The history, process, and policies of accreditation for colleges of osteopathic medicine are outlined in full with particular emphasis on institutional self-assessment in order to promote significant and substantive educational change and to encourage each college to set its own goals and directions. The basic process is described as institutional self-study followed by an on-site evaluation by a committee of professional peers. The characteristics of an effective institutional self-study are presented and procedures are described. This study is designed to be used by the visiting team which reports to the Committee on Colleges of the American Osteopathic Association with a recommendation regarding accreditation. Procedures are also presented for the provisional accreditation of proposed new colleges of osteopathic medicine. Guidelines are presented for implementation of the actual standards for colleges of osteopathic medicine. (Author/CTM)