International Standards for Online Learning & Professional Education
ICODL is an independent international commission setting standards, accrediting providers and verifying credentials across open, online, distance, vocational and professional learning worldwide.
Worldwide Recognition
Global Standards. Local Recognition.
ICODL supports institutions and professional education providers through international standards for open, online, distance, vocational, and professional learning.
The Mark of Recognition
A credential institutions are proud to display.
Every recognised provider receives an official ICODL credential — sealed, uniquely numbered and independently verifiable. It carries the commission's seal, the institution's accreditation identifier and a QR that confirms standing in real time.
From Application to Recognition
A clear, accountable pathway.
Recognition is earned through a structured, transparent process and maintained through ongoing compliance. Select any step to learn more.
Recognition Categories
Nine routes to recognition.
From a single programme to a whole institution — recognition is granted at the level that fits your provision.
About ICODL
An independent commission for international education standards.
ICODL sets and upholds one credible quality standard across professional, vocational and campus-based education and open, online and distance learning — recorded on the same public register worldwide.
Who we are
Standards, accreditation & verification.
ICODL is an independent quality-assurance, accreditation and certification body. It is not a government ministry or university, does not deliver courses and does not award qualifications. Recognition indicates independent evaluation against the published ICODL Standards.
Our remit spans two domains under a single framework: professional and vocational education delivered in person, and open, online and distance learning delivered anywhere. The result is one mark of trust that travels with the credential, wherever it is earned.
Our Mandate
Two domains. One standard.
Professional & Vocational Standards
On campus · on-site · in the workplaceCertification and quality assurance for professional, vocational and technical education delivered in person — by institutions, professional bodies and employers.
Open, Online & Distance Learning
Anywhere · any time · at a distanceAccreditation for education delivered beyond the classroom — open, online, distance, blended and flexible provision evaluated against the same rigorous criteria.
Governance & Compliance
Structured, representative and answerable.
The separation of evaluation, decision and appeal protects the integrity of every accreditation.
- 01Reviewer independence
Evaluations are carried out by expert peers with no commercial interest in the provider under review.
- 02Complaints
A published complaints procedure allows any party to raise concerns about a recognised provider.
- 03Sanctions
The Commission may defer, suspend or withdraw recognition where standards are not maintained.
- 04Appeals
Providers have a right of appeal to an independent tribunal separate from the deciding committee.
Standards Framework
The standards behind every recognition.
One published framework, applied to every provider and programme — on campus and at a distance — for the life of its recognition.
Governance Standards
Mission clarity, ethical conduct and the autonomy to protect academic standards, supported by sound financial and organisational governance.
Academic Delivery Standards
Programmes designed for their mode of delivery, with defined outcomes, appropriate level and coherent structure across the learner journey.
Online Learning Quality
Reliable platforms, accessible content and effective digital pedagogy for open, online, distance and blended provision.
Assessment & Certification Integrity
Valid assessment, learner identity verification and tamper-evident certification that can be independently confirmed.
Learner Support
Proactive academic and pastoral support, accessible resources and responsive services for every learner, in every mode.
Compliance & Annual Review
Evidence-based self-evaluation, annual attestation and a culture of acting on review findings to sustain quality over time.
Documents & Policies
Standards and public policies.
Each opens as a formatted document you can read and print.
Accreditation
Seek international recognition for your provision.
A structured, transparent route to recognition for institutions, professional bodies and providers — whether delivering in person or at a distance.
Who can apply
- Institutions delivering open, online or distance programmes
- Professional bodies awarding certifications
- Vocational & technical training providers
- Corporate & continuing-education academies
Review timeline
Recognition Categories
Choose the category that fits your provision.
Evidence Required
Prepare your supporting documents.
Attach evidence below to see it staged for your application. Files are confirmed and submitted from your portal.
Public Verification
Confirm a credential against the register.
Enter a credential's details — or scan its QR code — to retrieve an institution's current standing, recognised scope and validity.
ICODL Credential Verification
Official lookup against the live public register
Verification reads directly from the public register. Suspended, withdrawn or expired records are shown in full so that no lapsed recognition can be misrepresented as current.
Public Directory
The public register of recognised providers.
Search institutions, professional bodies and programmes recognised by ICODL across both domains. Select any entry to open its full verification record.
| Institution / Body ↕ | Granted ↕ | Status |
|---|
What Recognised Institutions Receive
An official certificate, badge and verifiable record.
Recognition is a public, verifiable presence — a sealed certificate, a digital credential and a live register listing, each carrying a QR anyone can scan.
Certificate of Recognition
A genuine institutional credential.
Each certificate is issued on official ivory stock with a navy-and-gold border, the ICODL logo and an embossed seal watermark. It states the institution, recognition category, accreditation identifier and validity — and is signed by the Secretariat.
- Unique accreditation identifier & QR verification
- Embossed official seal & signature
- Live listing on the public register
Digital Credential
A sealed credential card for the web.
Display the official ICODL credential on your site and prospectus. It carries the commission's seal, the accreditation identifier, current status and a QR that links to live verification.
Members & Recognised Institutions
Institutions recognised by ICODL.
A selection of providers across both domains holding current ICODL recognition. Select any institution to open its verification record.
Benefits of recognition
Why institutions join the register.
International credibility
A recognition that travels with your credentials across borders, listed on a register anyone can check.
A verified badge & mark
Display an authenticated digital badge and accreditation mark — each carrying a unique ID and QR.
Learner & employer trust
Give students, parents and employers public proof of quality assurance.
Recognised institutions
A global membership.
Contact the Secretariat
Get in touch with ICODL.
For enquiries about accreditation, certification, verification or use of the ICODL mark.