What wording may an institution not use?

Educational guidance — prohibited or misleading wording

Institutions must not use wording that implies governmental recognition, statutory degree-awarding powers, or that ITAA replaces local legal or regulatory requirements. Avoid statements such as 2422Recognised by the government22, 2422Statutory degree-awarding body22, 2422Government accredited22, or 2422Degrees validated by national authorities22 unless independently verifiable by the relevant national regulator.

Also avoid ambiguous shorthand that could mislead students or the public, for example 2422accredited and recognised22 without specifying the nature of recognition (ITAA non-governmental accreditation vs. governmental recognition). Do not imply that ITAA accreditation confers legal authority to issue nationally recognised qualifications or that it substitutes for licences or registrations required by local law.

When describing awards, make clear who issues the certificate or degree and under what legal authority it is issued (institutional award, awarding partner, or national regulator). Maintain accurate statements about campus status, delivery modes (online, distance, branch campus), and any limitations relevant to professional recognition in specific jurisdictions.

Practical phrasing institutions should prefer

• Acceptable: "Accredited by the International Theological Accreditation Association (ITAA), an independent theological accreditation body."
• Clarifying: "This accreditation is non-governmental and does not itself grant statutory degree-awarding powers or replace any licence, registration or legal requirement in your country."
• Advisory: "Students seeking government-recognised professional qualifications should check local regulator requirements before enrolment."

Common wording mistakes to avoid

1. Claiming governmental approval or listing unnamed "recognitions" without verifiable sources.
2. Using the ITAA logo or accreditation statement in ways that imply regulation, licensing, or statutory powers.
3. Suggesting that ITAA accreditation guarantees professional licensure or immigration advantage.

How ITAA checks and enforces wording

ITAA requires institutions to maintain truthful public statements and may investigate alleged misuse of accreditation or misleading advertising. ITAA may suspend or withdraw accreditation where institutions misrepresent status or breach requirements.