Purposes and Principles of CACUP-ASLP


  1. Establish accreditation standards for the education of audiologists and speech-language pathologists.
  2. Evaluate the effectiveness of individual university programs in providing education that allows its graduates to achieve national, entry-level competencies in audiology or speech-language pathology.
  3. Support the growth and development of Canadian academic programs in audiology and speech-language pathology, and thereby contribute to the growth and development of the professions of audiology and speech-language pathology in Canada, through continuous improvement of accreditation standards and the accreditation process.
  4. Identify to the public the programs that meet accreditation standards.



  1. There is a core minimum knowledge base and skill set (entry-level competencies) required for entry-level practice as an audiologist or speech-language pathologist.
  2. Accredited programs will provide education that enables graduates to achieve the required knowledge and competencies for entry-level practice of audiology and speech-language pathology in Canada.
  3. The process of program evaluation produces relevant, useful input to programs to stimulate their continuous self-improvement.
  4. The autonomy of individual programs and universities is respected with regard to how the knowledge and entry-level competencies requirements are met. Differences among academic programs are expected, and responsible innovation is encouraged.
  5. Review teams will be comprised of individuals with expertise in the education and practices of speech-language pathologists and audiologists. In addition, reviewers will receive orientation and training in accreditation policies and procedures.
  6. Reviews of individual programs are conducted at arm’s length from the program under review.
  7. The evaluation process is conducted in a fair-minded, transparent manner and ensures utmost confidentiality of material reviewed.
  8. The process is conducted as efficiently as possible, to minimize costs and duplication of work and effort for the accrediting body and the applicant program.
  9. The accreditation system itself requires ongoing (re-)evaluation.