Is IABOS an accreditation body?

The International Accreditation Body of Online Schools (IABOS) is a private accreditation organization that has established a standards program based on its own internally developed set of principles and not those of any other private, public or governmental organization. As such, IABOS members can be “for-profit” or not-for-profit” private enterprises, accredited or non-accredited organizations but must agree to operate by IABOS published standards. IABOS offers its program guidelines to members offering non-traditional, educational and/or motivational based programs and does not represent itself to be a representative of a domestic or international government body. IABOS continues to implement its internal and member review processes to assure program conformance by participating entities, corporations & institutions.  The focus is and remains to be directed around the needs of our member’s current and future student population.

Are IABOS members accredited organizations?

IABOS members may or may not be accredited by on of the 84+ private or public accreditation entities.  However, IABOS members who have not received accreditation directly or indirectly by a private accreditation body or by an approved US DoE, CHEA or DETC entity may not represent that they are “Accredited” program nor utilize images reflecting such status.  A IABOS member that is accredited must only utilize verbiage that clearly and directly explains their accreditation and the membership or accreditation entity.

What are some guideline examples that IABOS members must follow?

An outline of member obligations is included in the website.  In general, members can be for profit or not for profit organizations but must be in good standing; must offer their program in a non-discriminating manner; must establish and adhere to a set of ethics policies that focus on the needs of its students/customers; and must be pro-active in support of its programs and those completing them.

What type of programs do IABOS members offer?

IABOS offers it program guidelines to members offering non-traditional, educational or motivational based programs.  IABOS members can facilitate completion of their program via offline or online vehicles and can offer purely educational, motivational or a combination of content based on their program goals. Members can also award completion of their program purely on the successful completion of an online test process or upon the test plus life and work accomplishments consideration. The result of each successful student enrollment is the issuance of a member Graduation or Diploma Package and the ongoing support services available to program graduates.

How does my organization apply to become a IABOS member?

If you would like to be considered for acceptance, simply complete a IABOS Review Request Form .   There is no financial obligation for a submission request.  You will be contacted within 48 business hours by a IABOS review board member.