Now that the ASA’s accreditation program is up and running, perhaps you are giving some thought to applying. Applications for accreditation are handled entirely online. Visit the website to review the guidelines to be sure of your eligibility.

Second, fill out an intent to apply form. The purpose of this form is to notify the ASA of your interest. Filling out the form creates no obligation on your part, but it does trigger a process that leads to an email from the ASA inviting you to apply.

When you receive this email, log in to ASA Members Only. On the left side of the screen, you’ll see the PStat button. When you click on it, your online application will open.

Your application should be a thoughtfully assembled document that makes clear to the accreditation committee that you meet the requirements for accreditation. To guide you, your online application consists of the following components:

• Contact information. This is filled in for you based on your record in the ASA database, but you may update the information for your application. It will be updated in your ASA record, as well.
• A cover letter (uploaded as a PDF file). This letter summarizes and clarifies the materials submitted in the application and helps make clear to the accreditation committee why you meet the criteria for accreditation.
• A résumé or CV (uploaded as a PDF file)
• A list of degrees earned and statistics courses taken
• A detailed list of relevant experience as a practicing statistician
• Up to five examples of work product (uploaded as a PDF file)
• A list of your professional development activities in the last three years
• Contact information for two referees. These are two people who will provide references for you.

The online application form provides detailed information about what is expected for each of these components.

Once your application is submitted, your referees will be notified and pointed to an online reference form. When the ASA receives these references, your application will be sent to three members of the accreditation committee for review.

Approval is by the committee’s “rule of three”; it takes three affirmative votes to grant accreditation and three negative votes to deny it. If the initial review team has a split vote, then your application will be reviewed by two additional committee members who are unaware of the initial vote. At that point, there will be at least three votes to either approve or deny. Votes of 3-2 will be, in certain cases, subject to further discussion by the accreditation committee.

In most cases, applicants will receive notification of the committee’s decision within two to four weeks. In the case of a negative decision, applicants will receive guidance for improving their application and qualifications prior to reapplying.

Again, filling out the intent-to-apply form and starting an application does not obligate you to ultimately submit an application; however, getting started on an application opens up a wealth of information to help you apply.

If you have questions about the accreditation process, drop a note to Ron Wasserstein, ASA executive director, at ron@amstat.org or Iain Johnstone, accreditation committee chair, at imj@stanford.edu.