Step 2: Complete & Submit the Application Request Form

● Complete the official Application Request Form (be sure to put Intake Department in the subject line) to formally initiate the accreditation process. This form serves as your institution’s formal declaration of intent to seek accreditation and provides the accrediting body with essential preliminary information about your program or institution. Ensure all required fields are filled out accurately to avoid delays in processing your request.

● Submit the completed Application Request Form to info@abbc.institute. Upon receipt of the form and the $50.00 non-refundable application fee, the Intake Department will conduct an initial review and send an acknowledgment of receipt via email. (Please ensure that a valid and accurate email address is provided.) Following this, a private institution code will be assigned, indicating that your institution is qualified to proceed to Step 3 of the accreditation process.

Step 3: Receive and Complete the Application Packet

- Once the Application Request Form is received, a private institute code will be emailed allowing the institute to download the official Application Packet. The entire packet includes:

- Accreditation Application

- Fee Schedule

- Institutional Self-Assessment Report

- Documentation Checklist

Step 4: The Institutional Self-Assessment

- Conduct the Self-Assessment using the ABBCU Self-Assessment Report.

The assessment covers these specific areas:

• Governance & Leadership
• Financial Stability Statement
• Curriculum & Faculty
• Student Services
• Facilities & Resources – Do Not submit financial documents
• Mission & Outcomes Assessment

Step 5: Submit the Full Self-Assessment Report

Complete and submit the Self-Assessment Report to ABBCU along with:

- Course syllabi samples

- Statement of Faculty Qualifications

- Sample Student Handbook

Submit all documentation via email to info@bbc.institute

- Completed Application Form

- Payment of the one-time $75.00 processing fee (retain payment confirmation code)

- Required documentation (e.g., catalog, and organizational chart)

- Be sure to put Processing Department in the subject line

- There is a 30-day submission deadline (If you need additional time to complete the

application, contact our member support team at info@abbc.institute (be sure to put

Member Support Team in the subject line)

Step 6: Preliminary Document Review by ABBC

- ABBCU reviewers will validate whether the Self-Assessment and documentation submitted are complete.

- Institutions may receive initial feedback requesting clarification or additional information.

Step 7: Prepare for Desktop Evaluation Review

- Upon review of the Self-Assessment Report, ABBCU may request a Desktop Evaluation, only if more clarification is needed

- Desktop Evaluation reviews are conducted via Zoom and are scheduled at mutually convenient times

If a Desktop Evaluation review is requested, it is the responsibility of the institution to compile and submit the required documentation. ABBCU will furnish a checklist of the specific documents needed for the review process.

- A Zoom meeting will be scheduled with one (1) faculty member, the Accreditation Liaison, two (2) board members, and the dean/director

Step 8: Desktop Evaluation Review

During a Desktop Evaluation the Evaluator will:

• Verify the Self-Assessment Report
• Conduct interviews
• Review the additional requested information
• A summary report will be drafted by the evaluation team and submitted to the Accreditation Commission Board.

Step 9: The Accreditation Commission Board receives the report and makes recommendations

- ABBC provides the Accreditation Commission Board with an Evaluation Report that describes the institutions:

- Strengths

- Recommendations for Areas of Improvement

- Accreditation Status recommendation (e.g., Conditional, Provisional, or Full Accreditation)

Step 10: Accreditation Commission's Decision

• The ABBC Accreditation Commission reviews all documentation and reports.
• A formal accreditation decision is made and communicated in writing to the institution
• Status levels of accreditation are
• Conditional (initial stage)
• Provisional (short-term improvements needed)
• Full Accreditation (full year)

Step 11: Receive Accreditation Certificate & Seal

- Upon approval, the institution will be formally notified via email. After the accreditation/membership fee of $450.00 is received, the institution will receive an award letter along with their:

Confirmation of Payment Code (retain for your records)

• Official Certificate of Accreditation
• Digital and print-ready Accreditation Seal
• Listing on the ABBC Accredited Institutions Registry
•  Please be advised, there is a 45-day turnaround period from the date your institution receives its official confirmation code to the final notification of your accreditation status. This period allows our evaluation team to thoroughly review all submitted materials, conduct any required follow-ups, and ensure a fair and comprehensive assessment of your institution’s compliance with ABBCU standards.

• Option for Expedited Accreditation Review

As part of our commitment to providing responsive service, the Accreditation

• Board for Bible Colleges & Universities (ABBCU) offers an Expedited
• Review Option for institutions seeking an accelerated accreditation
• determination. If your institution would like your application to be reviewed
• on an expedited basis, complete the Expedited Review Request Form and
• submit it along with your full Accreditation Application Packet and all fees.

Step 12: Maintain Compliance and Submit Annual Reports

- Accredited institutions must:

- Submit an Annual Report each year

- Report major institutional changes (e.g., leadership and programs)

Step 13: Renewal & Re-evaluation Annually

• Prepare for Re-accreditation Review by submitting updated self-assessment, and annual accreditation fees.
• Institutions will be notified by the intake department 60 days before expiration of their accreditation.