Applicant Information

APEX has three award levels to make it easier and more affordable for organizations of all sizes and maturity to participate. Each level is progressively more challenging and provides more comprehensive feedback.

Applicants for all three award levels will need to complete and submit APEX Application forms.

APEX Application Forms:

Application for Level 1 (pdf)
Application for Level 1 (online form)
Application for Level 2 & 3 Awards (pdf)
Intent to Apply/Eligibility Form (Level 2 & 3 Applicants) (pdf)

Level 1: Self-Assessment Workshop

The lowest award level focuses on the approaches of an organization’s processes. It will consist of a one-day workshop in which a self-assessment will be reviewed, participants will learn about the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence and an Organizational Profile (snap shot of an organization). One trained examiner will conduct this workshop and participants will complete their self-assessment prior to coming to the workshop. Workshops will be offered throughout the year as required.

Workshop Information (pdf)
Performance Check for Leaders (pdf)
Performance Check for Leaders (online form)
Performance Check for Organization (pdf)
Performance Check for Organization (online form)
Self-Analysis Worksheet (MS Word doc)

Level 2: Achievement Award

The middle award level focuses on the deployment of an organization’s processes. A 25 page application and a five page Organizational Profile describing your organization's approach to each of the criteria are submitted in October of each year. Three to five trained examiners evaluate this application and create a feedback report that identifies strengths and opportunities for improvement for each of the criteria.  An optional site visit is also available so that examiners can verify and clarify information from the application. Feedback from a site visit is more comprehensive. Each applicant will be recognized at the APEX annual conference.

Business Criteria
Education Criteria
Healthcare Criteria

Level 3: Excellence Award

The top award level focuses on the learning and integration of an organization’s processes. A 50 page application and a five page Organizational Profile describing your organization's approach to each of the criteria are submitted in October of each year. Six to eight trained examiners evaluate this application and create a feedback report that identifies strengths and opportunities for improvement for each of the criteria. An optional site visit is also available so that examiners can verify and clarify information from the application. Feedback from a site visit is more comprehensive.  Each applicant will be recognized at the APEX annual conference. This level mirrors Baldrige processes, so once an organization successfully completes this level they may chose to compete at the national level.

Business Criteria
Education Criteria
Healthcare Criteria