Center for Public Program Evaluation

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Professional Standards

We follow professional evaluation standards in the conduct of our work. Several such standards have been published and have been in use for many years. They are updated from time to time to reflect development of the evaluation and accountability professions.

The Center always uses the standards of the American Evaluation Association. However, for evaluations and accountability studies related to government programs, we also use those of the Government Accountability Office, the President’s Council on Integrity and Efficiency, and the Association of Inspectors General. They contain more specific provisions that are appropriate for such studies.

Topics Covered

• Competency
• Independence
• Professional Judgment
• Quality Control
• Planning
• Data Collections and Analysis
• Evidence
• Records Maintenance
• Reporting
• Follow-up
• Working Relationships
• Communications

We encourage all who are interested in evaluation and accountability studies to thoroughly familiarize themselves with all of these documents.

American Evaluation Association

Website: http://www.eval.org/

Guiding Principles for Evaluators: http://www.eval.org/Publications/GuidingPrinciples.asp

 

The U.S. Government Accountability Office
Website: http://www.gao.gov

Government Auditing Standards:

PDF Version  http://www.gao.gov/govaud/yb2003.pdf 

HTML Version: http://www.gao.gov/govaud/yb/2003/html/
Note: The Center uses those portions of these standards that apply to performance audits (evaluations) and agreed upon engagements. The Center does not conduct financial audits. Should our clients need financial audits to be done in connection with our work we will assist them in obtaining the services of a qualified audit entity.

President’s Council on Integrity and Efficiency

and Executive Council on Integrity and Efficiency
Website: http://www.ignet.gov/pcieecie1.html  
Quality Standards for Inspections (2005): http://www.ignet.gov/pande/standards/oeistds.pdf


Association of Inspectors General
Website: http://www.inspectorsgeneral.org/
Principles and Standards for Offices of Inspector Generals: http://www.inspectorsgeneral.org/docs/IGStandards.pdf