Private Organization Accreditation

• Four-year accreditation*
• In-depth review of the organization’s services and administration and management functions
• User-friendly, online process
• Process typically takes 12-18 months
• An Accreditation Coordinator assists the organization through the process
• Standards and accreditation materials are free

*Except for opioid treatment programs which are mandated to be accredited by SAMHSA for three years

• Child, Youth and Family Services
• Behavioral Health Services
• Aging Services
• Homeless Services 
• Developmental Disabilities Services
• Residential Services
• Additional Social Services

Most organizations are able to complete the entire accreditation process in 12-18 months. It is COA’s experience that this time frame provides sufficient opportunity for the active involvement of all parties—consumers, personnel, and stakeholders—and sufficient time for the organization to undergo growth-promoting change.

For a detailed look at the steps in the accreditation process, see part IV of the Accreditation Guidelines.

The Standards for Private Organizations are divided into three parts:

• Administration and Management Standards
• Service Delivery Administration Standards
• Service Standards

Organizations must demonstrate implementation of both the Administration and Management and the Service Delivery Administration Standards because they encompass aspects of operations that apply to all organizations regardless of the services provided. Additionally, organizations must demonstrate implementation of specific Service Standards that reflect the services it provides.

COA’s standards are web-based and can be accessed at any time. View the standards.

COA makes a preliminary determination of eligibility after it receives a completed application from a human services organization.

Read COA’s Eligibility Criteria for Private Organizations.

The cost of accreditation varies based on an organization’s size and services. Fees associated with a four-year accreditation cycle include an application fee, accreditation fee, Site Visit costs, and maintenance of accreditation fees.

Read the Fee Information for Private Organizations.

Accreditation Guidelines

For more detail regarding the accreditation process, download and review the Accreditation Guidelines.

Accreditor Comparison

Understand the differences between COA and CARF to find the best accreditor for your organization. 

Recommended Trainings

• Introduction to COA Accreditation 
• The Format and Structure of COA’s Accreditation Standards
• Creating an Accreditation Work Plan

Learning Plan

For a comprehensive guide developed to assist organizations in learning the fundamentals of the accreditation process and COA standards, including links to recommended self-paced trainings and tools, download and review the COA Accreditation Learning Plan.