Educational context: what national qualification levels are
A national qualifications framework (NQF) is a government-led instrument that assigns levels to qualifications using agreed learning outcomes, competencies and credit measures. NQFs are used to classify and compare qualifications within a country and often to align with regional or international frameworks. Governments or statutory agencies define which awards, awarding bodies and institutions are recognised within their NQF and which bodies may confer statutory degrees or protected titles.
Why ITAA does not set national levels
ITAA is an independent, non-governmental accreditation body that evaluates theological institutions against ITAA standards. ITAA does not have legal authority to create, change, or place awards on any country's national qualifications framework, nor to grant statutory degree-awarding powers. Institutions remain responsible for meeting whatever national registration, licensing or degree-awarding requirements apply in their jurisdiction.
Practical implications for institutions and students
- Institutions seeking national recognition must follow their national regulator's procedures for inclusion in an NQF or for degree-awarding powers.
- ITAA accreditation signals that an institution meets ITAA's quality and governance standards; it does not substitute for government recognition where that recognition is required for legal operation, funding, professional registration or protected titles.
- Institutions should maintain up-to-date evidence of compliance with local laws and clearly state the relationship between ITAA accreditation and any national recognition on public materials.
How ITAA supports institutions with national frameworks
Where appropriate, ITAA may advise or assist institutions to understand national qualification structures and the processes for government recognition. Such assistance is advisory only and does not constitute governmental approval or the awarding of statutory powers.
Frequently asked questions
Can an ITAA-accredited institution award degrees recognised by government?
Only if the institution also holds the government-issued degree-awarding powers or is partnered with an authorised awarding body.
Does ITAA accreditation speed up national recognition?
ITAA accreditation may demonstrate quality maturity but does not alter statutory processes or timelines for national recognition.
ITAA creates or assigns levels on a country's national qualifications framework.
National qualification levels are set by national authorities or statutory bodies; ITAA does not create or assign those levels.
ITAA accreditation is equivalent to government recognition.
ITAA accreditation is independent non-governmental accreditation and does not replace government recognition, registration, or statutory powers.
ITAA’s role
ITAA provides independent theological accreditation to help institutions demonstrate quality, transparency and good governance. ITAA is not a governmental accreditation authority and does not grant statutory degree-awarding powers. Institutions remain responsible for complying with all national, regional and local laws governing operation and award recognition.
Important Accreditation Information