Applicant in Good Standing”. Once the application has been accepted, the program has two years to submit the completed Self-Study.
How much does it cost to apply for MACTE Accreditation?
For the current MACTE Fee Schedule, please go to MACTE’s Document Library located in the Resources tab. The fees associated with applications are Initial or Renewal Applications and Substantive Changes, which may or may not require an on-site visit.
In addition, the institution is responsible for all costs related to each on-site verification visit (1 to 3 people, over one to three days): lodging (up to three nights), food and travel. The related on-site costs are separate from the annual dues.
How much does it cost to be a MACTE accredited program?
Annual dues per program are assessed per accredited level per year; these annual dues are to be paid regardless of the program’s active or inactive status if the program wishes to continue their accreditation. Annual dues are due within 30 days of July 1 of each fiscal year. Additional locations have annual dues per location and per level. Additionally, programs are required to send in adult learner fees for each student participating in their program. Adult learner fees should be sent in by the 15th of the second month of the cohort start date (ex: September registration fees would be due November 15). Checks for adult learner fees should be attached to a completed Adult Learner Registration List when mailed to the MACTE office.
For the current MACTE Fee Schedule, please go to our document library under the Resources tab.
Accredited programs will receive invoices for their dues at the beginning of July.
Affiliation: What organization does your program plan to affiliate with?
MACTE requires every program to work with a MACTE Recognized Organization (MRO). The MRO will give your teacher education program direction with regard to the curriculum content and any requirements in addition to what MACTE requires. A list of MACTE ‘s MROs can be found here.
Once accredited, what is the obligation to MACTE?
Accredited MACTE programs/institutions must keep their annual dues current; submit interim reports; and stay in compliance with MACTE’s eligibility requirements and quality principles. An annual report is done once a year to keep MACTE up to date on all changes to your program. In addition, each program has to renew their accreditation every 7 years.
Self-Study: I’m ready to begin the Self-Study writing process, where do I start?
The Self-Study writing process should be a collaborative effort and not a task for one person to complete. It is important to thoroughly read the MACTE Guide to Accreditation before beginning the writing process; you can download the Guide to Accreditation for free by going to Resources > Document Library. MACTE strongly encourages at least one person involved in the writing process attend a MACTE Accreditation Process webinar (dates posted on the MACTE website and Facebook page).
The time it takes a program faculty to prepare a Self-Study varies and depends on circumstances such as the program structure, available documentation, state context, and the institution’s commitment to the process. The MACTE Guide to Accreditation provides clear guidelines on how to compile the Self-Study for submission. If there is any confusion or question with regard to this process, it is important to contact the MACTE office BEFORE submission.
When and how should I submit my Self-Study?
The Self-Study should be submitted at least 6 to 9 months prior to the desired on-site date. The on-site visit must take place when candidates are in academic session. The Self-Study is submitted through the MACTE portal. Programs interested in submitting their Self-Study should contact MACTE (accreditation@macte.org) for instruction. Once the Self-Study has been submitted, a MACTE staff member will review for completeness and clarity and will notify the program of any missing documentation or items in need of further explanation. The Self-Study is then sent to a MACTE reader who completes the content review. The MACTE office sends the program feedback from the reader in the form of a Staff Analysis. A Staff Analysis is a tool used to provide a formative evaluation of the draft Self-Study submission. Once the program makes all the revisions requested in the Staff Analysis, the program will be declared “auditable” and MACTE can move forward with scheduling the three-day On-Site visit. At this point a program may advertise as a “Candidate in Good Standing.”
The On-Site Verification Visit: When will MACTE conduct the On-Site visit?
The Self-Study should be declared auditable at least two months prior to the desired on-site date. This will allow ample time for MACTE to assemble a team and plan the three-day on-site visit. If you have any questions with regard to the on-site process, please contact the MACTE office at accreditation@macte.org.
