ACTEA offers various paths towards full accreditation, depending upon the accreditation status of the institution which seeks ACTEA accreditation. The institution without accreditation from a reputable, recognized agency submits to the full process outlined below. On the other hand, the institution already with government recognition of its programmes may acquire ACTEA accreditation through a streamlined process.
Accreditation
Paths Toward Accreditation
1. Institutions without Accreditation
2. Institutions with non-ACTEA Accreditation
An institution with globally recognized accreditation (e.g. from a member agency of ICETE or comparable) or the department of religion/theological studies within a university, which already has achieved government recognition for its programmes by the appropriate higher education agency, may seek ACTEA Accreditation for the same accredited programmes through a streamlined process of self-evaluation and reporting.
ACTEA will honour the work which the institution has already expended in achieving government recognition for its programmes. At the same time, ACTEA will maintain the accreditation distinctives which benefit particularly the church in Africa. For example, ACTEA Standards prioritize the spiritual development and character formation of students, particularly through committed faculty of exemplary character and conduct. Hence, the streamlined process will direct the institution to report on compliance with standards relevant to these priorities.
The ACTEA accreditation process for the institution with government recognized programmes requires submission of formal application to the ACTEA office in Nairobi with essential institutional data, formal declaration of the governing board of the institution to pursue ACTEA accreditation, forwarding of the prior self-evaluation report received by the national higher education agency for its assessment, leading to government recognition. ACTEA Accreditation and Evaluation Division will review this self-evaluation report and identify additional Standards, consistent with ACTEA accreditation distinctives, upon which the institution must report. The ACTEA office will determine if an ACTEA Assessor should visit to verify the institution’s reporting. The period of ACTEA accreditation lasts five years and is maintained by completing the Annual Report in a responsible and comprehensive manner (in addition to tendering the requisite annual fee).
ACTEA Membership
ACTEA’s role as a hub for theological education in Africa engages not only theological educators and their institutions but also church leaders, para-church agencies, and even global partners. Consequently, ACTEA membership has broadened to integrate all who value the role of quality theological education for a vibrant church transforming society in Africa. Participation in the ACTEA General Assembly invites this broader membership while distinguishing full membership from associate membership.
(Full) ACTEA Membership
Institutions with ACTEA Accreditation of their educational programme(s) constitute members of ACTEA General Assembly who have voting privileges. Full ACTEA membership also grants immediate access to support services offered by ACTEA continental and global ministry partners.
Associate Membership
Institutions not seeking ACTEA accreditation are, nevertheless, invited to join the ACTEA family and participate in the General Assembly as non-voting members under the Associate Membership status. The Associate Membership status may include universities perhaps exploring ACTEA accreditation, theological institutions with provisional recognition and those not yet seeking ACTEA accreditation, missions agencies, both continental and global, institutions/organizations offering non-formal theological education, even Western based theological institutions. The sole criterion for Associate Membership is formal acceptance of the AEA Statement of Faith and payment of an annual fee. Associate members can access selected support services offered by ACTEA and its ministry partners.