The initial accreditation of new Study Programmes (CdS) consists in the authorization granted by the Ministry of Universities and Research (MUR) for the activation of the programmes, based also on the opinion of ANVUR regarding the fulfilment of specific quantitative and qualitative requirements in terms of teaching staff, adequacy of facilities and available instrumental resources, and the economic-financial sustainability of the proposal.

The procedure applies to first- and second-cycle diploma programmes for Private AFAM Institutions; for state AFAMInstitutions, it applies only to second-cycle programmes. ANVUR also accredits first- and second-level Master's programmes offered by Private AFAM Institutions.

Private AFAM Institutions may submit an application for the authorization of new two-year programmes only after receiving a positive outcome in the first periodic evaluation conducted by ANVUR.

The periodic assessment of programmes involves verifying the continued compliance with the requirements that led to the initial accreditation of the programme, as well as the fulfilment of additional requirements relating to the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of the activities carried out. This is done also in accordance with the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG). The periodic accreditation of programmes is part of the broader framework of the periodic assessment of AFAM Institutions.