For the periodic assessment of universities, ANVUR has developed a five-year programme of on-site institutional visits conducted by Evaluation Expert Commissions (CEV) based on predefined requirements and standards, in alignment with the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG). The visits also include the evaluation of a sample of Study Programmes (CdS), PhD programmes, and Departments offered by universities.

The main phases of the evaluation procedure are as follows:

1. Selection of Study Programmes, PhD Programmes, and Departments for Evaluation
   In addition to assessing the university as a whole, the ANVUR Governing Board (CD) selects a subset of Study Programmes, PhD Programmes, and Departments to be evaluated as part of the periodic accreditation process.
    
2. Appointment of the Evaluation Expert Commission (CEV)
   The CD appoints a CEV, with the number of members varying based on the number of selected Study Programmes, PhD Programmes, and Departments.
    
3. Self-Assessment report
   The university prepares a Self-Assessment Report on ANVUR’s digital platform before the institutional visit. This report provides a structured overview of all relevant information needed to evaluate the academic and organizational quality of the university, including self-assessment judgments for each focus area of the AVA model.
    
4. Document analysis
   At this stage, the CEV examines the Self-Assessment Report and the supporting documents provided by the university, identifying key aspects to explore during the visit and outlining the visit agenda.
    
5. Institutional visit
   The institutional visit is a crucial phase of the evaluation process, allowing the CEV to engage directly with different university stakeholders.
   • Remote visit: Focuses on Study Programmes and PhD Programmes and is conducted online via a platform provided by ANVUR.
   • On-Site visit: Dedicated to verifying the internal quality assurance system, as well as the facilities and resources of the university, its departments, and the selected Study Programmes. During the on-site visit, Medicine and Surgery programmes are always evaluated due to their specific infrastructure and service requirements necessary for student training in healthcare settings.
      
6. Preliminary evaluation
   Following the institutional visit, the CEV drafts a Preliminary Report, which is sent to the University Accreditation and Evaluation Unit (UO) for review. The UO integrates the report with quantitative indicators from the AVA model and submits it to the university.
    
7. Counterarguments
   Upon receiving the Preliminary report, the university may submit counterarguments.
    
8. Final evaluation
   After considering the counterarguments, the CEV and the University Accreditation and Evaluation Unit prepare the Final report, which is then forwarded to the CD.
    
9. Opinion of the Governing Board
   After receiving the Final Report from the CEV, the Governing Board (CD) drafts a Periodic Accreditation Report, expressing its decision on the accreditation status of the university and its Study Programmes. ANVUR’s report, including the accreditation proposal and final judgment, is sent to the Ministry of Universities and Research (MUR) and the university. Both the MUR and the university have the right to request a review of the decision, provided that valid justifications are given.
    
10. Publication of the evaluation
    ANVUR publishes the Final report from the CEV and its periodic assessment report on its website.
     
11. MUR decision
    Based on ANVUR’s opinion, the MUR formally adopts the periodic accreditation or non-accreditation decision.