HQW Accreditation Guidelines

 The first step toward accreditation is the completion of a self-assessment process using the HQW Standard Of Cleaning Excellence Manual.  The Self-assessment phase is an internal review of the cleaning business standard practices combined with a comparison of the recommended standard practices contained in the manual.  To become accredited, the self-assessment results must be thoroughly documented using the HQW Self-Assessment Form. The self-assessment is required before moving to the next phase of the accreditation process. 

Once the decision has been made to commit to the accreditation program, the cleaning business begins the process of submitting a application with the applicable application fee. HQW will review the Application for HQW Standard Of Cleaning Excellence Accreditation and, if acceptable, enter into an accreditation agreement with the cleaning business. 

Once the cleaning business has completed the self assessment phase and identified areas needing improvement, the business will implement improvements to all practices to bring practices in compliance with the recommended practices in manual.  Improvement to business policies, practices, and procedures are encouraged even if the cleaning business practices might be considered in compliance with recommended practices.  Continuous improvement towards excellence is the ultimate goal of the self-assessment process.. Cleaning business are encouraged to make continuous improvements to processes and procedures regardless of their status in the accreditation process. The cleaning business is required to submit a self assessment report with all required documentation at least 30 days prior to the evaluation date, showing that 85% or more of the applicable practices are at full compliance by their own assessment. If the cleaning business does not meet this requirement, the evaluation date will not be confirmed, and the cleaning business will be required to apply for a six month extension or be removed from the accreditation program. 

Once the cleaning business has determined they have adequately completed the improvement phase, the cleaning business is ready to request an evaluation with the applicable evaluation fee. The evaluation consists of a review to determine the level of compliance with all applicable practices.  The HQW evaluation team will not accept verbal confirmation or visual observation alone. To verify compliance with a management practice, the cleaning business must present documented evidence matching the HQW Evidence of Compliance Standards. Every evaluated practice requires a combination of the following four artifacts: 

•  The applicant must present a formal, written statement of intent that explicitly mandates the specific management practice across the entire cleaning business. The document must be officially drafted on the applicant corporate letterhead, contain an active version control date, and be signed by an executive officer or managing member. 
•  The applicant must submit the specific Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and/or training module that instructs staff exactly how to execute the mandated policy. The procedure must be a step-by-step, actionable instruction manual that leaves no room for subjective interpretation by staff. It must detail the specific equipment, sequences, and workflows required. 
•   The applicant must provide a master chemical inventory log cross-referenced with a fully indexed Safety Data Sheet (SDS) binder, and/or a serialized tracking register of active ATP bioluminescence surface swab meters deployed to the field. The document must represent a current, real-time snapshot of the company's active physical resources or chemical assets, complete with serial numbers, safety classifications, and/or vendor metrics. 

The 30-Day Correction Window: If the HQW evaluation team identifies a management practice that is out of compliance or missing documentation, the applicant does not fail immediately.  The cleaning business is granted up to 30 calendar days following the evaluation to remediate the specific deficiency and provide the required proof to the HQW evaluation team. 

 HQW Accreditation Board will review the evaluation results and  evaluation team recommendations. The board may then grant full accreditation or may modify the recommendation of the evaluation team. Accreditation is granted for a one- (1) year period, at which time the cleaning business must apply for re-accreditation. Failure to apply for re-accreditation will result in expiration of the accreditation. Simi Annual ( 6th & 12th month)  written updates are required to demonstrate continuing compliance and progress with self-imposed goals for improvement. The effective date for first-time accreditation is the date the Accreditation Panel grants the designation. Re-accreditations will keep the initial accreditation date regardless of the evaluation date.

Approved: June 18th 2026.