CACREP Accreditation Q&A
Q: What is CACREP?
A: CACREP stands for the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs. “CACREP is a specialized accreditor for counseling programs. The agency accredits counseling programs in a variety of specialization areas at the masters and doctoral levels in the United States and throughout the world. CACREP is recognized as an accreditor by
the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).”
Q: What are some benefits of graduating from an accredited master's program?
A: “CACREP accreditation provides recognition that the content and quality of the program has been evaluated and meets standards set by the profession. The student, as a consumer, can be assured that appropriate knowledge and skill areas are included and that the program is stable, professionally and financially.”
Additionally, CACREP strives to:
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“stimulate self-evaluation, development and self-directed improvement;”
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“provide ongoing consultation;”
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“provide a system for accountability;”
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“enhance the program’s reputation;”
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“provide peer recognition;” and
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“provide a cost-effective review mechanism since most of the work is done by trained volunteers who donate their time and expertise.”
Q: How does CACREP accreditation ensure student learning?
A: “The CACREP Standards ensure that programs have qualified and professionally engaged faculty, resources to support learning, and curricula determined to be relevant to the work of counselors by the counseling profession. Further, the CACREP Standards include requirements that programs assess key performance indicators (KPIs) in relation to the curricular standards and that programs engage in ongoing program evaluation that include consideration of student learning, including KPIs. The results of these program evaluation activities can then be used to aid in program improvement over time. Student motivation, effort and engagement, however, are key factors influencing the extent to which student learning occurs in any preparation program.”