Any accrediting organization that seeks to become a member of the Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors is required to follow either Pathway One (if recognized by either the US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation) or Pathway Two (if not recognized by either USDE or CHEA). See application information for specific details. The completed application, with all required forms and payment of the current application fee, must be received in the ASPA before consideration of the application can begin.
The Executive Director will acknowledge receipt of the application and screen it for completeness. Normally within a couple of weeks, the application will be reviewed by the Membership Committee and then forwarded with a recommendation to the Board of Directors. The Board will review the application and make a decision at its next scheduled meeting, which may be in person or by teleconference.
ASPA's procedures for membership do not constitute a recognition process and do not certify the status, performance or integrity of accreditation agencies. However, in support of the intent to ensure high quality in ASPA membership, ASPA has established criteria for membership. The review of the application by the Membership Committee shall take into consideration the completeness of the application and shall focus on the quality and appropriateness of responses to the criteria for membership.
The Board of Directors shall have final authority to grant or continue membership. All membership decisions shall occur in executive session at an official meeting of the Board of Directors. A decision to grant membership shall require a simple majority vote of the entire Board. Applicants shall be notified in writing of the Board's decision no later than two weeks following the meeting.
Agencies seeking membership do so on a voluntary basis. The Association is under no obligation to accept any agency as a member.