ALCUCOA has a five-tier level system. Each tier corresponds to the different phases of accreditation, having its unique purpose and objectives, and representing the LCU's progressive journey towards excellence and quality assurance.
Candidate Status
The preliminary survey phase. LCUs express intent, submit initial documentation and fees, and receive a consultation/orientation visit from ALCUCOA. Sets the stage for formal evaluation.
Level I
The first formal evaluation. LCUs must present comprehensive documentation and evidence to comply with requirements across each accreditation area.
Level II
LCUs strive for a higher level of proficiency beyond basic compliance. Evidence of ongoing improvement and the presence of best practices is required.
Level III
Accreditation standards are deeply ingrained in the LCU's culture and operations, with effective processes to maintain and continuously improve compliance.
Level IV
The pinnacle of accreditation. The LCU demonstrates sustainable, enduring commitment to quality and compliance across all aspects of the institution.
The Input-Process-Output Framework serves as the general framework for the accreditation instrument used by ALCUCOA, allowing for a systematic yet granular and detailed accreditation where quality education is clearly seen and documented.
Input
Policy guidelines, frameworks, basic manuals, handbooks, resolutions, and rules & regulations.
Process
Actual mechanisms, approaches, and tools used by an institution to conduct its operations and activities.
Output
Concrete, measurable results achieved in each accreditation area, clearly documented.
To carry out a smooth accreditation process, ALCUCOA follows a step-by-step procedure for the accreditation of its member local higher education institutions.
Member Institution Submits Letter of Intent
The institution submits a letter of intent to the ALCUCOA National Board thru the President and Executive Director, expressing desire to undergo accreditation.
ALCUCOA Evaluates the Application
ALCUCOA evaluates compliance with basic educational standards and overall readiness, including CHED memorandum orders, approved charter, ordinance, board resolutions, facilities, faculty, and library holdings.
ALCUCOA Sends Acceptance Letter
Upon determination that requirements are met, ALCUCOA formally writes a letter of acceptance. No accreditation takes place until compliance and readiness are proven.
Member Institution Pays Accreditation Fees
Before the conduct of accreditation, the member institution completes payment of the accreditation fees set by ALCUCOA.
ALCUCOA Conducts Quality Assurance Conference
ALCUCOA meets with the member institution's board, faculty, alumni, parents, city officials, and other stakeholders to clearly explain the purpose of accreditation.
National Board Sets Schedule & Appoints Accreditation Team
The ALCUCOA National Board sets the schedule for the formal visit and appoints accreditors based on competence and credibility. A required orientation is held covering all plans and details.
ALCUCOA Conducts Formal Three-Day Visit
The accreditation team is deployed for a three-day visit featuring: courtesy call, plenary conference, document review, ocular visit, classroom observations, stakeholder conference, executive deliberations, and exit conference.
Accreditation Team Submits Results to National Board
The team submits results with accreditation scores, findings, and recommendations — all duly signed by accreditors — to the ALCUCOA National Board for technical review.
National Board Appoints Three Technical Reviewers
Three members form a Technical Review Board (TRB) to validate results. No TRB member may have served on the prior accreditation team, preserving objectivity.
ALCUCOA Submits Validated Results to NNQAA
Validated results are submitted to the NNQAA for final technical review. NNQAA acts as the highest review body and submits final results annually to CHED's Office of Institutional Quality Assurance and Governance.
NNQAA En Banc Communicates Results to ALCUCOA
The NNQAA Board en banc officially communicates the final accreditation results back to ALCUCOA.
ALCUCOA Presents Accreditation Results
ALCUCOA organizes a formal presentation of accreditation results for all member institutions vying for accreditation.
ALCUCOA's accreditation is not a one-time event. A number of accreditation-related activities are conducted on a regular basis to help member institutions sustain and improve their accreditation status.
Formal Visit
A three-day visit featuring: courtesy call, plenary conference, eligibility certification, documentary review, classroom observations, ocular visit to extension projects, campus tour, stakeholder conferences, and exit conference on the third day.
Surveillance Audit
Monitoring visits conducted within the duration of the effectivity of the accreditation status granted, to ensure continued compliance with ALCUCOA accreditation standards.
Revisit
Upon recommendation of the board, ALCUCOA schedules a revisit to the member institution not later than six months prior to the expiration of the awarded accreditation status.