Use the links below to learn about each stage of the accreditation review process, from pre-application preparation to the final decision. 

1. Preparation:  museum determines its readiness, talks to AAM staff, and prepares for application or the reaccreditation process*
    
   
2. Application:  museum submits application form (first-time applicants only)
   
   
3. Self-Study:  museum spends one year completing the Self-Study Questionnaire
   
   
4. 1st  Commission Review--Interim Approval:  Commission reviews the museum’s Self-Study and makes a decision on interim approval (first-time applicants only)
   
   
5. Site Visit:  two Peer Reviewers (the Visiting Committee) conduct a site visit
   
   
6. 2nd Accreditation Commission Review:  Commission review the museum's Self-Study and the Visiting Committee's report
   
   
7. Decision:  the Accreditation Commission votes on accreditation and notifies museum

*Museums already accredited undergo a subsequent accreditation review ("reaccreditation") every ten years. The process is the same except steps 2 and 4 are omitted. Learn more...

Go directly to the Steps and Timing in Detail page--a detailed narrative and visual explanation of all the steps in the accreditation review process.