What ITAA will and will not accredit
ITAA provides independent theological accreditation to institutions and their academic programmes where those programmes meet ITAA standards for learning outcomes, assessment, staffing, governance and student support. ITAA does not grant statutory degree-awarding powers and therefore does not approve or legitimise qualifications that require government authorisation.
Programmes designed solely to award honorary degrees (i.e. degrees conferred without assessed study and without adherence to academic assessment standards) are not eligible for ITAA accreditation.
Institutional responsibilities and legal compliance
Institutions remain solely responsible for complying with all applicable national, state/provincial, and local laws when issuing any certificate, diploma or degree. ITAA accreditation never overrides local law and does not replace governmental recognition where required. Institutions must not present ITAA accreditation as equivalent to statutory degree-awarding authority.
Recommended practice for honorary awards
If an institution wishes to recognise individuals without assessed award, best practice is to issue clearly labelled honorary recognitions (for example: honorary fellowship, honorary award or recognition of service) that do not use degree titles or imply academic credit. Any use of degree-style titles without assessed learning should be transparently described in public information and separated from accredited programme listings.
Transparency and public information
Accredited institutions must maintain accurate public statements. Any honorary award practice must be clearly explained on the institution website and must not be presented as an ITAA-accredited award. Misleading claims may prompt ITAA investigation and corrective action.
Frequently asked questions
ITAA accreditation is the same as government recognition.
ITAA is not a governmental accreditation authority and its accreditation does not replace statutory degree-awarding powers.
An honorary degree can be accredited if the institution is accredited.
ITAA does not accredit awards that lack assessed learning; honorary recognitions must not be represented as accredited degrees.
ITAA’s position on honorary-degree programmes
ITAA is an independent theological accreditation body and does not grant statutory degree-awarding powers. ITAA will not accredit programmes whose primary purpose is to confer honorary or unassessed degree titles. Institutions must comply with their jurisdictional legal requirements when issuing any award and must clearly distinguish honorary recognitions from accredited programmes.
Important Accreditation Information: institutions and prospective students should read the full accreditation disclaimer for legal and operational obligations.
Important Accreditation Information
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.