Frequently Asked Questions - Version 11 Standards

1-Q: When will my program need to demonstrate compliance with Version 11?

A: Programs required to submit Self-Studies on or after July 31, 2007 will submit under Version 11 Standards. 

2-Q: How will Version 11 affect the annual report?

A: Beginning January 31, 2007, the COAMFTE will switch to a Version neutral annual report that will collect program demographic data, student achievement data and allow for programs to respond to stipulations.  Programs will not be required to evidence compliance in the annual report beyond addressing previously issued stipulations.

3-Q: How can I receive training on Version 11 Standards?

A: Per the timeline created for Version 11 implementation, the COAMFTE will offer two (identical) accreditation workshops on Version 11 at the October 2006 AAMFT Annual Conference in Austin, TX.

4-Q: When responding to Version 11 in the Self-Study, do I have to respond to each standard and key element?

A: Yes.  Programs should respond as to how the program meets each standard and key element.  Programs do not have to use the examples of evidence but may do so if chosen.  The examples of evidence offer programs one way to demonstrate compliance, there are many others.

5-Q: Do I have to use all of the Professional Marriage and Family Therapy Principles in my program?

A: No.  Programs may choose to use all, some, or none, of the information contained within the Professional Marriage and Family Therapy Principles.  When responding programs should explicitly state what portions, if any, of the Principles the program has decided to use. 

6-Q: The MFT Educational Guidelines look very similar to the old, Version 10.3, Standards of accreditation.  Do I have to use these in my program?

A: No.  The MFT Educational Guidelines, just as any other document included with the Professional Marriage and Family Therapy Principles, may be used at program discretion but are not required by COAMFTE.  Programs may demonstrate compliance by utilizing all, part, or none of the state's licensure law, MFT Core Competencies, AMFTRB Examination Domains, AAMFT Code of Ethics, and/or the MFT Educational Guidelines.

7-Q: Version 11 Standards look very different than previous COAMFTE Standards.  How do I respond to them?

A:  Programs should look at each outcome area for each standard/key element and describe what the program does to meet that outcome, what the expected outcome is, what the actual outcome is, and how the program uses that information to improve the education provided.  In using the Professional Marriage and Family Therapy Principles, programs should highlight which specific sections of the Principles that the program uses and how the program goes about using that section to prepare competent therapists.

8-Q: In the Professional Marriage and Family Therapy Principles, state licensure regulations are cited.  Does this mean that if all program graduates get licensed then I can use that fact to satisfy all of Version 11 Standards?

A: No.  The program must address each standard/key element individually.  The program must explain how it is effective in achieving the program's own stated outcome related to each standard/key element.  Programs may use portions of a state licensure law to demonstrate compliance with the standards; in the same manner it could use any of the Principles.  For example, a program could demonstrate compliance with the supervision ratio under the state licensing law, provided the program includes outcomes showing competency.   

9-Q: If I use the Standard Curriculum, will that be evidence until we have outcome measures that are valid and reliable?

A: "No. Programs are encouraged to develop outcome measures that can eventually be validated. This will be a fluid process that will take time as programs work together to develop valid outcome measures."

10-Q: Will current innovations be acceptable or will they be reviewed?

A: All previously accepted innovations policies will be upheld.  However, programs must demonstrate how the specific innovation leads to compliance with Version 11 Standards and Key Elements.

Questions Related to Specific Standards / Key Elements:

A-Q: Do programs still have to employ three (3) faculty?  If we use the Standard Curriculum do we need to have three (3) faculty?

A: No.  Programs must demonstrate how their system produces competent therapists.  All responses must be tied in to Version 11's standards and key elements.  Programs are free to determine their own faculty requirements.  Programs do not have to maintain three (3) faculty members but may do so if they choose.  If programs utilize the Standard Curriculum then they may choose to use or not use the three (3) faculty requirement.

B-Q: Do programs have to require 500 hours of client contact?

A: No.  Programs must demonstrate how their system produces competent therapists.  All responses must be tied in to Version 11's standards and key elements.  Programs are free to determine their own hour requirements.  Should programs choose to utilize the MFT Educational Guidelines, they can also choose to use or not use the 500 hour requirement. 

C-Q: Do we have to document relational hours?

A: No. Programs must demonstrate how their system produces competent therapists.  All responses must be tied in to Version 11's standards and key elements.  Programs are free to determine their own requirements.  Should programs choose to utilize the MFT Educational Guidelines they can also choose to use or not use the relational hour requirement. 

D-Q: How do we document actual outcomes when there are no standardized instruments?