Educational and quality-assurance guidance
Institutions accredited by the International Theological Accreditation Association (ITAA) are required to maintain accurate public information and to notify ITAA promptly of significant institutional changes, including the introduction of new programmes that affect curriculum, awards, delivery modes, assessment, or academic governance. Notification helps ITAA to confirm continued compliance with ITAA standards, to record approved programmes on institutional records, and to advise on appropriate quality assurance steps.
Not all programme additions are 'substantive.' Examples of substantive changes requiring notification include: introducing a new award level (for example a diploma to a degree), major curriculum revision that changes learning outcomes, new campus delivery that alters QA oversight, or adding modes of delivery that affect assessment integrity (e.g. fully online delivery where previously only face-to-face delivery existed). Minor changes such as routine elective updates, single-module additions with no change to award learning outcomes, or temporary short courses may not require formal substantive reporting but should still be recorded in institutional QA records and may be requested by ITAA for review.
Legal and governmental distinction
Institutions remain solely responsible for complying with all applicable national, state/provincial, and local laws, including any governmental requirements to register or seek approval for new programmes. ITAA is a non-governmental accreditation body and ITAA accreditation never overrides local law. Where local law requires governmental notification or approval for new programmes or degree-awarding authority, institutions must satisfy those legal requirements in addition to notifying ITAA.
How and when to notify ITAA
Notify ITAA as soon as a change is planned or approved internally and before public marketing of the new programme. Provide the programme specification, learning outcomes, assessment strategy, delivery mode, proposed award title, and the date of first intake. Where ITAA’s policies require it, submit the institution's substantive-change checklist or notification form (see Process & Requirements) so ITAA can assess whether the change is covered by the institution’s current accreditation or requires review, endorsement, or a site/remote audit.
Practical steps for compliance
- Confirm whether the change affects award level, learning outcomes, governance or QA systems.
- Complete the institution’s internal substantive-change checklist and keep records.
- Submit the notification and supporting documents to ITAA via the Contact & Verification channels before public marketing.
- Where applicable, pursue any required governmental registration or approval in your jurisdiction.
- Maintain accurate public statements about accreditation and programme status at all times.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need government approval as well as ITAA notification?
Yes — ITAA accreditation does not replace or remove any governmental registration or approval requirements.
What happens if I fail to notify ITAA?
Failure to notify may prompt ITAA to investigate and could lead to corrective actions including suspension or amendment of accreditation if misuse or misrepresentation is found.
Are short courses included?
Short courses and non-formal offerings should be recorded; formal programme additions that lead to awards are the primary trigger for substantive reporting.
ITAA approval equals governmental approval.
ITAA is a non-governmental accreditation body and ITAA accreditation does not grant statutory degree-awarding powers or replace governmental recognition.
Minor syllabus edits always require formal ITAA re-approval.
Routine module updates that do not change award learning outcomes or QA arrangements are normally recorded internally and do not always require formal substantive-change review, though ITAA may request details.
ITAA’s role
ITAA provides independent theological accreditation focused on protecting students by promoting transparent, ethical and high-quality theological education. ITAA does not replace governmental registration or licensing and cannot grant statutory degree-awarding powers. Institutions must comply with all applicable laws and must promptly notify ITAA of substantive institutional changes, including relevant new programmes, so ITAA can confirm ongoing compliance with its standards.