More than a year before the on-site visit
Programs should:
One year before the on-site visit
Programs seeking initial accreditation in a commission for which the institution has no current ABET-accredited programs must undergo a Readiness Review.
Nine months before the on-site visit
The program submits a Request for Evaluation (RFE) to ABET by January 31.
Six months before the on-site visit
Programs complete their self-study reports and send them to ABET by July 1.
ABET invoices the institution for the program visit.
ABET assigns a team chair for the visit, the visit date is set, the team is formed, and the team begins reviewing the self-study reports.
In July, ABET invites the institution’s representatives to meet with the team chair at ABET’s Institutional Representatives Day, usually held in Washington, D.C.
One to two months before the on-site visit
On-site logistical planning begins. Rooms should be set up for the review team with the display materials, the visit schedule should be finalized, and student and faculty interviews should be arranged.
On-site visit occurs
Typically, the on-site visit lasts three days, usually Sunday through Tuesday. It includes a review of materials and interviews with students, faculty, staff, and administrators, and concludes with an exit meeting where the team conveys its findings.
One week after the on-site visit
The program provides the team with any errors of fact resulting from the exit meeting.
Two to three months after the on-site visit
ABET formally communicates the team’s findings in the Draft Statement to the institution.
Three to four months after the on-site visit
The program formally responds to ABET’s Draft Statement to the institution.
Conclusion of the process
ABET’s Commissions meet in July to decide accreditation actions. Programs are formally notified with receipt of the Final Statement to the Institution not later than August 31.
Questions?
Please contact the Accreditation Department.