Description:

Technical reviews often get lumped into mock assessments, but they serve a very different and powerful purpose. In this episode, I explain how I define a technical review and why it should happen before your mock assessment — not during it. We walk through exactly what a technical review looks for, why fresh external eyes matter, and how addressing small technical details ahead of time frees assessors to focus on what truly matters during a mock or formal assessment.

Timestamps:

0:00 Welcome and why this episode was inspired by real assessment experience

0:52 What a technical review really is — and what it is not

1:38 The technical details that slow assessments down

2:36 Why technical issues often get labeled as housekeeping during mocks

3:21 How technical reviews improve the quality of mock assessor feedback

4:11 What assessors can focus on when technical issues are resolved

5:02 When to conduct a technical review and ideal timing

5:52 Why external assessors are best for technical reviews

6:42 How familiarity causes agencies to miss small issues

7:29 How long a technical review typically takes

8:05 The overall payoff of completing a technical review early

Companion document to download:

Technical Reviews

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Description:

This episode was inspired by a real-world moment during a recent mock assessment, when a simple recommendation turned into a powerful reminder: small reports can make a big difference for assessors. In this episode, Areaka walks through three reports that aren’t always required, but are incredibly helpful for assessors before and during an assessment. From creating a clean list of not applicable and exempt standards, to providing interview and observable checklists, to generating an accurate compliance tally, these tools reduce guesswork, save time, and make the assessment process smoother for everyone involved.

Timestamps:

0:00 Why this episode was inspired by a mock assessment

0:47 How certain reports can make assessments smoother

1:46 Not applicable and elected exemption standards and why they matter

3:03 Using simple notes to clearly explain not applicable standards

4:23 How to generate a list of not applicable standards using simple notes

5:27 Exporting the list and sharing it in pre-read materials

6:31 Alternative method using the standards tab filters

6:58 Why status timeline charts are not recommended for assessors

7:29 Interviews and observables lists and where they should be provided

8:16 Three ways to generate interview and observable lists

9:36 What a compliance tally is

10:06 Running the correct report in PowerDMS Analytics

10:55 Critical step when downloading the report to Excel

12:12 Why these reports reduce guesswork and improve assessments

Companion document to download:

• Reports Helpful to Assessors
• Florida Compliance Calculator

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Description:

If accreditation work feels harder than it should, the issue may not be the workload — it may be the lack of systems. In this episode, Areaka breaks down how creating simple, repeatable playbooks can transform the way accreditation managers work. From gathering proofs and building files to writing policies and planning assessments, you’ll learn how documenting your processes reduces stress, improves consistency, and makes delegation and succession planning easier. This episode walks through core playbooks every accreditation manager should have, plus additional playbooks that can save significant time and prevent last-minute chaos.

Timestamps:

0:47 Introduction to playbooks and why repeatable tasks need repeatable systems

1:49 What a playbook really is (and what it’s not)

2:19 Why documenting processes improves consistency and confidence

2:45 Using playbooks for delegation and succession planning

3:14 Core playbook #1 – Gathering proofs

3:40 Core playbook #2 – Building files

4:08 Core playbook #3 – Writing policies

4:35 Core playbook #4 – Planning assessments

5:06 The four questions every playbook should answer

5:57 Additional playbook idea – Proof intake workflow

6:51 Additional playbook idea – Planning mock or internal assessments

8:11 Why playbooks should be living documents

8:39 How playbooks reduce decision fatigue and stress

9:08 Downloadable playbook resource and next steps

Companion document to download:

Accreditation Manager Playbook

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Description:

PowerDMS University is one of the best resources available to accreditation managers — particularly because it’s built directly into the platform. In this episode, Areaka explains where to find PowerDMS University, how to enroll in courses, and what happens once you do. She shares practical guidance on which course paths make the most sense depending on your role, how progress is tracked, when professional certification may be worth pursuing, and how the Success Community can serve as a quick reference when you need a refresher. If you’re looking for an easy way to invest in yourself and build confidence in PowerDMS, this episode shows you exactly where to start.

Timestamps:

0:47 Why PowerDMS University is often overlooked

1:18 Where to find PowerDMS University inside PowerDMS

2:12 How enrolling works and where courses appear

2:35 How course progress is tracked

3:01 Where new accreditation managers should start

3:28 Course paths for policy writers and Master Admins

3:52 Choosing courses based on your role

4:22 Using the Success Community as a refresher tool

5:11 Professional certification and when it makes sense

6:32 Why investing time now pays off later

Companion document:

PowerDMS University Course

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Description:

In this episode of Accreditation Made Easy, Areaka Jewell discusses the often-overlooked aspect of time-sensitive proofs in accreditation processes. She emphasizes the importance of tracking not only the standard proofs but also individual certifications and licenses that have expiration dates. Areaka provides practical strategies for managing these proofs, including using task management systems, scheduling reminders, and automating document reviews. The episode concludes with a reminder that with intentional planning, managing time-sensitive proofs can be less stressful and more efficient.

Timestamps:

0:47 What time-sensitive proofs really include beyond standards

1:23 Examples of proofs with expiration dates

2:39 When expired proofs are still appropriate

3:52 Using tasks at the standard level with buffers

4:16 Where to find and manage tasks once they’re created

4:37 Tracking time-sensitive proofs in existing systems

5:27 Scheduling reminder emails with delayed delivery

5:46 Using calendar reminders as an early warning system

6:15 Why combining tracking methods can work best

6:40 Automated document reviews as a preferred strategy

7:30 Why assigning workflows to positions or groups matters

8:37 Choosing a system you can realistically maintain

9:11 Final encouragement and mindset shift

Companion document to download:

Time-Sensitive Proofs

Referenced resource:

Proofs on Steroids

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Description:

In this episode of Accreditation Made Easy, Areaka focuses on practical end-of-year tasks that can quietly set the stage for a smoother accreditation year ahead. Instead of waiting for January to reset, this conversation walks through intentional planning steps you can take now to reduce stress, improve organization, and create momentum before the new year begins.

Timestamps:

0:00 Why end-of-year planning matters

0:41 Shifting the mindset from January resets to year-end preparation

1:23 Setting proof collection goals before the new year

2:04 Resetting time-sensitive tasks to align with the calendar year

2:46 Communicating upcoming accreditation dates early

3:29 Planning internal mock reviews and file check-ins ahead of time

4:16 Committing to professional growth in the coming year

4:55 Conducting a quick year-end file health check

5:37 Cleaning up outdated tasks and reducing mental clutter

6:19 Final encouragement and offer to help

Companion document to download: End-of-Year Tasks

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Description:

In this episode of Accreditation Made Easy, Areaka walks through two closely connected topics that can dramatically impact how assessors experience your files. First, she explains how to choose the best proof available and why clarity, completeness, and legibility matter more than most agencies realize. Then, she shares a hard-earned lesson on why printing documents using Microsoft Print to PDF can resolve common issues like blurry text, shifted formatting, and unreadable proofs once they’re uploaded into PowerDMS. This episode is packed with practical advice straight from real assessor and accreditation manager experience.

Timestamps:

0:00 Welcome to Accreditation Made Easy

0:47 Why proof quality matters to assessors

1:19 Introduction to the two-part topic

1:52 Choosing proofs with the assessor in mind

2:25 Common issues assessors face when reviewing proofs

2:58 Recommended formats for proofs

3:28 Ensuring proofs are complete and accurate

3:56 The value of mock assessments

4:32 Transition to PDF formatting lessons learned

5:04 Real-world PowerDMS rendering issues

5:32 Microsoft Print to PDF explained

6:05 Why flattening documents works

6:37 When to use Print to PDF (and when not to)

7:04 Revisiting existing proofs only when needed

7:30 Key takeaway on proof quality and presentation

8:04 Companion documents overview

8:29 Episode wrap-up

Companion documents to download:

Best Proof Available

Best Option for PDFs

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Description:

Hyperlinks are one of the most powerful — and underrated — features inside PowerDMS. In today’s episode, Areaka breaks down exactly how to add them the right way, why “smart hyperlinks” matter, and the simple setup choices that save assessors time (and prevent accidental lockouts). If you’ve ever added links that opened in the same window or lost your place in an assessment — this episode is a must-listen.

Timestamps:

0:31 Welcome + why hyperlinks matter

1:05 When hyperlinks make more sense than uploaded documents

1:32 Navigating to your standard + where to begin

2:01 Choosing New Rich Text + naming your attachment

2:24 Linking to the correct part of the standard

2:56 Critical: cursor placement before hyperlinking

3:19 Using the Hyperlink Manager correctly

3:49 Why clean link titles are better than full URLs

4:18 The second “smart hyperlink” rule: Target = New Window

5:13 Why this saves assessors time

5:38 Previewing and testing your hyperlink

5:58 Free plug-and-play required references for Florida agencies

6:51 How automatic updates work

7:18 Why the plug-and-play system feels like “magic”

7:45 Episode wrap-up and next steps

Companion Document to Download:

Hyperlinks – How To Add

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Episode Description:

In this episode, Areaka breaks down simple, thoughtful, and budget-friendly ways to thank your accreditation assessors without going overboard. From traveler essentials to agency-branded swag, curated packaging, handwritten notes, and smart timing, you’ll hear practical ideas that leave a meaningful impact while keeping things easy and intentional.

Timestamps:

0:00 Welcome back

0:47 Why gifts aren’t required (and why you might still give them)

1:21 Keeping appreciation simple and genuine

1:51 Traveler-friendly gift ideas

3:22 Using agency-branded items you already have

4:15 Thoughtful presentation matters

5:12 Adding a handwritten note

6:08 Deciding when to give the gift

7:55 Wrapping up and companion document

Companion document to download:

Smart Ways to Thank Assessors



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Episode Description:

Assessment planning doesn’t have to feel chaotic or last-minute. In this episode, Areaka walks through the five key decisions every agency should make when preparing for an on-site assessment. From choosing dates, coordinating participants, and setting up the assessor workspace to handling travel arrangements and deciding on optional extras, this episode gives you a clear roadmap to stay organized, reduce stress, and set your agency up for success.

Timestamps:

0:00 Welcome and introduction

0:47 Why planning matters

1:21 Decision #1: Dates

2:33 Working backward from your assessment

3:18 Planning mocks and pre-mocks

4:06 Decision #2: Participants

5:01 Decision #3: Assessor workspace

6:02 Internet considerations

6:28 Setting up early

6:56 Decision #4: Travel arrangements

7:46 Per diem and agency processes

8:19 Decision #5: Optional extras

9:08 Companion document reminder

9:35 Closing

Companion document to download:

Assessment Planning – 5 Key Decisions

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