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New! AIEA Membership is FREE with Council for Distance Education Accreditation (CDEA)

Council for Distance Education Accreditation (CDEA) is a division Association of International Education Assessors (AIEA). AIEA, an avid supporter of international distance education programs and institutes, encourages and fosters expansion and improvement within the distance learning society.

CDEA's mission is to advance distance education opportunities and enhance online learning programs. Unlike associations of universities, colleges and/or schools, CDEA provides an impartial, specialized accreditation process for privately owned online schools. CDEA does not accredit schools that accept any federal or government funding, or traditional campus-style schools, or schools that offer classroom setting courses or academic content, courses, curriculum, or other academic qualifications. Academic regulations fall under the authority of the country or region of the institute.

Application for CDEA accreditation is open to innovative online and distance learning programs, non-traditional online universities and colleges, online religious and professional schools, online seminaries, correspondence schools and other institutes. offering only non-regionally, non-nationally accredited distance degree programs.

Qualification for accreditation is based on the quality of student services, program delivery, study/learning facilities, support services, and level of acceptance of the institute's degrees by major corporations worldwide. The number of individuals holding degrees earned at the online/distance institute that have gained high ranking corporate positions is analyzed as evidence to determine if the institution is turning out qualified applicants.

Those institutes that in the past have not met these standards may opt to adopt CDEA standards. CDEA Standards Certification Training includes instruction in online/distance education processes and verification methods and may be completed online. After completion of CDEA Standards Certification Training the institute may apply (or reapply) for accreditation. This option encourages improvement raises the quality of participating online/distance institutes.

CDEA is a private accrediting body of online/distance schools and is not listed with any government agency or the U.S. Department of Education.

CDEA Standards
CDEA standards were developed to improve distance/online program delivery, processes and acceptance. CDEA accreditation is ideal for distance learning degree-granting institutions worldwide that are committed to excellence.
  • The institution must agree to comply with CDEA quality standards of professional acceptance.
  • The institution must offer distance/online degree programs.
  • The institution must demonstrate the effectiveness of their programs.
  • The institution must not be regionally/nationally accredited.
  • The institution must be state/country registered/licensed or otherwise meet the regulation of its educational jurisdiction.
  • The institution must provide verifiable testimony from degree holders of their personal and career success.
  • The institution must have a process of assessing prior learning and/or experience for conversion to credit that includes a verification system meeting CDEA standards.
  • The institution must provide documentation of good faith, reputation and ethical practices.
  • The institution must treat students equitably and fairly and never discriminate on the basis of race, religion, age, sex, color, handicap, sexual orientation or national or ethnic origin in administering its educational policies, admission policies, or other programs.
Accreditation is valid for three years subject to the institution remaining in good standing.

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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.