How should an institution describe ITAA accreditation?

Principles for public statements

When describing ITAA accreditation, institutions must prioritise transparency and legal accuracy. Use factual, non-misleading language that communicates the scope and limits of accreditation. Do not imply governmental recognition, statutory degree-awarding powers, or replacement of any local licence or registration requirements.

• State the accreditor using approved names: "International Theological Accreditation Association" or "ITAA".
• Use descriptive terms that reflect ITAA's status: for example, "accredited by the International Theological Accreditation Association (ITAA), an independent, non-governmental theological accreditation body."
• Avoid statements that could be read as implying state recognition, e.g. "government-approved", "nationally recognised", or "statutory degree-granting".

Required legal and consumer protections

Institutions must make clear that they remain responsible for compliance with all applicable national, state/provincial and local laws, including any licence or registration required to operate, award qualifications or enrol students. ITAA accreditation does not replace or override local law.

Recommended short disclaimer (footer or prominent link):

"Accreditation Disclaimer: ITAA provides independent theological accreditation. Institutions remain solely responsible for compliance with all applicable national, state/provincial, and local laws. Accreditation status does not replace governmental recognition where required. Read the full Accreditation Disclaimer."

Acceptable phrasing examples

Use concise, factual statements like the examples below. Adapt to your institution’s context and local legal requirements.

• "[Institution name] is accredited by the International Theological Accreditation Association (ITAA), an independent non-governmental theological accreditation agency that evaluates institutional governance, academic standards and spiritual formation."
• "[Institution name] holds ITAA institutional accreditation. This non-governmental accreditation confirms that our programmes meet ITAA’s theological and quality assurance standards; it does not confer governmental degree-awarding powers."

When publishing awards, prospectuses or certificates, ensure the award title and conferring authority are consistent with local registration and permission to award qualifications.

Avoiding common misrepresentations

Do not:

• Claim that ITAA is a government authority or that accreditation equals statutory recognition.
• Use ITAA accreditation as a substitute for required local licences or approvals.
• Describe accreditation as validating a student’s right to a government-regulated professional status unless that is separately authorised by local law.

Publication and verification best practice

Keep all public statements and web pages current. Provide a clear link to ITAA’s verification route (our Contact & Verification page) for third-party checks. Notify ITAA promptly of significant institutional changes that affect accreditation status.