Short answer
No. Accreditation does not automatically transfer when an institution changes its legal or trading name. Institutions must notify ITAA promptly and supply supporting documentation so ITAA can review and, where appropriate, update accreditation records.
Why a name change matters
A change of name can affect legal identity, public information, certificates, and the accreditation record. Students, employers and regulators rely on accurate published details. ITAA requires institutions to maintain truthful public statements and to keep policies and documentation current.
What institutions must do
- Notify ITAA immediately in writing via the official contact and verification route.
- Provide proof of the legal name change (e.g. certificate of amendment, company registry extract or equivalent) and any revised governing documents.
- Confirm whether awards, certificates and transcripts will continue to be issued under the previous name, the new name, or both, and supply sample certificate templates if changed.
- Ensure public information (website, prospectus, advertising) is updated and accurate.
- Continue to comply with all local laws and regulatory requirements for institutional identity and awarding powers.
How ITAA responds
On receipt of notification and documentation, ITAA will verify the change, confirm whether the accreditation record requires amendment, and advise any required actions (for example, amendment of the published accreditation entry, conditions, or corrective actions). ITAA may require additional evidence if governance, ownership, or control have changed alongside the name.
When a name change may trigger a reassessment
If a name change accompanies or signals significant changes in governance, ownership, legal identity, academic oversight, or the way qualifications are issued, ITAA may treat this as a substantive institutional change requiring fuller review. Institutions must not imply governmental recognition where none exists.
Practical notes for students and employers
- Students should check that their certificates will remain valid and how transcripts will display the awarding institution.
- Employers and third parties may verify accreditation status via ITAA's verification page.
Frequently asked questions
Accreditation automatically moves to the new name without any action.
ITAA must be notified and documents provided before records and public accreditation entries are amended.
A name change gives an institution new legal powers or governmental recognition.
A change of name does not alter governmental recognition or awarding powers; institutions remain responsible for complying with all applicable laws.
ITAA position and required legal statements
Locked ITAA statements:
- ITAA is a private theological accreditation agency.
- ITAA is not a governmental accreditation authority.
- ITAA accreditation never overrides local law.
- Institutions remain solely responsible for compliance with all applicable national, state or provincial, regional, and local laws.
- ITAA does not grant statutory degree-awarding powers.
- Accreditation status does not replace governmental recognition where required.
- Institutional rankings measure the maturity of systems and governance, not the value of a ministry, spiritual calling, ministry effectiveness, or God’s favour.
Institutions must promptly notify ITAA of any name change and supply legal documentation to permit accurate public records and continued student protection.