International Accreditation and Quality Certification

International Standards
CDEA sets standards to promote public confidence that the quality of provision and standards of awards in open, distance and e-learning are safeguarded and enhanced.

The question of quality assurance and standards in Open and Distance Learning has become particularly prominent in the last few years as education and training are increasingly delivered in a virtual environment and therefore beyond the responsibility and influence of traditional quality assurance mechanisms operating through governmental and other bodies.

Committee for Distance Education Accreditation (CDEA) provides qualified distance education institutes with:

International Accreditation by CDEA
Audit of International Standards Status
CDEA Quality Certification

Committee for Distance Education Accreditation (CDEA) is listed in the UNESCO Higher Education Institutions Registry (HEIR), under United States of America. UNESCO is the Educational Arm of the United Nations and is recognized by the Departments of Education of all countries members of the Lisbon Convention, including the U.S. Department of Education.

The method of delivery and service has become as important as the curriculum content and challenges traditional notions of quality assurance. CDEA receives requests to validate the credentials of institutions, particularly in those areas where there exists no legislation or standards concerning quality.

Requests for international standard setting has been received from distance education institutions, prospective students as well as from evaluation agencies and departments of government. Today's communications technology allows education and training institutions to operate globally, dramatically increasing the need for an international assessment of quality standards.

CDEA responds to this need by insuring public confidence through the establishment and enforcement of its high quality of standards and services related to Open and Distance Learning. CDEA does not audit academic standards of courses or qualifications, since there exists no agreed international standards for qualifications, curriculum and academic content. Academic elements are regulated by country or region to assure that institutions are operating within the overall national and/or state legislation and guidelines which are applicable.

CDEA accreditation measures:

quality and standards of services
responsibility and reliability of delivery of services.

Apply for AIEA
Accreditation

AIEA Accreditation Verification

CDEA is a Division of Alliance of International Education Assessors AIEA

NAFSA
Association of International Educators

World Association for Online Education WAOE

Federal Government Distance Learning Association (FGDLA)
a nonprofit association formed to promote the development and application of distance learning and to actively foster collaboration and understanding among those involved in educational and training within the federal government.

Higher Education Institutions Registry (HEIR) , under United States of America. UNESCO is the Educational Arm of the United Nations.

CDEA accreditation audit process includes an assessment of:

recruitment policies and methods, marketing, publicity and promotion
counseling services, printed materials and online content
admission process, fee payments, contractual arrangements
student support, computer based training delivery methods
integration and maintenance of systems and services, record keeping, and archiving
commitment to high quality educational values, customer service and business practices.

The CDEA audit process examines internal processes and reviews student services.

CDEA accreditation is valid for 3 years with renewal acceptance upon an updated review (although no site visit is required). The process requires openness, transparency and trust between the CDEA Standards Agency and the institution.

The services of CDEA are specific to international open and distance universities, colleges, schools and private institutions.

Committee for Distance Education Accreditation (CDEA) is a Division of Alliance of International Education Assessors (AIEA). AIEA is not a degree granting institute, and does grant college credit or degrees. The Alliance of International Education Assessors (AIEA) is not associated with any similarly named organizations in the US or other countries or CHEA. Memberships do not imply endorsements.