Your Path to Recognition in Digital Education
At IACDE, we believe quality online education deserves meaningful, mission-aligned accreditation. Whether you’re launching a new virtual institution or scaling a specialized program, our process is designed to validate your innovation, strengthen trust, and support growth—all through a fully digital review experience.
Stage 1
Apply & Enter Candidacy
If you’re seeking Institutional or Programmatic Accreditation, the first step is to submit your application and institutional profile. There is no minimum time in operation required to apply for Candidate Status. However, institutions must demonstrate at least one year of operational history (with student outcomes and institutional data) prior to being considered for full accreditation. Once your application and institutional profile are approved, you will receive Candidate Status and personalized support.
What You Receive:
Stage 2
Submit Self-Study & Undergo Peer Review
As a Candidate, you will complete a detailed self-study, demonstrating how your institution meets IACDE’s quality standards for digital education. Once submitted, a fully virtual peer review will be conducted to assess your curriculum, faculty, student services, governance, and outcomes.
What You Receive:
Stage 3
Achieve Accreditation & Maintain Compliance
After peer review, the IACDE Commission will issue a final decision. Upon approval, you’ll become an accredited institution or program, recognized for excellence in online learning. You’ll maintain compliance through annual reporting and a five-year renewal cycle.
What You Receive:
Two Paths to Recognition
Institutional Accreditation
Designed for entire institutions—universities, academies, training providers offering multiple programs or a broad digital learning ecosystem. This path validates your institution’s entire operation, from governance to student experience.
Programmatic Accreditation
Perfect for organizations that want to accredit specific programs, departments, or learning tracks. Our Programmatic Accreditation Labels give your standout offerings a seal of excellence recognized across industries.
IACDE Accreditation Distinctions
Not all programs are the same—and we recognize that. For institutions seeking program-level validation, IACDE offers Accreditation Distinctions in specialized, high-demand fields. These distinctions help institutions spotlight their strengths, attract learners, and align with global workforce needs.
IACDE-MGT
Business & Management
IACDE-LDR
Leadership & Organizational Development
IACDE-MDV
Ministry & Divinity
IACDE-CYB
Cybersecurity & Information Systems
IACDE-TEC
Technology & Innovation
IACDE-LWC
Life, Wellness, and Coaching
IACDE-PSY
Psychology & Mental Health
IACDE-MKT
Digital Marketing & Brand Strategy
IACDE-HLTH
Health & Wellness
IACDE-CPD
Continuing Professional Development & Microcredentials
IACDE-EDX
eLearning & Instructional Design
IACDE-FTH
Faith-Based Education & Religious Studies
Institutions earning a distinction may display a digital seal, list their recognition publicly, and reference their program’s IACDE-accredited status in their outreach and student materials.
Resources to Support You
We believe transparency is part of trust. That’s why we offer clear, downloadable guides and policies to walk you through the entire process.
IACDE Accreditation Handbook (PDF)
Accreditation Standards Overview
Policies & Procedures Manual (PDF)
Fee Schedule & Annual Reporting Requirements
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you’re building from the ground up or expanding globally, IACDE is here to walk with you. We’re not just an accreditor—we’re your strategic partner for long-term success in digital education.
International Accrediting Commission for Digital Education
8206 Louisiana Blvd NE, Ste B #10025,
Albuquerque, NM 87113
info@iacde.org
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