Overview of the CSHSE National Standards

The CSHSE National Standards are based on national research of human service educational programs that are grounded in relationship with service providers in their communities. In addition, the Standards have been confirmed through external research of the Community Support Skill Standards and the continuing emergence of the human services field since the early 1970s. Over the years, the language of the Standards has been updated and clarified based on the self-studies and input from CSHSE Members.

Organization of Standards

The Standards are organized in two sections, Part I: General Program Characteristics (Standards 1 -10) and Part II: Curriculum. Each standard is organized as follows:

  • A general statement developing the context and rationale for the standard
  • The standard
  • The specifications stating criteria used for evaluating program compliance to the standards. They reflect the minimum acceptable level of compliance.

See a sample of Standards from the Associate degree level, the Baccalaureate degree level, and the Master’s degree level.