One of ICETE’s purposes is to foster the quality and the academic recognition of evangelical theological education worldwide through the accreditation services of these bodies. The ICETE Recognition is a process to transparently validate the quality of the standards and processes of ICETE Member Associations through an external quality assurance (EQA) review (ICETE Recognition is a service offered exclusively to Member Associations).
Trust, quality and harmonization are key terms in international higher education accreditation. Trust, as that which students and stakeholders need in relying on educational institutions, programmes and qualification ns. Quality, as the agreed terrain of assurance. And harmonization, as the response to internationalization and to the demands of recognition.
In order to enhance trust, quality and harmonization, standards and procedures have been put in place around the world to externally review accreditation agencies.
ICETE Recognition is thus a unique opportunity for accreditation agencies serving theological education to be able to publicly demonstrate their quality against commonly accepted standards. ICETE Recognition enhances trust, quality and harmonization, which in turn will facilitate cross- border recognition of qualifications and inter-regional student mobility.
ICETE Recognition also represents a unique opportunity for accrediting agencies dealing with Christian theological education to formally demonstrate their alignment to the values and standards that are specific to the field of theological education. This is usually not done in ‘secular’ recognition processes. ICETE Recognition thus speaks to the specific stakeholders of theological education, enhancing trust in ICETE accredited institutions and graduates.
Core document
The ICETE Recognition: Procedures and Standards is the core document outlining the ICETE recognition procedures and standards.
In the first part of the document criteria and procedures are carefully laid out, including simplified procedures for accreditation agencies that have already undergone an external quality assurance review.
In the second part of the document the ICETE recognition standards are defined. These are divided into accreditation standards (that address the question of what is being required by accreditation), methods and procedures (that address the question of how quality assurance is done by the agency) and organisation and policy (that address the question of how the agency is set up and operates).
The document also contains a helpful appendix with SER templates to be used in the application process.
Training course
The ICETE offers a 10 hour training course through the ICETE Academy to all agencies intending to pursue ICETE Accreditation. This is available here ICETE Recognition.
Fees
The fees for the ICETE Recognition process will be determined by the ICETE Board meeting in December 2023.
Application
Agencies intending to pursue ICETE recognition can begin the process by applying through the ICETE Recognition Application Form. Informal enquiries may also be made to marvin.oxenham(at)icete.info.
Agencies that are not ICETE Member Association, must apply for an ICETE Member Association Review and pass the eligibility check before they are eligible for ICETE Recognition.
