What reviewers check
ITAA assesses online and distance delivery against core quality areas adapted from accepted distance-education guidance and ITAA standards. Reviewers look for evidence that:
- Online provision is aligned with the institution’s mission and approved programmes.
- Learning outcomes, curriculum design and assessment methods are appropriate for the modality and level.
- Qualified academic staff design and oversee courses, with clear roles for academic leadership and moderation.
- Student admission, orientation and ongoing support are adequate for remote learners.
- Academic integrity and identity-verification measures are in place and lawful.
- Technology, learning resources and accessibility meet student needs and permit reliable assessment.
- Policies, data protection and consumer‑information statements are current and publicly available.
Required evidence
Institutions should supply clear, auditable evidence including curriculum maps, sample online units, assessment briefs, staff CVs, learner support plans, platform screenshots, student handbooks, academic policies, and records of periodic review and student outcomes.
Assessment, integrity and security
ITAA expects secure assessment design that safeguards academic standards while respecting privacy and legal limits. Acceptable measures include varied assessment types, moderation, academic misconduct policies, and proportionate verification processes. Institutions remain responsible for complying with any jurisdictional requirements for identity verification and proctoring.
Continuous improvement and student outcomes
Evidence of data collection and use (completion rates, assessment performance, student feedback, and action plans) is central. ITAA evaluates whether online provision demonstrates regular review, staff development for online teaching, and measurable improvements to student learning.
Institutional responsibilities and legal compliance
Accreditation by ITAA is independent theological accreditation and does not replace any legal or governmental requirements. Institutions remain solely responsible for meeting local laws, registration, consumer-protection rules, and any statutory requirements for awarding qualifications.
Frequently asked questions
ITAA accreditation equals governmental recognition for online programmes.
ITAA is an independent theological accreditation body; accreditation does not grant statutory degree-awarding powers or replace government registration where required.
Online delivery needs no formal oversight compared with campus delivery.
Online delivery requires explicit academic oversight, validated assessment design, and demonstrable student support tailored to remote learners.
ITAA’s role in evaluating online delivery
ITAA evaluates online delivery to protect students and to confirm that institutions have robust academic governance, appropriate learning design, secure assessment and effective learner support. Our focus is on quality assurance and continuous improvement, not on replacing governmental processes. Institutions must maintain lawful operation in every jurisdiction where they recruit or award qualifications.