Some agencies may have knowledgeable, trained assessors within the organization or at nearby agencies, and still others may pursue alternative venues for mock assessors. A recent polling of practitioners in the field concerning mock assessments revealed some common themes for success. The lack of a quality mock makes your agency more vulnerable to major noncompliance issues which may be difficult or impossible to correct during the on-site assessment. More experienced accreditation managers may shorten this period if only minor corrections to accreditation files are likely. Attention to detail and knowledge of the accreditation process are the two most important qualities of a mock assessor.
Most agencies choose two or three mock assessors who spend about two days reviewing files.
When mock assessors arrive, emphasize that your goal is for them to be helpfully critical of the files they review. As few agencies have the levels of accreditation expertise and, more importantly, the objectivity needed for this type of review within the organization, outside, objective advice is often the best. Most accreditation managers have pre-conceived ideas about where compliance documentation might be weak or strong. Open discussion of such information with mock assessors is a good way to eliminate tunnel vision, while identifying additional areas needing attention. Additionally, mock assessors can answer questions or address concerns you have about procedures beyond file work, such as, interviews with key personnel, tours, or static displays.