If the museum's application is accepted, the museum is also sent instructions for starting the Accreditation process, along with a copy of the Accreditation Handbook, and the Self-Study Questionnaire. This is the first phase of the accreditation process. The self-study materials, completed and assembled per the accompanying instructions, are submitted to the Accreditation Office on or before the due date established in the confirmation letter. The Accreditation Office staff reviews the self-study submission to determine if any clarification or additional information is necessary. The results are issued to the museum in 3-4 months.
Museum responds to any requests for missing documents or clarification of materials.
This signifies that the museum's self-study submission is complete and that the museum appears eligible and is ready for a Visiting Committee review. The museum proceeds to the next step in the review process. Once required actions have been taken and the Commission's concerns have been fully addressed, museum moves to the next step in the review process. Museum must withdraw from program. At the time of interim approval, a list of potential Visiting Committee members, with their professional biographical information, is sent to the museum in preparation for the on-site evaluation.