Please note that this FAQ provides summarized content only. Please contact us for a complete listing of all processes, procedures, standards and policies.
What is the first step in the accreditation process?
A key person at the institution must contact us for submitting the Application for Accreditation.
When will the Application for Accreditation receive approval?
Before ECICEL will officially accept an institution’s initial Application for Accreditation, the institution must demonstrate that it meets all of the eligibility requirements.
How long is an application for accreditation valid?
An application for accreditation is valid for one year from the date it is received by the Commission.
What is a readiness assessment?
- A board of auditors specialized in the sphere of activities of your institution is formed with the purpose of carrying out audit of the institution. Accreditation takes place in 3 steps.
- At first stage Commission give audit on courses and distant learning system.
- At second stage Commission estimate specialists of your center;
- System of center administration as well as interview with the head of the center make the third stage;
How long does the accreditation process take?
Generally, it can take about 7-21 days for the entire procedure. A smaller institution may be able to prepare for accreditation in as few as 7-14 days.
From whom may one seek advice in preparing to undergo an accreditation review?
The Accrediting Commission staff in Latvia is available for consultation by mail, regarding any questions about the accrediting process, procedures, or standards. Please contact the Commission offices for assistance.
Must a distance study institution be located in the Europe to qualify?
No. Distance study institutions outside of the Europe may apply for accreditation.
Must the institution be in operation two years before it may apply for accreditation?
At the time of application the institution must have been enrolling students continuously for the preceding one consecutive year under the present ownership and with its current programs. It must also demonstrate that it will operate continuously thereafter. The one-year period begins with the date of the first student enrollment.
However, if an institution’s parent company is currently accredited by another recognized accrediting agency, then the institution must only have 6 months of continuous operation as a distance study institution before it may be accredited. Institutions may initiate an application near the end of its appropriate waiting period.
Can an accredited institution transfer its accreditation or the benefits of its accreditation to another institution or individual by sale, contract, franchise, or other arrangement?
No. Accreditation by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission is institutional and is extended only to the accredited institution and its approved programs. Accreditation cannot be transferred in any way to an entity not under the ownership, management, and control of the accredited institution. All distance study programs and distance study-related activities under the ownership, management, and control of the accredited institution must be included in the accreditation, or none can be accredited. When an accredited institution undergoes a change in ownership, management, or control, the institution must undergo a complete accreditation review.
What are the costs involved for accreditation?
All ECICEL activities are voluntary; we do not charge fees for our services.
Are accrediting reports and documents made public?
No. The process of accreditation is regarded as a confidential one, and accreditation reports and documents are treated in a confidential manner.
Will course material be returned to the institution after subject specialists review the material?
No. All course materials including kits, tools, textbooks, and hardware are thoroughly vetted in the course review process and are not returned to the applicant institution.
