Recognition is granted for a five (5) year term, subject to successful application approval, payment of the required application fee, and continued compliance with annual renewal requirements.
The Recognition Lifecycle provides long-term institutional stability while maintaining ongoing professional accountability.
1. Application & Initial Review
Institutions enter the lifecycle upon submission of a completed application and payment of the required non-refundable application fee.
During administrative review, status may be designated as Pending. Pending status does not constitute active recognition and does not authorize use of the AADP Recognition Mark.
2. Active Recognition (Five-Year Term)
Upon approval, institutions are designated as Active and granted recognition for a five-year term.
Active institutions:
• Are listed in the official AADP School Directory
• May reference AADP Recognition status in accordance with policy
• Participate in the structured graduate certification pathway
Recognition remains valid for five years provided annual renewal requirements are satisfied.
3. Annual Renewal Requirement
Although recognition is granted for five years, institutions must complete an annual renewal process to maintain Active status throughout the recognition term.
Annual renewal includes:
• Confirmation of institutional information
• Continued compliance with recognition standards
• Payment of the applicable annual renewal fee
Failure to complete annual renewal may result in suspension or designation as Inactive.
4. Grace Period
AADP may provide a limited administrative grace period following the annual renewal deadline.
During this period, recognition privileges may be temporarily restricted until renewal is completed.
5. Inactive Status
Institutions that fail to complete annual renewal requirements may be designated as Inactive.
Inactive institutions:
• Are removed from the public directory
• May not reference AADP recognition status
• Must satisfy renewal requirements to restore Active standing
The five-year recognition term does not override annual renewal obligations.
6. Suspension or Revocation
AADP reserves the right to suspend or revoke recognition at any time within the five-year term in cases of:
• Misrepresentation
• Ethical violations
• Non-compliance with established standards
• Improper use of the Recognition Mark
Recognition decisions are issued in accordance with established administrative procedures.
Important Clarification
Recognition is a professional designation issued by AADP. It does not constitute governmental, regional, or national academic accreditation and does not replace required regulatory approvals.
Institutions remain solely responsible for compliance with applicable laws and regulations.