Introduction
At the International Accrediting Commission for Digital Education (IACDE), we are committed to promoting quality, innovation, and continuous improvement in online, hybrid, and digital education.
The following standards outline the essential criteria that institutions and programs must meet to earn and maintain accreditation. These standards ensure that accredited institutions operate with integrity, deliver educational value, and demonstrate a commitment to excellence and learner success.
Institutions and programs seeking Candidate Status or Full Accreditation are evaluated against these standards through document review, self-study analysis, and peer evaluation.
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Core Accreditation Standards
| Standard No. | Standard Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mission and Purpose | The institution maintains a clearly defined, published mission that reflects its commitment to educational quality, innovation, and learner success. |
| 2 | Governance and Leadership | The institution demonstrates effective governance, ethical leadership, and administrative structures appropriate to its mission, scale, and complexity. |
| 3 | Academic Programs and Curriculum | The institution’s programs are clearly structured, outcomes-based, aligned with its mission, and continuously updated to reflect emerging knowledge, technology, and industry needs. |
| 4 | Faculty and Staff Qualifications | Faculty members possess appropriate academic credentials and professional experience, with ongoing opportunities for professional development and performance evaluation. |
| 5 | Student Support Services | The institution provides adequate academic advising, technical support, and resources to promote student success, persistence, and graduation. |
| 6 | Learning Resources and Technology | The institution ensures that all learners have access to necessary learning resources, technology tools, and academic materials to achieve course objectives. |
| 7 | Financial Stability and Integrity | The institution operates on a sound financial basis, with transparent budgeting, responsible fiscal management, and ethical business practices. |
| 8 | Assessment and Continuous Improvement | The institution systematically evaluates student learning outcomes, program effectiveness, and operational practices, using results to drive continuous improvement. |
| 9 | Integrity and Transparency | The institution operates with honesty and fairness, discloses accurate information to stakeholders, and maintains integrity in its marketing, recruitment, and operations. |
| 10 | Commitment to Innovation and Access | The institution actively fosters innovation in digital education and demonstrates efforts to expand access to diverse, underserved, and global learner populations. |
Evaluation Process
- Application Review: Initial screening of eligibility, submitted documents, and operational readiness.
- Candidacy Document Verification: Detailed review of institutional profile, student outcomes data, organizational charts, and supporting evidence.
- Self-Study Submission: Completion of a comprehensive Self-Study addressing all core accreditation standards.
- Peer Review Evaluation: Virtual peer review conducted by qualified external evaluators who assess compliance with accreditation criteria.
- Commission Review and Decision: Final evaluation by the IACDE Accreditation Commission based on peer review findings and documentation.
- Ongoing Compliance Monitoring: Accredited institutions must submit annual reports and undergo periodic renewal reviews.
International Accrediting Commission for Digital Education
8206 Louisiana Blvd NE, Ste B #10025,
Albuquerque, NM 87113
info@iacde.org
1-505-230-4110
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