What is the difference between a CAS standard and a CAS guideline?
A CAS Standard, which is printed in BOLD TYPE, is considered to be essential to successful professional practice and uses the auxiliary verbs “must” and “shall.” Compliance with the CAS standards indicates that a program meets essential criteria as described in each standard statement and that there is tangible evidence available to support that fact. A CAS guideline, printed in LIGHT FACE TYPE, is a statement that clarifies or amplifies a CAS standard. Although not required for compliance to be achieved, CAS guidelines are designed to offer suggestions and illustrations that can assist in providing programs and services that more fully address the needs of students than the standard mandates. CAS guidelines provide guidance for exceeding the criteria established by the CAS standards so as to approach excellence or to function at a more optimal level. CAS guidelines use the auxiliary verbs “should” and “may.
A CAS Standard, which is printed in BOLD TYPE, is considered to be essential to successful professional practice and uses the auxiliary verbs “must” and “shall.” Compliance with the CAS standards indicates that a program meets essential criteria as described in each standard statement and that there is tangible evidence available to support that fact. A CAS guideline, printed in LIGHT FACE TYPE, is a statement that clarifies or amplifies a CAS standard. Although not required for compliance to be achieved, CAS guidelines are designed to offer suggestions and illustrations that can assist in providing programs and services that more fully address the needs of students than the standard mandates. CAS guidelines provide guidance for exceeding the criteria established by the CAS standards so as to approach excellence or to function at a more optimal level.
