Application for Programmatic Accreditation
Section 1. Application Statement
I, the undersigned, hereby seek accreditation of this program and agree to comply with all documents, requirements, and procedures for accreditation, whether communicated in writing, electronically, or verbally by HVAC Excellence. I understand that accreditation serves only to confirm that the program is reviewed against the accreditation standards set forth in the HVAC Excellence Accreditation Standards Manual (Standards 1–9).
The undersigned has read and reviewed the HVAC Excellence Accreditation Standards Manual, and agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions contained therein.
Section 2. Program Video Submission
Within thirty (30) days of this application, the program will submit a narrated video documenting:
- Availability of tools, storage areas, and the training library.
- Details of audiovisual equipment, books, slides, videos, and other instructional materials.
- The classroom environment, including layout and resources.
- Availability of student computers and technology resources.
- Instructor office space and safety provisions (emergency cutoffs, fire extinguishers, eyewash stations, etc.).
Programs seeking accreditation in multiple disciplines must submit a separate video for each program.
Section 3. Authorization and Scope
The person signing this application is duly authorized by the institution to apply for accreditation. Accreditation by HVAC Excellence:
- Is limited to verification of compliance with HVAC Excellence standards.
- Does not extend to compliance with federal, state, or local codes, laws, or regulations. Such compliance remains the sole responsibility of the institution.
- May be amended, updated, or withdrawn by HVAC Excellence at any time.
Section 4. Fees
- $500 non-refundable application fee, due upon submission.
- $1,500 self-study fee, due following acceptance of the self-study but prior to scheduling the on-site evaluation.
- $1,000 for each additional discipline beyond the primary program.
- On-site evaluation costs: $700 per assessor per day, plus actual travel, lodging, and meal expenses.
- Institutions canceling an on-site visit after confirmation will be invoiced for all incurred expenses.
- All fees and cost are subject to change.
Section 5. Self-Study & Review Process
The program must submit a complete self-study report with narratives and exhibits for each standard.
HVAC Excellence will review the self-study within 45 days. If accepted, an on-site evaluation will be scheduled.
The on-site evaluation includes stakeholder interviews, classroom/lab inspections, and an exit interview summarizing findings.
The Accreditation Review Board issues a final decision within 45 days of the site visit.
Section 6. Term and Renewal
Accreditation is granted for up to six (6) years.
Renewal requires a new self-study, fees, and site visit prior to expiration.
Section 7. Ongoing Responsibilities
Compliance Corrections: Programs with deficiencies have 90 days to resolve them or submit an implementation plan. Additional inspections or costs may apply.
Annual Reporting: Accredited programs must file an annual accreditation report by December 1, documenting substantive changes in:
- Instructional staff
- Curriculum/program hours
- Facility or laboratory relocation
Programs are exempt during their first and final 12 months of accreditation.
Non-Compliance:
- Failure to file the annual report triggers a 30-day notice.
- If unresolved within 45 days, accreditation is suspended, the program is removed from the HVAC Excellence website, and accreditation logos must be withdrawn.
Section 8. Confidentiality, Use of Accreditation, and Appeals
Accreditation status and reports are the property of HVAC Excellence.
Programs may use the HVAC Excellence accreditation seal/logo only while in good standing.
If accreditation is denied, suspended, or revoked, the institution may appeal according to the published appeals process.
Final decisions rest with the HVAC Excellence Accreditation Review Board.
Section 9. Certification of Accuracy
I certify that all information contained in this application and supporting documents is accurate. The institution affirms that it has consistently represented itself in identical terms to each accrediting agency (where applicable) regarding:
- Identity, purpose, and governance
- Programs, degrees, diplomas, and certificates
- Personnel and finances
- Constituents served
- Status with other accrediting bodies
The institution will notify HVAC Excellence immediately of any changes to the above. I grant permission for HVAC Excellence to contact appropriate federal, state, or accrediting agencies as necessary for review.
Section 10. Indemnification
The organizations shall indemnify and hold harmless ESCO and its officers, accreditation assessors, directors, partners, members, agents, affiliates, independent contractors, and employees (each, an “Indemnified Party”) from and against any claim, loss, expense, or damage for acts or omissions or alleged acts or omissions arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, including, without limitation, any judgment, award, settlement, reasonable attorneys’ fees and other costs or expenses as and when incurred in connection with the defense of any actual or threatened action, proceeding, or claim.
Notwithstanding any other provision herein, organizations shall advance attorneys’ fees to any Indemnified Party in order to enable the Indemnified Party to retain legal counsel to defend the Indemnified Party in any actual or threatened action, proceeding, or claim.
Section 11. Definitions
- Candidacy: Status granted upon receipt of the application, fee, and program video. Valid for one year, with a possible one-year extension.
- Notice: Issued when potential non-compliance is identified. Programs must respond within the designated timeframe.
- Suspension: Accreditation is suspended if compliance issues are unresolved. Accreditation is reinstated only upon correction of deficiencies.
Section 12. Disclaimer
HVAC Excellence reserves the right to deny or revoke accreditation if granting it would negatively impact the integrity of the overall programmatic accreditation process, even if standards appear to be met. In such cases, the application fee will be refunded.
Signature
The person signing this application for accreditation warrants and represents that such person has the authority to act on behalf of the organization and bind the organization.
Signatures transmitted by facsimile, electronic email, or otherwise, shall be considered authentic and binding.