Accreditation Readiness Checklist

At-a-glance readiness checklist

The checklist below identifies core areas ITAA evaluates. Use it as a self-assessment before submitting applications or evidence packs.

1. Legal compliance: Confirm the institution holds all licences, registrations and approvals required by national, state/provincial and local law for operating and issuing awards. Institutions remain responsible for local legal compliance.
2. Governance & leadership: Provide an up-to-date constitution or governance instrument, board minutes, role descriptions for senior leaders and evidence of accountable oversight.
3. Academic framework: Submit programme specifications, learning outcomes, assessment policies, moderation reports and sample syllabi that show coherent curricular design and learning progression.
4. Quality assurance: Provide a QA manual, academic regulations, assessment moderation records, internal audit findings and a schedule of QA activities demonstrating continuous improvement.
5. Student protection: Evidence student admission policies, complaints and appeals procedures, academic integrity policy, learner support arrangements and published learner-facing information.
6. Staff and faculty: CVs or role descriptions showing academic and pastoral competence, appointment procedures, supervision and professional development records.
7. Records and publications: Current prospectus/handbook, published policies, sample transcripts or certificates, validated marks lists and public information that is accurate and up to date.
8. Financial stability: Basic financial statements, budget forecasts and evidence of financial oversight sufficient to support programme delivery.
9. Facilities and delivery: Evidence of learning resources, library access, online learning platforms, and site or virtual teaching arrangements.
10. Continuous improvement plan: Recent review outcomes, action plans and evidence that past recommendations have been implemented.

How to use this checklist

Complete the list with documentary evidence and cross-reference each item to your application pack. Keep records organised, dated and version-controlled. ITAA assesses institutional maturity across governance, academic standards and quality assurance; the checklist helps demonstrate that systems are established and working.

ITAA accreditation is an assessment of institutional systems and practices and is intended primarily to protect and inform students. Accreditation does not substitute for any governmental recognition or statutory authorisation an institution may require.

Common readiness gaps to check

• Out-of-date policies published on the website or student handbook.
• Insufficient evidence of assessment moderation or academic oversight.
• Unclear governance records or missing board documentation.
• Inconsistent programme learning outcomes and assessment tasks.
• Poorly documented student complaints and appeals handling.

Address these gaps before submitting evidence to reduce delays and follow-up requests.

Next steps and preparation timeline

Typical preparation steps:

1. Run an internal gap analysis using this checklist (2–6 weeks depending on size).
2. Assign responsibilities and collate evidence (4–12 weeks).
3. Submit the application and evidence pack as per ITAA guidance.

Timelines vary by institution. Maintain document control and ensure public information is accurate prior to application.

Related guidance and resources

See ITAA pages for authoritative requirements, standards and the full application process. Use the Knowledge Centre for common questions and templates when preparing evidence.