How to Become a Program Evaluator

Thank you for your interest in becoming an ABET expert. Below you will find our eligibility requirements, a description of the application process and what to expect after your application is accepted.

• Society Membership – ABET program evaluators are selected by our member societies. Current membership in one of those societies is required before you submit your application.
• Qualifying Education – We expect that you have at least a bachelor’s degree in your field of specialty. Graduate degrees are a plus, but are not required for most disciplines.
• Time Commitment – About five-seven days of your time: three hours of online visit preparation, two-four days reviewing program materials, three days for the on-site visit and one-two days of travel.
• Meet the Competency Model – Our Program Evaluator Competency Model outlines the knowledge, skills and attitudes expected of an ABET expert. Familiarize yourself with the model and ensure you have the credentials to become a program evaluator.

• The entire application takes approximately 20 minutes to complete.
• Have your society membership number readily available. In most cases you won’t be able to submit your application without it.
• The application begins with your acceptance of our code of conduct policy. This is a critical step in the process, as it’s your agreement to abide by our conflict of interest and confidentiality policies.
• After the personal information section, you’ll be asked to describe your personal interest in ABET accreditation and why you want to become a program evaluator.
• You will review programs under one of our four commissions – applied and natural science, computing, engineering or engineering technology. Please be sure to select the program area that you are qualified to join.
• Once submitted, your application will go to the appropriate ABET member society for consideration.
• Be aware, many of our societies’ selection boards only meet once per year. That means it could take several months or up to a year for your application to be reviewed.

• After you are notified of your successful nomination as a program evaluator candidate, you’ll be invited to attend our Program Evaluator Candidate Simulated Visit Training, held annually between March and June at ABET Headquarters and Learning Center in Baltimore.
• Before your Simulated Visit Training in Baltimore (1.5 days), you’ll need to complete 15-20 hours of web-based training. The online modules and Simulated Visit Training together mimic a typical program evaluation, so you will have a good understanding of what is involved, and how the visits are conducted.
• After successfully completing the program evaluator candidate training, you will be assigned by your society to a program evaluation the following summer (for a visit during the fall).