How are programme levels evaluated?

How ITAA determines programme level

Programme level is determined by evidence that a programme delivers definable learning outcomes and is supported by reliable institutional systems. ITAA examines:

• Learning outcomes & curriculum depth — clarity, alignment across modules and progressive cognitive/skills expectations.
• Assessment & moderation — fair, transparent assessment methods, marking criteria and internal moderation.
• Faculty & resources — appropriate academic or ministerial qualifications, staffing and learning resources.
• Quality assurance systems — policies for assessment, academic oversight, complaints, recognition of prior learning and continuous improvement.
• Student support & formation — learner support, spiritual formation opportunities and pastoral care.

These elements are weighted to establish whether a programme sits at a Foundational, Developing or Established level within ITAA’s framework. This judgement is about the maturity of systems and outcomes, not the intrinsic value of a ministry or individual calling.

What the three-level framework means for programmes

ITAA’s ranking framework categorises institutions and their programmes into three levels that reflect system maturity:

1. Level 1 — Foundational: Basic curriculum structure, developing policies and limited QA evidence.
2. Level 2 — Developing: Clear governance, standardised assessments, documented moderation and growing academic oversight.
3. Level 3 — Established: Robust governance, external moderation or peer review, comprehensive QA and sustained academic quality.

Programmes are mapped to levels by reference to the programme’s learning outcomes, assessment practices and the institution’s QA effectiveness.

Evidence and evaluation process

Evaluation relies on documentary evidence submitted by the institution plus any site or virtual review. Key evidence includes programme specifications, module descriptors, sample assessments, moderation records, faculty CVs and QA policies. ITAA reviewers check alignment between curriculum, assessment and stated outcomes, and verify QA operation in practice.

Legal and qualifications context (important limits)

Locked statements (source of truth):

• 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 Gods favour.

Institutions must ensure they hold any governmental permissions required in their jurisdiction before issuing awards.

Practical guidance for institutions

To support a favourable level judgement, provide clear programme specifications, mapped learning outcomes, examples of assessment and moderation, faculty qualifications and documented QA activity (reviews, audits, learner feedback). Use constructive self-evaluation and demonstrate continuous improvement actions.

ITAA’s Role

ITAA provides independent theological accreditation and evaluates programmes against published standards and the Level 1–3 maturity framework. Our role is quality assurance and student protection; we do not confer governmental recognition or degree-awarding powers. For full legal details and the accreditation disclaimer see the Important Accreditation Information page.

Important Accreditation Information: /important-accreditation-information/

Related guidance

See ITAA pages for detailed guidance on standards, process, fees and rankings. These explain evidence requirements, application steps and how to request reassessment.