The Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC) accreditation process is very rigorous and truly shows a commitment to excellence in project management education on the part of the applicant program.

1. Letter of Intent

Applicant programs begin the process by submitting a letter of intent to the attention of the GAC Accreditation Programs Department.

This letter should include an executive summary which addresses the following:

• • The complete institution name and school/college/department within the institution that is submitting the application;

• • Exact title and short description of the degree(s) conferred upon completion of the program(s). The applicant should clearly state the primary delivery format for each degree submitted for accreditation;

• • The reason why the program is seeking GAC accreditation at this time;

• • A statement verifying the applicant degree program resides within an institution of higher learning that is accredited by a recognized accrediting agency or appropriate government agency, and that the institution is legally authorized, under applicable law, to confer higher education degrees;

• • A description of the program’s administrative structure, including budgetary support;

• • A statement of the mission or vision of the applicant program;

• • A statement detailing the admissions policy for the applicant program(s);

• • A description of any special entrance enticements/incentives offered to attract students to the applicant program;

• • A description of the student market (students who enroll and graduate from the applicant program(s));

• • A statement that the program(s) have been in operation for a minimum of two years, with at least one graduating class, and including the number of graduates;

• • The approximate date when the applicant intends to submit its self-evaluation report;

• • The name(s) of the appropriate program points of contact at the applicant institution (please include name(s), title(s), address, telephone number(s) and e-mail address(es));

• • A complete statement of academic requirements to satisfy the degree program, including a listing of core and elective courses required for each degree.

Upon receipt, the letter of intent is reviewed by the GAC for compliance. If the letter is found compliant, the applicant program begins work on its programmatic Self-evaluation Report. In addition, once the letter of intent has been accepted, Applicants are classified as "GAC candidate programs,” have their programs to the GAC area of the PMI.org web site and begin receiving informative communications from the GAC regarding the accreditation process, as well as the GAC monthly update newsletter.

2. Prepare Self-Evaluation Report

The self-evaluation process is challenging for the applicant program, as it requires the applicant to reflect and report on the purposes and effectiveness of its program(s). Applicants have up to six months to prepare and submit this report, which presents evidence to demonstrate that GAC accreditation standards are being met by the program.

The report includes information such as:

• • Mission
• • Demonstration of achievement of mission
• • Academic community/faculty and staff
• • Student support services
• • Student selection
• • Program outcomes
• • Project management core learning outcomes
• • Student performance criteria
• • Library/learning resource centers and educational innovations and technology
• • Financial resources, facilities and equipment

Once complete, the applicant program submits printed copies, as well as an electronic copy of the self-evaluation report, to the attention of the GAC Accreditation Programs Department at PMI. After receipt, copies are forwarded to all GAC board members for review and consideration. Upon acceptance of the report, the applicant program is notified, and the on-site visit is scheduled.

3. Onsite Visit Evaluation

The dates of the on-site visit are agreed upon by both the GAC and the applicant program. GAC on-site visit teams normally comprise one team lead, and one or two additional team members. At least one member of the team will be a project management practitioner, and at least one member of the team will be from the project management academic community. During the on-site visit, team members:

• • Follow up on any question raised by the GAC board during the review of the self-evaluation report
• • Spend time interviewing key administrative officers, program representatives, faculty members and students that are enrolled or have graduated from the program
• • Review any classroom facilities, library resources and other resources used to support the program

GAC on-site visits typically require two to three business days to complete. The applicant program is responsible for lodging and all expenses associated with the visit. At the completion of the visit, the team presents its findings to the applicant program for review and verification. The final on-site visit report and recommendations are then forwarded to the GAC board for a final decision.

4. The GAC Decision

Upon receipt of the on-site visit report, the GAC board makes its final decision regarding an applicant program at its next regularly scheduled meeting. The decision is based on the collective evidence provided by the letter of intent, self-evaluation report and on-site visit report. The GAC board then votes either to:

1. 1.  Grant accreditation
2. 2.  Defer accreditation
3. 3.  Deny accreditation

Applicants are notified in writing of the ruling within 30 days of the decision by the GAC board.

Note: This information is intended to serve as a brief overview of the accreditation process. For all of the details, please download the GAC Handbook of Accreditation of Degree Programs in Project Management —Third Edition or contact gac@pmi.org.

Accreditation Resources and Information Sessions

Programs considering GAC accreditation are encouraged to utilize the following resources:

• The GAC hosts optional in-person and distance learning information sessions on accreditation throughout the year. Typically these sessions are held in conjunction with GAC academic forums. Applicants are encouraged to attend to better understand the process and receive tips on preparing the self-evaluation report. 

• Visit the GAC Academic Network. This network allows the applicant to interact with current accredited schools to learn more about best practices, lessons learned and mentoring possibilities.