National Bible College Association

Guidelines

Accreditation Defined

Accreditation is the act of certifying that an educational institution maintains suitable standards; the granting of approval to an institution of learning by an official review board after the school has met certain requirements. Specifically, accreditation is the review of a school’s course offerings and procedures by a group of its peers to certify that that school is meeting its own stated objectives and offering its students the education it promises them.

Government Accreditation

The National Bible College Association is not recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Accreditation is “a review by your peers” that ensures that you are offering a quality program. The U.S. Department of Education is not a peer of Christian Leadership University.
Government-recognized accreditation is not necessary for the religious vocations we are training people in, which include: Biblical Studies, Christian Arts, Christian Counseling, Christian Entrepreneurship, Christian Leadership, Divine Healing, Divinity, Intercessory Prayer, Ministry, Missions and Evangelism, Pastoral Ministry, Prophetic Ministry, Theology, Worship Ministry, and Youth Ministry. People can function and hold jobs in all of these professions without government-recognized accreditation.
Individuals seeking employment in government-licensed positions such as public school teachers, state-licensed psychologists or psychiatrists, and non-church-related counselors definitely need government-recognized accredited degrees. Generally, people working in ministry positions do not need a government-accredited degree. In fact, a number of churches take a stand against the Church voluntarily placing itself under government regulations.

To download the current version of the NBCA Membership & Accreditation Guide click on the above image.

National Bible College Association (NBCA) Accreditation Manual

The NBCA Accreditation Manual serves as a comprehensive guide for member institutions seeking to uphold the highest standards of academic excellence and integrity. It outlines the requirements for accreditation, including detailed processes for evaluation, certification, and standardization of academic policies. This manual is essential for institutions committed to providing quality Christian education and for educators dedicated to continuous professional development. Join us in our mission to elevate Christian education by adhering to the rigorous standards set forth in this manual.

National Bible College Association

The National Bible College Association holds to the standard tenants of the Christian faith. We require that all member institutions of higher learning subscribe to and accept the following:
  • There is one and only one, true, holy and living God; Father, Son and Holy Ghost
  • The absolute deity of the Lord Jesus Christ; His virgin birth, death and resurrection from the dead; and His ultimate and eminent return
  • Man is a created being, separated from God by voluntary transgression
  • Salvation is provided wholly by grace through faith in the crucified, dead, buried and resurrected Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
  • The Holy Bible is God’s revelation to man, containing all things necessary for salvation
  • The person and work of the Holy Spirit
The National Bible College Association requires all members to provide valid proof of providing educational programs, geared in the direction of the instruction, enlightenment and advancement of the Kingdom of God and the effective training of professional ministers.
All members must provide valid proof of existence (i.e. Certificate of Incorporation [or the verification thereof]; Articles of Organization; etc.)
All members are required to register their institution annually.
Member institutions with more than one location (branch/extension) are required to register each additional location for half price of the annual membership dues (i.e. 1 location = $150.00; 2 locations = $225.00; 3 locations = $300.00; 4 locations = $375.00)
Membership is provided on an annual basis and shall be renewed on or before the expiration date listed on the Membership/Accreditation Certificate. Failure to renew by the deadline will cause the school to be removed and forfeit any and all benefits of NBCA membership. Failure to renew by the expiry date, once removal has occurred will be grounds for the school to be required to be reinstated in order to renew their membership status. Reinstatement is a separate $100.00 fee over and above the annual fee required for membership.
All members of the National Bible College Association are required to accept at face value the credits, certificates, diplomas and degrees issued by other member institutions. This affords students the assurance of transferability of credits, diplomas and degrees earned from other member institutions.
All member institutions, including the name of the President/Administrator will be listed on the Members page, along with other pertinent information (i.e. address, phone, email, web address, and expiry date).