Educational guidance
Institutions that hold active ITAA accreditation may display the ITAA logo only in ways that truthfully represent their accredited status and scope. Use of the logo must not suggest governmental recognition, statutory degree‑awarding powers, or rights that ITAA does not possess. Institutions remain responsible for ensuring all public statements, marketing materials, and award documentation comply with applicable national, regional and local laws.
Acceptable uses include:
- Placement on institutional web pages, prospectuses and stationery to indicate an active accreditation relationship.
- Use alongside clear text that describes the accreditation accurately (for example: "Accredited by the International Theological Accreditation Association (ITAA) — independent theological accreditation").
- Limiting representations to the scope of accreditation (institutional accreditation vs programme or short‑course accreditation) and to the dates or status shown by ITAA.
Unacceptable uses include:
- Implying governmental recognition, statutory powers, or replacing required local licences.
- Using the logo on qualifications, certificates, or legal documents in a way that misleads recipients about legal degree‑awarding authority.
- Altering the logo, using third‑party branding to suggest endorsement, or applying the logo to unrelated entities.
Required statements and accuracy
All displays of the ITAA logo must be accompanied by accurate, up‑to‑date statements about the nature and scope of accreditation. Institutions must:
- State the accreditation category (institutional, programme, or short course).
- Avoid phrasing that implies governmental recognition or statutory authority.
- Keep public information current and promptly notify ITAA of significant changes.
Failure to maintain truthful public claims may lead ITAA to request correction, investigate misuse, or amend/suspend accreditation.
Permissions, trademark and third‑party law
The ITAA logo is a controlled accreditation mark. Institutions may use the logo only while their accreditation is active and in accordance with ITAA branding rules and any written permissions issued by ITAA. Use of logos and marks can also be subject to national trademark or copyright law; institutions should ensure compliance with applicable intellectual property regulations in their jurisdiction.
When in doubt about local trademark rules or permitted uses, seek legal advice or consult national intellectual property authorities.
Actions for misuse or uncertainty
If an institution or third party appears to misuse the ITAA logo or make misleading claims about accreditation, ITAA may investigate and require corrective action. Institutions uncertain about permitted uses should contact ITAA for written guidance and verification before publishing logo displays.
ITAA's Role
Important Accreditation Information: ITAA provides independent theological accreditation and is not a governmental authority. ITAA accreditation does not grant statutory degree‑awarding powers and never overrides local law. Institutions remain responsible for compliance with all applicable national, state/provincial and local requirements. For the full accreditation disclaimer see the Important Accreditation Information page.
Frequently asked questions
Can an institution put the ITAA logo on student certificates?
Only if the certificate wording clearly avoids implying statutory degree‑awarding power and the use reflects the institution's accredited scope.
May a former‑accredited institution continue to use the logo?
No. Logo use must cease when accreditation lapses or is withdrawn, unless ITAA grants specific written permission.
Who do we contact for permission or verification?
Use ITAA's official contact and verification channels to request written guidance and to confirm current status.
Displaying the ITAA logo means the institution has governmental recognition.
ITAA is an independent theological accreditation body and ITAA accreditation does not equal government recognition or statutory degree‑awarding authority.
Once accredited, an institution may use the logo indefinitely.
Logo use is permitted only while accreditation is active; institutions must stop use if accreditation lapses or is withdrawn.
ITAA’s Role
ITAA is an independent theological accreditation association. ITAA accreditation confirms conformity with ITAA standards but does not replace governmental recognition, licences, or legal authority. Institutions are responsible for all legal compliance and for accurate public statements about accreditation. Read the full Accreditation Disclaimer for details.