Short answer
Yes. The International Theological Accreditation Association (ITAA) may grant independent theological accreditation to church-based training centres, ministry schools, and institutional training centres when those centres meet ITAA's eligibility and standards and operate transparently. ITAA accreditation is an institutional recognition of quality systems, not governmental recognition or statutory degree-awarding authority. Institutions remain responsible for complying with all applicable national, state/provincial, and local laws.
What accreditation covers
ITAA accreditation evaluates institutional governance, curriculum quality, assessment, student support, and spiritual formation. Accreditation may be issued as institutional accreditation (covering the whole organisation), programme accreditation (for specific qualifications), or short-course accreditation for non-formal offerings. Accredited centres are expected to maintain accurate public information and ongoing quality assurance systems.
Legal and regulatory limits
ITAA is an independent theological accreditation body and is not a governmental accreditation authority. ITAA accreditation never overrides local law; centres must obtain any licences, registrations, or statutory approvals required by their jurisdiction before issuing certificates, diplomas, or degrees. ITAA does not grant statutory degree-awarding powers or replace governmental recognition where required.
When a training centre is treated as a campus
Where multiple sites share unified governance, curriculum, quality assurance and issue awards under the same institutional identity, ITAA may treat them as additional campuses under one accreditation licence. Where sites have independent governance, branding, or award titles, they are treated as separate institutions for accreditation and fees.
Practical steps to apply
- Review ITAA eligibility and standards.
- Prepare governance, curriculum, QA and student-support documentation.
- Submit the online application through ITAA Applications.
- Undergo review, any site or remote verification, and, if successful, accept accreditation and maintain annual licence fees and reporting.
Common compliance responsibilities
- Maintain truthful public statements about accreditation and awards.
- Comply with consumer protection, charity/ministry regulations and education law in your jurisdiction.
- Promptly notify ITAA of major institutional changes.
Frequently asked questions
ITAA accreditation equals government recognition.
ITAA is not a governmental accreditation authority and does not confer statutory degree-awarding powers; accreditation does not replace any legal recognition required by a government.
An affiliated church training room automatically inherits accreditation.
A centre inherits accreditation only when it meets ITAA requirements for unified governance, curriculum, and awards, or when it is separately accredited following ITAA's process.
ITAA’s Role
The International Theological Accreditation Association exists to protect students and encourage transparent, ethical, and high-quality theological education. ITAA provides independent theological accreditation that recognises institutional maturity in governance, curriculum and student support. ITAA accreditation is a quality-assurance recognition and does not replace governmental registration, statutory degree-awarding powers, or local legal requirements. Institutions remain solely responsible for complying with all applicable national, state/provincial, and local laws.
Important Accreditation Information