About Us

The Association of Christian Theological Schools, Commission on Accrediting (ACTS) is dedicated to accrediting smaller Bible colleges, specialized theological schools, and seminaries that offer programs through distance learning, external study methods, or traditional on-campus formats.ACTS specializes in accrediting online institutions and other distance education methods, recognizing the increasing relevance and innovation in remote theological education. We are committed to both traditional and competency-based theological education, ensuring that our accredited institutions meet diverse learning outcomes and educational goals through various effective teaching methodologies.

Accreditation from ACTS signifies an institution’s commitment to quality and transparency, as it voluntarily agrees to undergo third-party evaluation of its policies and practices. This mark of approval assists prospective students in identifying credible and reputable places for their theological education. Through ACTS, even the smallest theological institutions can gain recognized accreditation, showcasing their commitment to high educational standards.

ACTS was founded as a viable alternative for institutions that provide quality theological education but do not align with the stringent corporate standards set by many accrediting bodies. We cater specifically to smaller or more specialized institutions, recognizing the evolving technological landscape and innovations in methods and formats for delivering quality theological training. 

ACTS is committed to providing theological accreditation independently of government accreditation agencies. While we may seek recognition from entities like the U.S. Department of Education and CHEA to broaden the validation and acceptance of our accreditation, our processes and evaluations are tailored specifically to the unique nature of theological education, which operates under different criteria from general higher education.

Theological studies, including Bible studies, are distinct from the academic standards set by the U.S. DOE, which often cover additional liberal arts programs.ACTS is a Christian-based organization focused solely on discipleship through education. Our accreditation process evaluates institutions based on our carefully selected standards, maintaining high academic standards as well as our specialized theological criteria. This ensures that our accredited institutions meet the rigorous standards of quality and integrity expected within the theological community.