Authority & Legal Basis

“Accreditation is built on a clear mandate, transparent standards, and shared trust.”
IACDE

Authority & Legal Basis

Legal Registration & Institutional Framework
The International Accrediting Commission for Digital Education (IACDE) is a legally registered independent, private accrediting body incorporated as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) under the laws of the State of New Mexico, United States.
IACDE was established to provide voluntary quality assurance and recognition for institutions engaged in digital, hybrid, and distance-learning education.

Registered Entity Name: International Accrediting Commission for Digital Education, LLC
Entity Type: Domestic Limited Liability Company (LLC)
State of Formation: New Mexico, USA
Record Number: 0008020752
Formation Date: April 15, 2025
Status: Active
Principal Address: 8206 Louisiana Blvd NE, Ste B #10025, Albuquerque, NM 87113, USA

Verify Registration: https://enterprise.sos.nm.gov/search/business
(Search: “International Accrediting Commission for Digital Education, LLC”) or

View OpenCorporates Listing

IACDE operates as a non-governmental, private accreditor in accordance with U.S. law and international quality-assurance norms. Its authority is derived from its lawful incorporation, its adopted accreditation standards, and its transparent peer-review processes, consistent with private accreditation frameworks used globally.

Scope of Accreditation
IACDE provides institutional and programmatic accreditation for organizations delivering online, hybrid, or technology-enhanced education. This includes universities, professional academies, colleges, faith-based institutions, and continuing-education providers that demonstrate academic quality, operational integrity, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Accreditation by IACDE is voluntary and non-regulatory. It complements national licensing and approval processes by offering an independent evaluation of educational quality and institutional effectiveness.

Governing Authority & Decision-Making
The authority to grant, deny, reaffirm, or withdraw accreditation is vested in the IACDE Accreditation Commission, as defined in the IACDE Policies & Procedures Manual.

The Commission’s powers include:
• Establishing and revising accreditation standards and eligibility criteria.
• Conducting institutional self-study and peer-review evaluations.
• Issuing formal accreditation decisions and status notifications.
• Maintaining a directory of accredited and candidate institutions.
• Overseeing appeals, complaints, and compliance reviews.
All decisions are made collectively by the Commission and are recorded in official minutes, ensuring impartiality and transparency.

Transparency & Public Accountability
IACDE maintains a comprehensive suite of policies designed to ensure fairness, consistency, and openness in all accreditation processes. These include:

Public Disclosure & Confidentiality Policy
Complaint Policy
Appeals Policy
Conflict of Interest Policy
Data Protection & Privacy Policy
Annual Review & Continuous Improvement Procedures
All official documents, manuals, and standards are publicly accessible to affirm IACDE’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and trust in global higher education.

View Policies: https://iacde.org/iacde-accreditation-policies-standards/

Alignment with International Quality Frameworks
Although IACDE is a private, independent accrediting body, its standards and governance closely align with the recognized global frameworks established by INQAAHE, CHEA IQG, and ISO 21001.

Alignment with INQAAHE Guidelines of Good Practice
The Accreditation Handbook and Policies & Procedures Manual incorporate principles equivalent to INQAAHE’s Guidelines of Good Practice (GGP), including:
• Independence and impartial governance (§ 2.0–3.0, Manual).
• Periodic review and stakeholder input (§ 5.0, Handbook).
• Public disclosure of outcomes while protecting confidentiality (Public Disclosure Policy).
These elements collectively ensure that IACDE’s operations reflect international expectations for quality assurance, peer review, and transparency.

Alignment with CHEA International Quality Group (IQG) Principles
CHEA IQG identifies seven global principles of good practice in accreditation. IACDE’s framework parallels these through:
• Mission-driven purpose (Handbook § 1.0).
• Evidence-based peer review (Handbook § 4.2).
• Learner outcomes and institutional effectiveness (Standards 3–5).
• Transparent decision-making and cost disclosure (Policies Manual § 6.0).
Through these measures, IACDE demonstrates congruence with CHEA IQG’s emphasis on continuous improvement, accountability, and integrity in higher education.

Alignment with ISO 21001 (Educational Organizations Management Systems)
IACDE’s internal processes and institutional standards reflect ISO 21001’s outcome-based and learner-centered management model, including:
• Defined leadership and governance roles (Manual § 2).
• Strategic planning and risk management (Handbook § 5).
• Adequate resource assurance (Standards 2 & 6).
• Continuous improvement and monitoring (Annual Review Procedures).
By embedding these management principles, IACDE upholds a quality framework consistent with international educational standards.

Verification & Evidence
Stakeholders may confirm IACDE’s authority, governance, and alignment through its publicly available documents:
Accreditation Handbook (2025)
Policies & Procedures Manual (2025)
Accreditation Standards Overview
Public Disclosure & Confidentiality Policy

Disclaimer & Legal Authority
IACDE operates independently and does not represent itself as a governmental agency. Its accreditation decisions are made in good faith based on institutional evidence, peer-review evaluation, and compliance with its published standards.
While IACDE is not listed with the U.S. Department of Education or CHEA, its authority is derived from lawful registration, transparent governance, and adherence to internationally recognized quality-assurance practices.

Credible accreditation begins with clarity.

IACDE’s authority is founded on lawful registration, independent governance, and alignment with global frameworks that ensure integrity and excellence in education.
Contact the Accreditation Office: info@iacde.org