Can ITAA accredit a new institution?
ITAA may approve accreditation for new or recently established theological institutions when they demonstrate compliance with ITAA standards, provide required documentation, and meet governance, academic and quality-assurance expectations.
Accreditation is a staged review: application and documentation checks, standards assessment, possible developmental guidance, and a final decision. Institutions normally provide evidence of governance (board/executive), academic leadership, curriculum and assessment policies, learner support, and financial or operational viability.
Legal and regulatory limits
Important: ITAA accreditation is non-governmental and does not replace any statutory or regulatory requirements.
Every institution is solely responsible for complying with all applicable national, state/provincial, regional, and local laws for operating an educational institution and issuing qualifications. Institutions must hold any licences or governmental permissions required in their jurisdiction before issuing certificates, diplomas, or degrees.
Typical requirements for new institutions
- Completed application and institutional data. (See Applications page.)
- Documented governance and academic leadership.
- Curriculum outlines, learning outcomes and assessment policies.
- Student support and complaints procedures.
- Evidence of lawful operation in the institution’s jurisdiction.
How to apply
Begin with ITAA’s online application process and submit required documentation for initial review. ITAA may offer developmental feedback to align an emerging institution with standards. Following review and any necessary corrective action, a formal accreditation decision will be issued and, if successful, an annual licence applied.
Frequently asked practical points
- ITAA can accredit institutions delivering on-campus, distance learning, or blended theological programmes when standards are met.
- Accreditation covers the institution and its approved programmes under a single institutional licence unless campuses operate as separate institutions.
- ITAA does not confer statutory degree-awarding powers; institutions must follow local law for degree recognition.
Frequently asked questions
ITAA is a government authority and grants legal degree powers.
ITAA is not a governmental authority and does not grant statutory degree-awarding powers; institutional compliance with local law is required.
ITAA’s position and legal limits
LOCKED STATEMENTS:
"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."
Institutions should read the full Accreditation Disclaimer before applying.