ACS Approval Process for Chemical Technology Programs

Approval is granted through the ACS Chemical Technology Program Approval Service (CTPAS). Approved programs receive a plaque acknowledging this achievement, and graduates are eligible to receive a certificate recognizing their completion of an ACS-approved program.

Learn how to get ACS approval, maintain your status, and renew approval:

• Approval Process
• Evaluation Criteria
• How to Maintain Approval
• Privileges of Approved Programs
• Guidelines for Late Reports

Approval Process

To be considered for approval, programs must meet the following conditions:

1. Offer an associate’s degree in a chemistry-based technology, such as laboratory technology, process technology, biotechnology, etc.
2. Prepare students for employment upon graduation.
3. Partner with industry, academic, and community organizations.

To begin the approval process, complete the request for consideration online form and return it to:

Blake Aronson
Office of Technician Education and Resources
American Chemical Society
1155 Sixteenth St. NW
Washington, DC 20036
202-833-7732 (fax)
B_aronson@acs.org

Review Process: CTPAS will review the request and begin a preliminary review of the program based on the criteria listed below. If the preliminary review is satisfactory, CTPAS will arrange for a site visit of the program to complete the review.

All information gathered by CTPAS will be entered into a program review form, which the program coordinator will have the opportunity to review. The coordinator will also be asked to complete a supplementary information form online.

The approval process is designed to be interactive. Programs will have the opportunity to address any concerns raised before CTPAS renders a decision. CTPAS will also help programs meet the approval criteria, as appropriate.

Approval is granted for five years, at which time programs must apply for re-approval through an abbreviated process.

Evaluation Criteria for ACS Approval

Chemistry-based technology programs seeking ACS approval are evaluated according to the following criteria. If a program is found to need improvement in meeting a criterion during the approval process, CTPAS will work with the program as necessary until it is ready for ACS approval.

Program mission, goals, and assessment

The program should have clearly defined mission and goals. The program should have assessment tools in place to ensure progress toward its goals. This criterion is assessed on the supplementary information form.

Partnership with industry and community

The program should be engaged in an active partnership with local industry and community. Local employers must be represented; the partnership may also include K-12 and university educators, workforce development organizations, chambers of commerce members, and other community representatives. The partnership should have direct input into all aspects of the program and should actively participate in the maintenance and growth of the program. This criterion is assessed on the request for consideration form and the supplementary information form.

Alignment of curriculum with employer needs

The program curriculum must be aligned with the technical and higher-order employability skills needed by local employers. It is also an effective practice to align the program with local K-12 and bachelor’s programs. Alignment usually has a quantitative and qualitative component.

The quantitative component is a step-by-step analysis of the program, such as a ChemTechStandards gap analysis, DACUM analysis, PTEC™ crosswalk, or similar tool. It is typically used with new chemistry-based technology programs to establish the curriculum. The qualitative component includes whatever tools or communications are used to ensure the program remains aligned with the needs of its partners. It should be documented in meeting minutes.

This criterion is assessed on the request for consideration form and the supplementary information form.

Faculty and Faculty Development

Faculty should have sufficient knowledge and experience to adequately teach the program courses. Contact hours and other commitments should balance instruction time with professional development. Faculty should have opportunities to develop their teaching skills, as well as remain current with the advances in laboratory and instrumental techniques. This criterion is assessed on the program review form.

Student recruitment and placement

The program should have a strong recruitment plan that draws on a variety of sources. Enrollment should be high enough to indicate student interest in the program. Programs must have at least two graduating classes in order to receive ACS approval. This criterion is assessed on the request for consideration form and the program review form.

Facilities and resources

The classroom space, laboratories, equipment, and other resources available to the program should be sufficient to provide students with a strong basis in the chemical sciences, as well as hands-on experience in techniques required by local employers. This criterion is assessed on the program review form.

Plan for continuous improvement

The plan for continuous improvement should address whatever gaps exist between the employer needs and the outcomes of the program. It should also address the growth of the program and strategies for reaching program goals. This criterion is assessed on the supplementary information form.

How to Maintain Approval

Approved programs are required to submit a brief annual report each year, with the exception of the year they must apply for renewal. The annual report keeps CTPAS apprised of program successes and alerts CTPAS to areas where the program may need support.

ACS approval lasts five years. After five years, programs must request re-approval through a modified evaluation process (see form and appendices).

Privileges of Approved Programs

Programs will receive a list of effective practices each year. The list is compiled from the approved program reports and is helpful for continuous improvement.

Programs may request ACS certificates for their graduates. The certificates state that the student has graduated from an ACS-approved chemistry-based technology program. Students receiving certificates are also invited to join ACS.

Programs may seek advice from CTPAS at any time as challenges arise. CTPAS can provide letters of recommendation and support as needed.

Guidelines for Late Reports

You will be notified of deadlines for submission of both annual reports and five-year renewal reports. Timely submission of reports is required to maintain ACS approval.

If the five-year renewal report is not submitted during the fifth year, the sixth year will be considered a year of probation. If the five-year renewal report is received and endorsed in the sixth year, re-approval of the program will be valid for another four years.

If the renewal report is not received during the sixth year, the program will lose its approval status. All reference to ACS approval must be removed from publications and web sites. To be reinstated, you must follow begin the ACS approval process again.

If you have questions or would like more information, contact the ACS Office of Chemical Technology Education at (800) 227-5558 ext. 6108 or e-mail b_aronson@acs.org.