News
Guidance for Transitioning to the Tiered Model of Education - Updated
June 2026: We are excited to share ABAI's Recognition Committee recently voted to extend waiving of the following eligibility criterion: the program must have at least one graduate. The waiver is extended through December 31, 2028. Additionally, language was updated to clarify this waiver applies to programs transitioning from previously established Verified Course Sequences and newly developed programs that do not yet have graduates. Please read the Guidance for Transitioning to the Tiered Model to see this update and more information related to your program’s transition to ABAI recognition.
Updates to Change Report
June 2026: At its May 2026 meeting, the Accreditation Board approved updates to Title VI. Substantive Changes (applicable to both accreditation and recognition). To create a more consistent and effective review process, the distinction between substantive and non-substantive changes has been removed. Moving forward, all listed program changes will require Committee notification and approval, allowing for appropriate review and monitoring when modifications may affect a program's ability to meet standards or may impact student outcomes. Additional examples of reportable changes have been added, and a new online change reporting form has been implemented to streamline submissions, which can be accessed here.
Policy on Non-Terminal Master's Programs
June 2026: The ABAI Accreditation Board voted in their May 2026 meeting to adopt a policy (applicable to both accreditation and recognition) that would allow doctoral programs with non-terminal master's options to be recognized at both the master's and doctoral level, if the program elects to seek recognition at the master's level. Recognition fees associated with the master's program (e.g., application, sustaining, and review meeting fees) would be waived. This policy goes into effect January 1, 2027. Additional information and stipulations can be found in the Policy on Non-Terminal Master's Programs.
Higher Education Insider Newsletter: April 2026
April 2026: The April 2026 issue of ABAI's Higher Education Insider Newsletter is now available! You can read this issue here, or by visiting our consultations and resources webpage.
Higher Education Insider Newsletter: January 2026
January 2026: The January 2026 issue of ABAI's Higher Education Insider Newsletter is now available! You can read this issue here, or by visiting our consultations and resources webpage.
Higher Education Insider Newsletter: October 2025
October 2025: The October 2025 issue of ABAI's Higher Education Insider Newsletter is now available! The purpose of this newsletter is to provide updates and keep you informed on ABAI's educational initiatives. You can read this issue here, or by visiting our consultations and resources webpage.
Higher Education Insider Newsletter: April 2025
April 2025: The April 2025 issue of ABAI's Higher Education Insider Newsletter is now available! The purpose of this newsletter is to provide updates and keep you informed on ABAI's educational initiatives. You can read this issue here, or by visiting our consultations and resources webpage.
ABAI Recognition (Tiers 2-4) Fees Announcement
April 2025: ABAI reviews fees on an ongoing basis to determine if adjustments are warranted. The current recognition fees were established in 2022, at the beginning of the Tiered Model of Education, and have remained unchanged. Two new fees will be implemented on January 1, 2026, and several recognition fee changes will go into effect July 1, 2026. More details may be found in the April announcement and on the fee schedule webpage.
Higher Education Insider Newsletter: January 2025
January 2025: The second issue of ABAI's Higher Education Insider Quarterly Newsletter is now available! The purpose of this newsletter is to provide updates and keep you informed on ABAI's educational initiatives. You can read the second issue here, or by visiting our consultations and resources webpage.
Accreditation Video Series
December 2024: The ABAI Accreditation Board is pleased to announce a new resource: ABAI Accreditation Video Series. Each brief video aims to provide insight into various components of the accreditation and recognition process. You can view the current videos on the Accreditation Resources page. Please check back as more videos are published.
Important Timelines and Program Coordinator Roles and Responsibilities
November 2024: To accompany our Guidance for Transitioning to the Tiered Model, we have developed two documents to help programs communicate the upcoming timelines and expectations of program coordinators. The Important Timelines for Obtaining ABAI Accreditation document outlines the timeframes that programs seeking ABAI Accreditation should pay particular attention to when considering programmatic revisions. The Program Coordinator Roles and Responsibilities document provides an overview of the roles and responsibilities of the individual serving as the program coordinator. These documents may aid in requesting vital resources needed to align with and meet ABAI Accreditation or Recognition requirements.
Event Schedule
See upcoming ABAI events and information here.
Old announcements are located here.