Does Accreditation Give Degree-Awarding Authority?

Key point — what accreditation does and does not do

Accreditation is a formal external evaluation that assesses an institution's governance, academic standards, student support, and quality assurance systems. Accreditation confirms that an institution meets the accreditor's standards and is committed to ongoing improvement and transparency. Accreditation does not, by itself, give an institution legal or statutory authority to award national or protected degrees. Institutions must hold whatever licences, degree-awarding powers, registrations or approvals are required by the laws and regulators of the country or territory in which they operate before issuing degrees.

Why degree-awarding authority is separate

Degree-awarding authority (also called degree awarding powers, statutory authority, or recognition to award nationally recognised qualifications) is normally granted or regulated by a government, ministry of education, national qualifications authority, or an authorised statutory regulator. The exact mechanism varies by jurisdiction: some states grant powers by statute or ministerial approval, others through a regulated authorisation process, and some recognise awards via an official register of authorised awarding organisations. Because these are legal functions, they sit outside the remit of independent theological or sectoral accreditors.

Practical implications for institutions and students

• Institutions: remain responsible for ensuring they possess all required licences, registrations and approvals before advertising or conferring degrees; accreditation cannot be used to justify operating without lawful authorisation.
• Students: should check whether the qualification they are offered is recognised in the country or sector where recognition matters — ask the institution for evidence of legal authority, check official government registers, or contact the relevant national regulator.
• Third parties (employers, other institutions): should verify degree-awarding status using official government or regulator lists rather than relying solely on an institution's accreditation statement.

Common misunderstandings

• Misunderstanding: "Accredited means legally authorised to award degrees."
  Clarification: Accreditation is quality assurance, not statutory authorisation; legal degree-awarding powers are granted by government or statutory bodies.
• Misunderstanding: "My accreditor can override national law."
  Clarification: ITAA accreditation never overrides local law and institutions remain responsible for compliance.

How to check degree-awarding authority

1. Request written confirmation from the institution showing the legal basis (licence, statute, or regulator decision) for any degree awards.
2. Consult the national regulator's public register or government guidance on degree-awarding powers for that country.
3. When in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, check official UK registers (for example OfS or the recognised awarding organisations list). For international recognition, consult national qualification authorities or UNESCO guidance on recognition of qualifications.

Locked ITAA statements — essential legal rules

• "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."