Score yourself the way NABH will, on its 5 point scale from real samples, until every Core objective element is at 4 or above and overall compliance clears 80%. Then close the gaps with dated action plans, because every element at 3 or below needs one.
How NABH scores you
Assessors score each objective element from 1 to 5 on the share of samples that meet it, with 5 for 81 to 100% and 4 for 61 to 80%. The same scale is used for the self-assessment, and poor system documentation can lower a score by one.1 Elements that would never apply to your hospital are listed and sent to the NABH secretariat before the assessment.1
| Rule at the final assessment | Threshold |
|---|---|
| Overall compliance, Core and Commitment elements | 80% or more |
| Each Core objective element | Score of 4 or more |
| Average for each standard and each chapter | 4 or more |
| Elements scored 2 or less in one standard | No more than one |
| Elements scored 3 or less | An accepted action plan with timelines |
The pre-assessment is your rehearsal
NABH's pre-assessment is optional. Its team checks implementation against your manuals and SOPs, judges how prepared you are, and explains how the final assessment will run, and you then have three months to send corrective action on what it found.2 At least one member of the pre-assessment team joins the final assessment where possible.2
- Build a scoring sheet. Every objective element by chapter, standard and level, with its Core flag.
- Sample, then score. Pull real records and observe real practice, and score on NABH's 5 point scale.
- Fix the Core first. Every Core element must reach 4 before anything else counts.
- List what does not apply. Send it to the NABH secretariat before the assessment.
- Write dated action plans. One for every element at 3 or below, with an owner and a date.
- Rehearse. Take the pre-assessment, or run your own with staff from another department.
- Chapter ______ Standard ______ Objective element ______
- Level ______ Core yes or no ______
- Samples checked ______ Samples meeting it ______
- Score 1 to 5 ______ Documentation in place ______
- Action, owner and date ______
Questions
What score does a Core element need?
At least 4 at every assessment, final, surveillance and re-accreditation alike.
How long do we have after the pre-assessment?
Three months from the pre-assessment to submit corrective action on its findings.
Which elements count at the final assessment?
The Core and Commitment elements. Achievement elements join at surveillance, and Excellence elements at re-accreditation.
Sources
- 1NABH, 2025NABH Accreditation Standards for Hospitals, 6th Edition, effective 1 January 2025Read source
- 2NABH, 2025Policies and Procedures for Assessment, Surveillance and Re-assessment of HCO, Issue 5Read source
Written by the wai team from National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers guidance, checked on 16 October 2026. This is guidance, not legal advice. NABH does not endorse wai or any software.