APWA currently uses either On-Site/In-Person or Virtual Evaluations to determine whether an agency has met all the requirements for accreditation or re-accreditation. The outlined criteria define the conditions present to determine which evaluation format is most suitable for each agency. Further description of each format is as follows:

On-Site/In-Person Evaluation – The team completes the evaluation at the agency site.

Virtual Evaluation – The team completes the evaluation off-site and virtually with no travel included. Virtual interaction includes an opening and closing meeting via video conference and all communication between the evaluation team and agency via phone, email or video conference as needed.

Criteria

Accreditation – On-Site/In-Person

  • On-site evaluation considered for initial accreditation.
  • The agency is prohibited by organizational policy to share documentation in an uncontrolled environment (ie. Federal agencies)
  • The evaluation will include more than one agency in the accreditation.
  • Subject to availability of all resources.

Accreditation – Virtual

The agency does not allow visitors in the facility or is not open to the public.

Re-Accreditation – On-Site/In-Person 

  • The format used for the agency’s previous evaluation. (Alternating formats will be considered.)
  • The agency is prohibited by organizational policy to share documentation in an uncontrolled environment (ie. Federal agencies).
  • The agency has significant staff changes or reorganization since the last evaluation.
  • The agency is requesting to add additional agencies to the accreditation.
  • The previous evaluation for accreditation or re-accreditation indicates a significant number of substantial compliance practices and the use of 45 days or more for completion.
  • Subject to availability of all resources.

Re-Accreditation – Virtual 

  • The format used for the agency’s previous evaluation. (Alternating formats will be considered.)
  • The previous evaluation for accreditation or re-accreditation indicates no practices less than full compliance.
  • The agency does not allow visitors to the facility or are not open to the public.
  • The agency’s director and/or accreditation manager and/or organizational structure have not changed since the previous evaluation.

Approved by Accreditation Council 4/11/22