CCEC
Handbook of Accreditation forDoctor of Chiropractic Programs in Canada

February 2020 Edition

List of Amendments:
November 12, 2020

Change in wording Site Visit TeamCCEC Handbook for Accreditation 20202

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND INFORMATION ..................................................................................... 5
ACCREDITATION ........................................................................................................................................................5
COUNCIL ON CHIROPRACTIC EDUCATION CANADA (CCEC)...................................................................................5
ACCREDITATION STANDARDS AND POLICIES COMMITTEE.......................................................................................5
ACCREDITATION IS IMPORTANT TO THE FOLLOWING GROUPS ................................................................................6
General Public ...................................................................................................................................................6
Institution and Program ....................................................................................................................................6
Students ..............................................................................................................................................................6
Profession ...........................................................................................................................................................6
Licensing Bodies/Regulators ...........................................................................................................................6
COUNCIL ON CHIROPRACTIC EDUCATION CANADA .................................................................................................7
Vision ...................................................................................................................................................................7
Mission ................................................................................................................................................................7
Values .................................................................................................................................................................7
Guidelines for Good Practice ...........................................................................................................................7
COMPONENTS OF THE ACCREDITATION REVIEW ..................................................................................... 9
INITIAL ACCREDITATION APPLICATION .....................................................................................................................9
1. Letter of Intent ...............................................................................................................................................9
2. Eligibility to Apply for Initial Accreditation Status ......................................................................................9
3. CCEC Response .........................................................................................................................................10
REAFFIRMATION OF ACCREDITATION .....................................................................................................................10
1. Letter of Intent .............................................................................................................................................10
2. Requirements for Eligibility ........................................................................................................................10
3. CCEC Response .........................................................................................................................................10
DCP SELF STUDY REPORT....................................................................................................................................11
Contents of the Self Study Report ................................................................................................................11
Format for the Self Study Report ..................................................................................................................12
THE OFFSITE REVIEW ............................................................................................................................................12
ONSITE REVIEW ......................................................................................................................................................12Site Visit Team .................................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Site Visit Team Observers ................................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Site Visit Team Appointment ............................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Timeline ............................................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Institutional Responsibilities ...........................................................................................................................14
Site Visit Team Member Responsibilities ....................................................................................................14
LEVELS OF COMPLIANCE WITH STANDARDS ..........................................................................................................15
CLOSING MEETING .................................................................................................................................................15
SITE VISIT TEAM REPORT ......................................................................................................................................15
DCP RESPONSE TO THE SITE VISIT TEAM REPORT .............................................................................................16
DECISION MAKING REGARDING ACCREDITATION STATUS ................................................................. 16
CORE ACCREDITATION CRITERIA ...........................................................................................................................17
CCEC STATUS REVIEW MEETING .........................................................................................................................17
ACCREDITATION STATUS AWARDS ........................................................................................................................17
NOTIFICATION OF DECISIONS REGARDING A PROGRAM’S ACCREDITATION STATUS ...........................................18
REFUSAL TO REAFFIRM ACCREDITED STATUS ......................................................................................................18
REACCREDITATION: REINSTATEMENT FOLLOWING REFUSAL OF REAFFIRMATION ................................................19
PUBLICATION OF ACCREDITATION DECISIONS .......................................................................................................19
DCP ...................................................................................................................................................................19

CCEC Handbook for Accreditation 2020

3

CCEC ................................................................................................................................................................19QUALITY ASSURANCE .............................................................................................................................................19
REQUIREMENT FOR MAINTAINING ACCREDITATION STATUS ............................................................ 19
1. ANNUAL SHORT REPORT ...................................................................................................................................19
2. MID-CYCLE REVIEW ...........................................................................................................................................20
3. SUBSTANTIVE CHANGE NOTIFICATIONS ............................................................................................................20
4. FOCUSED SITE VISITS ........................................................................................................................................20

CCEC Handbook for Accreditation 2020

4

INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Accreditation
Accreditation of professional education programs is a systematic and integrated process
whereby formal recognition, signifying the attainment of specified standards, is granted by aprofessional body.
Reference: Association of Accrediting Agencies of Canada (AAAC) https://aaac.ca, January 17, 2020

Council on Chiropractic Education Canada (CCEC)The Council on Chiropractic Education Canada (CCEC), a standing committee of the Federationof Canadian Chiropractic (FCC), has sole responsibility for the accreditation function ofchiropractic programs in Canada. The CCEC is responsible for the development and applicationof the standards and puts into effect the processes of accreditation. They certify the quality andintegrity of Doctor of Chiropractic Programs (DCPs) through evaluation of their compliance byapplying and following the criteria, policies and procedures set forth in the Program Standards
for the Doctor of Chiropractic Degree Program-Canada, Entry-to-Practice Competency Profile
for Chiropractors in Canada, and such other documents, rules and regulations as may be
adopted by the CCEC. The CCEC informs the public, the chiropractic profession and theeducational community regarding the nature, quality, and integrity of Chiropractic Education.

Accreditation Standards and Policies Committee
The Accreditation Standards and Policies Committee (ASPC), a sub-committee working under
the direction of the CCEC, is responsible for the ongoing review and updating of the Program
Standards for the Doctor of Chiropractic Degree Program-Canada, the Entry-to-PracticeCompetency Profile for Chiropractors in Canada and other policies and documents relevant to
the doctor of chiropractic accreditation process. The ASPC is also responsible for thedevelopment, review and updating of the accreditation processes for the DCPs.

Specialty Accreditation Standards and Policies Committee (SASPC)The Specialty Accreditation Standards and Policies Committee, a sub-committee working under
the direction of the CCEC, is responsible for the ongoing review and updating of the CCEC
Program Standards for the Specialty Colleges, and other policies and documents relevant to thespecialty accreditation process.

CCEC Handbook for Accreditation 20205

Accreditation is Important to the Following Groups
General Public••

provides the public with evidence of the currency, quality and integrity of educational
programs;
assures the public that graduates have the essential skills for professional practice.

Institution and Program•••provides institutions with national standards and specific criteria that outline the entry-topractice requirements for graduates;
includes an internal process that requires the use of best practices in ongoing selfevaluation to assess compliance with standards which in turn provides administratorsand faculty with data needed for ongoing quality improvement;
qualifies programs for government recognition and determines that their students are
eligible to receive government funding or other benefits.

Students••

provides students with assurance that the education they receive is of high standard andqualifies them to write certification exams for the Canadian Chiropractic Examining
Board (CCEB) and apply for licensure with provincial and territorial regulatory boards;
may facilitate the transfer of course credits to other accredited programs.

Profession•••

serves to maintain consistent national standards;
supports the growth and development of education and therefore the profession;monitors educational standards globally in order to assess trends thereby facilitating
better graduate mobility.

Licensing Bodies/Regulators•••

assures licensing bodies and regulators that potential future practitioners/graduates
have received a consistent core and/or equivalent education;
assures that future practitioners/graduates have met the standards for undergraduate
pre-professional training and demonstrated competency at the entry-to-practice level;
assures that practitioners who have graduated from accredited programs haveknowledge on protecting the public from harm.

CCEC Handbook for Accreditation 20206

Council on Chiropractic Education Canada
The CCEC is a Standing Committee of the FCC with sole responsibility for the accreditation ofDoctor of Chiropractic and Specialty Colleges educational programs in Canada. The CCEC
shall apply and follow the criteria, policies and procedures set forth in the CCEC Program
Standards for the Doctor of Chiropractic Degree Program Canada and related documents andregulations as adopted by the CCEC.
VisionPromote excellence and assure quality in chiropractic education.
Mission
The CCEC will:••assure quality in Doctor of Chiropractic Programs and Specialty College Programs in
Canada:liaise with other Councils on Chiropractic Education.

ValuesThe CCEC, in fulfilling its mission is committed to the following values:••••

integrity in all of its actions and decisions;accountability to the variety of stakeholders reliant on the CCEC;
collaboration with all stakeholders;
professionalism in all of its internal and external interactions.

Guidelines for Good Practice
THE CCEC is committed to Good Practice Processes for the Accreditation of Doctor of
Chiropractic Programs and Speciality Chiropractic Education. The CCEC reviews and consults
the Association of Accrediting Agencies of Canada (AAAC) as well as national and international
accreditation bodies in establishing good practice accreditation processes in the accreditation ofDoctor of Chiropractic programs and Speciality Chiropractic Education.
For Doctor of Chiropractic Programs, the CCEC commits to the following:
•
•
•

•

A transparent, fair and objective accreditation process that respects confidentiality andemploys the principles of quality assurance and continuous improvement.
The CCEC is a separate agency that is autonomous from the educational program underreview.
The CCEC representatives are from relevant stakeholders in accordance with the FCC
bylaws. Accreditation includes offsite and onsite reviews and input from relevant
stakeholders.
Qualified reviewers conduct the accreditation reviews for onsite and offsite reviews.

CCEC Handbook for Accreditation 2020

7

•
•
•
•
•
•

•
•

Reviewers and members of CCEC receive training.
A handbook for reviewers and for educational programs in preparing for self-study andaccreditation visits is developed and reviewed every accreditation cycle.
The accreditation cycle is an eight-year cycle.
The accreditation cycle is reviewed and the requirements to maintain accreditation
status are reviewed and documented every eight years or earlier as needed.
The accreditation status of programs is published as per the statements put forth by the
CCEC.
Accreditation standards are grounded in principles of quality, equity, consistency andobjectivity and continuous improvement is ongoing with standards reviewed every eight
years or earlier as needed.
Competency profiles are established and reviewed every eight years or earlier as
needed.
An appeals policy for accreditation decisions is available.

CCEC Handbook for Accreditation 2020

8

COMPONENTS OF THE ACCREDITATION REVIEWThe CCEC offers two types of formal, public recognition for chiropractic programs:
1. initial accreditation (an intermediate status offered to new programs prior to thegraduation of their first class) and;2. accreditation.
Initial accreditation is a formative period for a program during which the CCEC carefully
monitors the program’s ongoing development towards maturity; a program with initial status
must achieve accreditation within six years or its status is withdrawn. While not synonymouswith accreditation, initial accreditation is not considered a lesser form of recognition. Graduatesof programs with either form of recognition are eligible to write certification exams for the
Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board (CCEB) and apply for licensure with provincial andterritorial regulatory boards. Attainment of initial accreditation does not, however, ensure
eventual accreditation.
Accreditation is recognition provided to DCPs that have met the accreditation requirements of
the CCEC and have graduated at least one class of students who demonstrate the requiredcompetencies.

Initial Accreditation Application
1. Letter of Intent
It is the responsibility of the individual designated responsible for the DCP (e.g.: Chief Executive
Officer, Vice President Academic (VPA)) and the Chair of the Institution’s Board of Governors to
submit, at least twelve to eighteen months prior to the admission of its first class of the entrylevel education program, a Letter of Intent (LOI) indicating that the program intends to pursue
Initial Accreditation status, and to provide written evidence that it meets the eligibility
requirements. The required fees must be paid at this time.
2. Eligibility to Apply for Initial Accreditation Status
The DCP must establish that it is, or has, an organizational unit to administer one or moreprograms of chiropractic education, and that the DCP has progressed to a level suitable forconsideration for initial accreditation by the CCEC.
The DCP or institution must have:a. formal authority from the appropriate governmental agency of its province or territory ofoperations to award the Doctor of Chiropractic degree;b. a charter which indicates that it is incorporated under the laws of the province or territoryof its residence as a non-profit, non-proprietary institution exempt from taxation due to its
devotion to educational purposes;c. a governing board of not less than nine members which includes representation reflecting
the public interest;
d. a full-time member of staff designated as executive administrator for the chiropractic
program, who is qualified for the position through education and/or experience;

CCEC Handbook for Accreditation 20209

e. the facilities, equipment, faculty, internal organization, and financial base for funding
commitments to conduct current operations for the program;f. formal governing body action that commits the DCP to comply with the CCEC
requirements for accreditation;
g. a written multi-year plan, adequate for the delivery and continuous improvement of one
full iteration of the program, and a description of a functioning process of planning andevaluation that identifies and integrates future educational, physical, and financial
development, and incorporates procedures for review and improvement;
h. a plan and process for the development and assessment of abilities required by an entry
to practice chiropractor as contained in the Entry-to-Practice Competency Profile for
Chiropractors in Canada.
3. CCEC Response
Upon receipt of the application for Initial Accreditation by the DCP:a. the Chair of the CCEC, or delegate, reviews the letter of intent and the evidence of
eligibility documentation submitted by the DCP. If the documents do not provide
sufficient evidence, the Chair shall advise the DCP of what is required. If the evidence issufficient the DCP is notified that they are eligible to apply for Initial Accreditation.
Notification must take place no more than 60 business days from the receipt of the LOI,
evidence of eligibility, and fee payment;b. as soon as possible after the DCP is notified that they are eligible to apply for Initial
Accreditation, the CCEC Chair, in coordination with the individual responsible at the
DCP, establishes timelines regarding the Self Study and Site Visit Team (SVT)
according to CCEC policies and procedures.

Reaffirmation of Accreditation
1. Letter of Intent
At least twelve months prior to the end of the accreditation period, the individual designatedresponsible for the DCP (e.g.: Chief Executive Officer, VPA), must send a LOI indicating thatthe program intends to pursue reaffirmation of its accredited status. The required fees must be
paid at this time.
2. Requirements for Eligibility
The DCP does not need to submit evidence of eligibility documents required for initialaccreditation unless eligibility requirements have changed from the last reaffirmation visit.
However, the DCP must maintain documentation that it complies with the eligibility
requirements. This information must be available for review by appropriate representatives of
CCEC.
3. CCEC Response
Upon receipt of application by the DCP for reaffirmation of accreditation:

CCEC Handbook for Accreditation 202010

a. the CCEC Chair, in coordination with the individual responsible for the DCP, establishes
timelines regarding the Self Study and SVT according to CCEC policies and procedures.
This should be completed at no later than 30 business days after receipt of the LOI andfees.

DCP Self Study Report
The Self Study is a comprehensive process that involves all constituents of the DCP in asystematic review of the program and assessment of outcomes. Through this process, theDCP becomes aware of its strengths and weaknesses related to CCEC compliance, and its
success in meeting its institutional mission.
The DCP must have in place a policy and comprehensive process regarding the Self Study.
Contents of the Self Study Report
The Self Study must include:a. an introduction or brief overview of the program;b. narrative response to each standard including:i. an evaluation of how the DCP addresses each standard, criterion by
criterion, with evidence, (usually in the form of an appendix) to support
what is said;
ii. what is being done to ensure that graduates develop all abilities required
to begin practice and how and where these competencies are assessed
throughout the curriculum;iii. evidence chosen that makes it clear to the reader why it was chosen forinclusion and how it supports the DCPs self-assessment;
iv. the DCPs self-assessment of their compliance with each standard andclearly identified weaknesses and possible plans to address them;c. a summary that documents the DCPs evaluation of their compliance with the CCEC
standards, strengths, and weaknesses, and that articulates future plans to maintainaccreditation.
The Self Study Report must:a. provide clear evidence (e.g., review of documentation, data, surveys,) that the DCP
complies with CCEC requirements for accreditation; the DCP should provide only themost relevant evidence and an evaluation of how this meets the standard;b. document where the entry-to-practice competencies are built into the curriculum andwhen and how they are assessed;
c. focus attention on the ongoing assessment of competencies to demonstrate individual
student abilities and for the continuing improvement of academic quality;
d. demonstrate that the DCP engages in critical reflection and understands both its
strengths and weaknesses;
e. provide evidence, based on information gathered, that the DCP has a process in placefor evolving the program;f. demonstrate that the DCP has processes in place to ensure that it will continue tocomply with the CCEC requirements for accreditation;

CCEC Handbook for Accreditation 202011

g. be submitted to the CCEC on or before the date previously agreed to by the DCP and
CCEC.
Format for the Self Study Report
The Self Study Report provides a permanent record of the program at the time of writing. It
should be a single PDF document in electronic format provided to the CCEC on or prior to thedue date set by the CCEC and the DCP. This will be approximately four months before the site
visit. CCEC staff will provide the DCP with instructions to upload the full document to anelectronic platform.
Note: Include only the most applicable evidence. The documentation should be reflective of the
Self Study narrative regarding each standard and demonstrate how competencies aredeveloped and assessed.
Repetition is fine as the document will be read and reviewed by many people and while they will
each read the full document, individual reviewers will concentrate on specific sections. The
narrative for each standard should stand alone.
Highlight strengths but also identify gaps found and possible plans for how these may be
addressed.

The Offsite Review
Following receipt of the Self Study Report, the Chair of the CCEC appoints a team of threemembers of the CCEC to review the report for completeness and responsiveness. This Offsite
Review Team does not evaluate the evidence provided but ensures that the report iscomprehensive and includes all the necessary materials, forms, etc. This offsite review will becompleted within 10 business days of the submission of the Self Study Report. If the Self Study
Report is complete the institution will be notified.
If there are missing forms, or gaps in the report, the Chair of CCEC will contact the institution
and request that they provide the missing information. The institution will be given a date bywhich the additional information must be made available. This date is normally 15 businessdays prior to the scheduled arrival of the SVT.

Onsite Review
Site Visit TeamThe Chair of the CCEC appoints a SVT to conduct an onsite review. Team members are drawn
from qualified individuals who have previously demonstrated expertise in higher education,
research, clinical sciences, administrative or academic evaluation and financial/businessmatters, as well as a licenced Doctor of Chiropractic. SVT members should have strong oral,
written, and interpersonal communication skills and the ability to make unbiased professional
judgements based on data provided and observation.
The CCEC Chair will choose the SVT Chair. The CCEC looks for an individual with previous site
visit experience, a strong understanding of the Standards, and leadership abilities. The SVT

CCEC Handbook for Accreditation 2020

12

Chair acts as a mentor to less experienced SVT members. The SVT Chair should demonstratestrong organization, facilitation, and coordination abilities, the capacity to lead consensus andsummary processes, and the ability to coordinate the final report.
The SVT Chair must make themselves aware of details of the last accreditation visit and all
subsequent reports made to the CCEC since that time. This information should be shared withthe team, at their orientation, to provide context.
The CCEC will attempt to include team members who are fluent in the language of instruction at
the DCP being visited.
Site Visit Team Observers
In addition to members of the SVT, the CCEC may choose to have independent observer(s)present during the site visit for training purposes. The DCP may also request that observer(s)be present for the site visit; this will be assessed by the CCEC on a case by case basis as towhether the DCP nominated observers will be permitted to participate. Observers, regardlesswhich organization nominated them, may participate in discussions but may not vote as teammembers.
Site Visit Team Appointment
Once the team members have been identified, the Chair of the CCEC provides the DCP with
the names of the members of the SVT. This must be done at least two months prior to thescheduled site visit.
If the DCP has an objection to any member of the potential team, based on actual or perceived
conflict of interest, it has ten business days to make that objection in writing, identifying the teammember(s) and the nature and basis for the objection(s). Objections will only be considered in
the case of a conflict of interest, and if verified by the CCEC, the potential site visit teammember would be replaced.
Once the CCEC decides on the final composition of the SVT, formal invitations will be issued tothe proposed team members.
The final composition of the SVT must be sent to the DCP no later one month prior to thescheduled visit.
Timeline
The site visit typically takes place over three days, Monday to Wednesday. The full team should
arrive at the location at least one day prior the visit (e.g., late Saturday or early Sunday), in
order to prepare and to be ready to begin work at the institution on Monday. The SVT Chair willschedule an orientation meeting for the team prior to their arrival at the institution.

CCEC Handbook for Accreditation 202013

Institutional Responsibilities
The institution is responsible for all costs associated with the site visit as well as providing anhonorarium to individual team members. Expenses reimbursement will be sensitive to the DCP.
The program or institution does not pay SVT member expenses directly. Approximately one
month prior to the SVT, the program or institution being visited is pre-billed, by the CCEC, forthe estimated cost of the visit. The CCEC office must receive payment of this estimated cost atleast one week prior to the visit. After all SVT expenses are paid, the balance of funds
remaining from the prepayment shall be returned to the program or institution, or a further
invoice for any amounts in excess of the estimate will be sent. Payment of this invoice is due on
receipt.
Prior to the SVT arrival, the institution must:a. work with the CCEC office staff to arrange hotel accommodation for the team members;
b. arrange transportation for the team from the hotel to the institution;c. develop a schedule for the site visit. This must include campus tours, interviews withadministration, faculty, students, and board members, visits to clinic sites, and open time
where members of the DCP can engage in free discussion with members of the SVT.
This schedule must be completed at least two weeks prior to the visit;d. provide a workroom for SVT members that includes Wi-Fi, and access to a confidential
printer and copier (or alternatively, unique access codes for same), supplies, etc. The
room should be set up and the Wi-Fi thoroughly checked for proper operation in advanceof the visit. Login information should be clear and prominently displayed. The SVT will
also have access to computer support technician if the need arises. The SVT room will
be secured and restricted to SVT members only. A list of required documents will also
be provided to the DCP in advance to be available in the SVT room for review andreference;e. provide private and secure spaces where team members can meet with members of the
DCP on a drop in or ad hoc basis;
f. provide lunch and snacks for the site visit team. The CCEC will be made aware of
dietary restrictions and allergies prior to the visit and provide this information to the DCP;
g. advise all members of the DCP of the site-team visit, provide a summary of the Self
Study Report, times and locations of meetings that they may attend, etc. This should bedone at least five days prior to the arrival of the SVT.

Site Visit Team Member Responsibilities
Site Visit Team Members Must:a. make their own travel arrangements, using the lowest cost form of travel. If traveling by
air, only the lowest economy airfare will be authorized. Team members must arrive at
the location at least one day prior to the scheduled site visit;b. review the Program Standards for the Doctor of Chiropractic Degree Program-Canada
and the Entry-to-Practice Competency Profile for Chiropractors in Canada prior to thevisit;CCEC Handbook for Accreditation 202014

c. review and follow CCEC policies and procedures at all times (e.g.: Conflict of Interest,
Confidentiality);d. sign the CCEC Confidentially Agreement;e. read the Self Study prior to arriving on site;
f. verify the information provided in the Self Study;g. expand on the Self Study by compiling additional evidence during the site visit;h. determine the institutional and programmatic compliance with assigned CCEC
standards;
i. help prepare and submit a Site Visit Report to the CCEC on institutional andprogrammatic compliance with each standard; the team begins the report during the site
visit and must complete the final version for submission within two weeks of the end of
the site visit;
Note: The SVT makes decisions on whether the DCP has met each standard and all related
criterion. For each standard the team will determine to what extent the DCP has met thestandard. At the end of the section of the report on the standard, the Team will note the level ofcompliance. The SVT must also evaluate the DCPs ongoing assessment of competencies todemonstrate individual student abilities and for the continuing improvement of academic quality.
The SVT does not make decisions regarding accreditation status. Only the CCEC makes thedetermination of accreditation status.

Levels of Compliance with Standards
Compliance
Term
Criterion Fully
Met
Criterion Partially
Met
Criterion Not Met

Descriptor of Compliance Level
No concerns; continued improvement is encouraged andrecommendations for improvement may be included.
Needs improvement; the program will be required to respond with
progress on identified concerns within a specified time.
The requirements for compliance were not met; the program will be
required to provide evidence of compliance within a specified timeframe.

Closing Meeting
At the end of the site visit, members of the SVT meet with members of the DCP for a brief
session, to thank those who participated in the review and provide a short summary of thefindings. If this discussion discloses an error in fact, the program may correct the facts at thistime. This is not a forum for further discussion regarding the visit or the accreditation status of
the DCP.
During this meeting the SVT Chair will provide the DCP with information on the next steps in theaccreditation process. They will also advise the DCP as to when they can expect the draft
report (usually within three weeks of the SVT departure).

Site Visit Team Report
Two weeks after the end of the site visit, a draft report prepared by the SVT is forwarded to the
Chair of the CCEC. The report expands on the Self Study by verifying evidence provided in the
Self Study and describing evidence gathered during the onsite review through interviews and

CCEC Handbook for Accreditation 202015

the review of documentation. In the report, the team determines if the DCP has met eachStandard and that students/graduates are being evaluated on and demonstrate competency. At
the end of each Standard the team will identify the level of DCP compliance.
Upon receipt of the draft report, the Chair of the CCEC forwards the report to the DCP for thecorrection of factual errors (spelling, grammar, errors in names, titles, or attendees at meetings)
only. The DCP has two weeks to review the draft report and report factual errors to the Chair of
the CCEC.
Following the response by the DCP to the correction of factual errors, the final report iscompleted and sent by the Chair of the CCEC to the individual designated responsible for the
DCP.

DCP Response to the Site Visit Team Report
The DCP may submit a written response to the SVT Report, and it must submit a response if
there are areas of concern identified in the report. This response must be submitted within 30
days of receipt by the DCP of the final version of the SVT Report.

Decision Making Regarding Accreditation Status
After receiving the DCP response to the SVT Report, the CCEC reviews the SVT Report, the
DCP response and other appropriate information consistent with CCEC policies and procedures
to determine if the DCP complies with the CCEC requirements for accreditation.
A program must demonstrate full compliance with the established Core Accreditation Criteria to
be granted Accreditation – Fully Compliant or Accreditation – Partially Compliant.

CCEC Handbook for Accreditation 2020

16

Core Accreditation Criteria
Standard
Number
2.1

Core Criteria

2.3

Demonstrate engagement of faculty and students in policy development
and determination

2.4

Demonstrate the financial, physical, human, administrative and otherresources to sustain the Doctor of Chiropractic program to ensure, atminimum, the opportunity for newly enrolled students to graduate.

2.7

Develop and maintain an ongoing assessment plan that demonstrates how
the program determines that it is meeting its mission and that its students
are achieving the entry-to-practice competencies of the Doctor of
Chiropractic program.
The chiropractic program must employ sufficient faculty members who are
qualified by virtue of their academic and professional training andexperience and/or credentials, to develop, deliver and monitor the courses
and curricula, and assess student learning and the effectiveness of the
program. The employment and determination of the number of full-timeand part-time faculty members must be based on sound pedagogicalrationales for the classroom, laboratory, and patient care settings. The
faculty must be engaged in research and scholarship, service,professional development and governance activities.

4.5

Demonstrate the legal characteristics, governance structure andadministrative capacity necessary to design, develop and deliver the Doctorof Chiropractic program.

CCEC Status Review Meeting
Upon receipt and review of the final SVT Report and the written response (where applicable)from the DCP, the CCEC may request a meeting with a representative(s) of the institution to
discuss the findings of the Report in accordance with CCEC policies and procedures. This
meeting should be scheduled within thirty business days of the CCEC receiving the final SVT
Report.
Based on deliberations regarding the reports, any subsequent response and the interview(where requested) the CCEC will make one of the following decisions:

Accreditation Status Awards
StatusAccreditation – Fully
CompliantAccreditation –Partially Compliant

Explanation
The DCP is in compliance with all of the core and other accreditation
criteria; no criteria have been assessed as non-compliant.
The DCP is in compliance with all of the core criteria within theaccreditation standards but has some other criteria that are noncompliant and must be addressed in a specified timeframe. If these

CCEC Handbook for Accreditation 202017

Accreditation –Probation

Non-Accreditation

areas are not addressed satisfactorily, within the timeframe thestatus of the institution could be changed to Accreditation –Probation.
The DCP is non-compliant in a core criteria or is in compliance withless than seventy percent of the accreditation criteria in more than
two standards. Areas of non-compliance must be addressed in a
specified timeframe. If these areas are addressed satisfactorily,
within the timeframe the status of the institutions accreditation status
could be changed to Accreditation Fully Compliant or PartiallyCompliant. The CCEC may schedule a Focused Site Visit during thespecified timeframe. If these areas of non compliance are notaddressed satisfactorily within the specified time frame, the status of
the institution could be changed to Non-Accreditation.
The DCP does not meet the requirements for accreditation or aprogram with Accreditation status has failed to resolve concerns
within the specified time frame(s).

The accreditation decision should be made within two months of the CCEC receiving all of thereports and information.

Notification of Decisions Regarding a Program’s Accreditation Status
An official report and letter will be prepared by CCEC and forwarded to the DCP following any
decisions made by the CCEC in relation to the program’s accreditation status. The report, in theform of an Accreditation Review and Status Report (AR&SR), will include the following
information:

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

name of the program, and institution;accreditation status;
effective date of the accreditation status;
explanation of the reasons for the decision about accreditation status;
the extent to which the program is in compliance with the CCEC accreditation standards
and criteria including an explanation for the findings;
commendations;action required by the program.

The letter will be addressed to the individual responsible for the DCP and will include an
acknowledgement form to be copied onto institutional letterhead, signed, and returned
electronically to CCEC within two weeks of receipt of the AR & SR, acknowledging receipt of theaccreditation decision and required action. If the decision may have an adverse effect on the
DCP, the DCP will also receive detailed information on the Appeals Policy and Procedures of
the CCEC.

Refusal to Reaffirm Accredited Status
If a DCP with Accreditation status does not meet the requirements for reaffirmation ofaccreditation and fails to resolve concerns within the specified time frame(s) their accreditation
status will be revoked. This revocation will normally follow a one-year probationary period after

CCEC Handbook for Accreditation 202018

which it is determined that the program no longer meets the CCEC Program Standards for theDoctor of Chiropractic Degree Program-Canada and does not have accreditation status.
Reaccreditation: Reinstatement following refusal of reaffirmation
A program which has not been re-accredited is required to apply de novo for accreditation.

Publication of Accreditation Decisions
DCP
Within two weeks of receipt of the AR & SR the DCP must inform faculty, staff, and students
enrolled or applying to the program, about the accreditation decision. This notification must be
in writing and stakeholders must have the opportunity to discuss the findings with responsible
individuals at the DCP.
Education programs are required to publish their accreditation status as per the requirements of
the CCEC as part of their responsibility to maintain compliance with the accreditation standards.
This information must be easily accessible for prospective and current students and otherstakeholders/partners in the DCP
CCEC
The CCEC will post the results of the Accreditation Decision on their portion of the FCC website
within 30 days of the DCP returning the AR and SR. The CCEC will maintain, on this website, alist of education programs that hold accredited status; this information will also be published in
the Annual Report and other official CCEC documents.

Quality Assurance
DCP’s who have completed the accreditation process will be given the opportunity to provide
feedback to the CCEC. This feedback will be used by the CCEC for its continued improvement.

Requirement for Maintaining Accreditation Status
Once accreditation is awarded the DCP will move into an eight-year cycle during which it mustmeet specific requirements in order to maintain accreditation. In accordance with CCEC
policies and procedures, the following reports and /or visits to a DCP may be required. Some ofthese requirements are mandatory and others are implemented at the discretion of the CCEC,
following appropriate notification being provided to the DCP.
1. Annual Short Report
In all years of the eight-year accreditation cycle, except for those years in which there is anaccreditation site visit, or, in the year in which there is a mid-cycle review, which is typically atyear four, DCPs will provide to CCEC an Annual Short Report,. The Annual Short Report
describes key components necessary to maintain open communication between CCEC and the
DCP, and shall contain:

CCEC Handbook for Accreditation 2020

19

•
•
•
•
•
•

annual enrollment and admission;
student outcomes, including performance and completion rates;
student full-time enrollment, including current and prior year;
faculty full-time employment, including current and prior year;
a narrative discussing how the program has responded to enrollment changes regarding
planning, budgeting, resources, staff and other impacted factors;
a financial report.

2. Mid-Cycle Review
At the mid-point of the accreditation cycle, which would typically occur in year four of the eight
year accreditation cycle, the DCP will provide a Mid-Cycle Review report. This replaces theAnnual Short Report in that year. In addition to components normally expected in an Annual
Short Report as listed above, the Mid-Cycle Review must contain:
•
•
•
•
•
•

detailed student headcount data for the prior four years;
a narrative on any substantive changes;
an update on any strategic planning initiatives implemented since the last accreditationsite visit;
an update on clinical educational facilities;
an update on research and scholarly activities since the last accreditation site visit
any information, noted in your accreditation letter, required for the mid-cycle report.

The CCEC will notify the DCP of the due date of the Mid-Cycle Review, six months prior to it
being due.
3. Substantive Change Notifications

4. Focused Site Visits
CCEC, Focused Site Visits may be conducted, at the discretion of the CCEC, in response to:a.
concerns identified by a SVT and/or an accreditation review report and not yet
satisfactorily addressed for the DCP to be in compliance with accreditation requirements;b.
substantive change requirements;c.
extraordinary circumstances, in which a perceived violation of accreditation
requirements may prompt action to protect the interests of the students, facultyor public.
Specific information about the requirements for the Focused Site Visit will be sent to theprogram in writing prior to the visit. Following the site visit, a report is prepared encompassing
the selected aspect(s) of the institution/program relevant to the focused site visit. The report will
be reviewed by the CCEC and a decision made regarding the adequacy of the ongoingprogress, the sufficiency of evidence provided regarding progress on issues of concern, whether
any other significant concerns have emerged, and what, if any, subsequent interim reporting
activities are required. Based on all of this evidence, the CCEC may make a decision to change
the accreditation status of the DCP.

CCEC Handbook for Accreditation 2020

20

Components of this handbook were adapted with permission from the Physiotherapy
Education Accreditation Canada (PEAC) 2020.

CCEC Handbook for Accreditation 202021