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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 being 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 now increasingly delivered in a virtual environment and therefore beyond the responsibility and influence of traditional quality assurance mechanisms operating through governmental and other bodies.

Council for Distance Education Accreditation CDEA provides qualified distance education institutes with:
  • International Accreditation by CDEA
  • Audit of International Standards Status
  • CDEA Quality Certification
Council 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 it 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 exist 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 promoting 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 exist 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.
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 5 years. with renewal acceptance upon an updated review (no site visit) 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.


CDEA is a Division of Association 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.

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1784 W Northfield Blvd, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37129-1702 - USA 1-615-413-5111

AIEA, Inc. Copyright 2005 All rights reserved. Council for Distance Education Accreditation (CDEA) is a Division of Association of International Education Assessors (AIEA). AIEA is not a degree granting institute, and does grant college creditor degrees Association 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.