COMTA grants accreditation in five year increments.  As the Standards of Accreditation are a living document that changes in response to changing needs of the profession, schools and programs are expected to maintain awareness of the changes to the Standards and Policies & Procedures and make changes at the institution or program level to maintain compliance. As the period of accreditation nears expiry, the Self-Study process is begun again and a site visit be Peer Reviewers will occur prior to the grant of accreditation expiring.

During each of the five years of accreditation, schools and programs are required to demonstrate continued compliance with the current Standards through an Annual Report to the Commission. The Annual Report includes reviewed or audited financial statements*, annual count of students enrolled, reporting of recent rates for Completion, Placement and Licensure of graduates, as well as confirmation that the school is aware of the most recent Standards and has not made Substantive Changes without following COMTA procedures. Substantive Changes are described in the Policies & Procedures Manual. Annual Reports are due within 6 months following the end of the fiscal year for the institution.

Accredited institutions and programs are also required to submit annual Sustaining Fees to COMTA throughout the period of accreditation. Sustaining Fees are used to maintain the COMTA office, provide for staff to assist accredited members and contribute toward expenses for the Commissioners to meet and review school materials.  

Sustaining Fee calculations can be found on the Fee Schedule.

Renewal fees are as follows:

*Programs within larger institutions may submit other types of documents to verify financial stability and commitment of resources for the massage or esthetics program.