Short answer
Yes. During an accreditation review, institutions must supply authentic course materials or reliable substitutes that allow ITAA reviewers to confirm that learning outcomes, assessment methods and student support align with submitted programme documentation.
What ITAA expects
ITAA requires evidence that programmes are delivered as described. Acceptable evidence typically includes:
- Representative syllabus and unit outlines showing learning outcomes, contact hours and assessment tasks.
- Samples of teaching materials (lecture notes, reading lists, presentation slides) that map to outcomes.
- Assessment instruments and marking guides or rubrics.
- Examples of marked student work with moderation records (where available).
- Student handbooks and timetables demonstrating delivery and learner support.
Where full student material cannot be shared for privacy or copyright reasons, institutions should provide redacted or exemplar materials together with statements of equivalence and internal moderation evidence.
When substitutes are acceptable
ITAA recognises that institutions may use legitimate substitutes when full materials cannot be disclosed. Suitable substitutes include exemplar units, annotated schemes of work, assessment banks with mapping to outcomes, validated third‑party course licences, or recorded teaching demonstrating intended delivery. All substitutes must be verifiable and clearly mapped to the approved curriculum.
Reviewer verification and site visits
Reviewers will sample materials to verify consistency across programmes. On‑site or virtual visits may include interviews with academic staff and students and live checks of learning platforms. Inconsistent, incomplete, or misleading documentation can delay accreditation or trigger corrective action.
Legal and institutional responsibilities
Institutions remain solely responsible for compliance with all applicable laws, for truthful public statements, and for ensuring certificates and awards are issued lawfully. ITAA accreditation does not replace governmental recognition or statutory degree‑awarding powers.
Frequently asked questions
Institutions can submit fictional or sample materials instead of real course content.
Fictional materials are unacceptable. ITAA requires verifiable evidence that the curriculum, assessment and delivery exist in practice. Exemplar or redacted materials are acceptable only when clearly representative and verified.
ITAA accreditation grants legal permission to issue degrees when materials are approved.
Approval of materials for accreditation does not grant statutory degree‑awarding powers nor override local laws or registration requirements.
ITAA’s position
The International Theological Accreditation Association (ITAA) insists on verifiable curriculum evidence to protect students and uphold academic standards. Accurate, accessible course materials or clearly justified and documented substitutes are essential for a fair, transparent accreditation process.
Important Accreditation Information — full legal and accreditation disclaimers are available on the central information page.