Clear rules for fair, consistent and accountable quality assurance
The IOTEFL Code of Practice explains how accreditation, certification and public registry functions are administered in practice.
It supports transparent decision-making, reliable evidence, proportionate review, responsible public communication and continuing accountability after approval.
How IOTEFL quality assurance should function
The Code translates published standards into consistent operational practice.
Published Requirements
Applicants should be able to understand the criteria, evidence expectations, fees, process and possible outcomes before applying.
Documented Assessment
Findings and decisions must be supported by relevant, verifiable and appropriately recorded evidence.
Independent Judgement
Conflicts of interest should be declared and managed, with assessment and final decision separated where practicable.
Comparable Treatment
Comparable cases should be evaluated against the same published framework and decision principles.
Risk-Based Review
The depth of assessment and monitoring should reflect scope, complexity, delivery model and risk.
Recorded Responsibility
Roles, approvals, findings, actions and status changes should be traceable through a clear audit trail.
What applicants and members must do
- Provide complete, accurate and current information
- Submit authentic qualifications, records and supporting evidence
- Declare material changes, conflicts and relevant incidents
- Cooperate with review, monitoring and corrective action
- Use IOTEFL status only within the approved scope
- Protect learners and comply with ethical requirements
- Maintain records required for verification and renewal
How applications and status should be managed
- Publish clear standards and application information
- Handle evidence securely and confidentially
- Use competent reviewers and defined procedures
- Communicate findings and decisions clearly
- Provide complaint, review and appeal routes
- Maintain accurate registry and status information
- Apply sanctions and corrective action proportionately
From application to continuing assurance
The Code applies throughout the complete accreditation or certification lifecycle.
Application
Eligibility, scope, declarations and required documents are submitted.
Assessment
Evidence is reviewed, sampled and clarified through a proportionate process.
Decision
Findings support a recorded approval, conditional approval or refusal decision.
Monitoring
Declarations, complaints, changes and risk indicators inform continuing assurance.
Renewal
Updated evidence is reviewed before status is renewed or allowed to expire.
Responsible use of IOTEFL status
Accredited institutions and certified educators must ensure that public statements are accurate and not misleading.
- Use the correct approved name and status
- State the approved scope clearly
- Do not imply government recognition unless it exists
- Do not use expired, suspended or withdrawn status
- Remove marks and claims when authorisation ends
Responding to concerns
Where concerns arise, IOTEFL may request evidence, require corrective action, impose conditions, increase monitoring or review public status.
- Concerns should be assessed fairly and proportionately
- Affected members should normally have an opportunity to respond
- Actions should be recorded and reviewed
- Serious matters may be referred to relevant authorities
Relationship with law and national regulation
This Code provides an independent operational framework for IOTEFL quality assurance. It does not replace legal registration, statutory inspection, professional licensing, safeguarding duties or other requirements imposed by national or local authorities.
Review the standards and procedures before applying
Applicants should read this Code together with the relevant standards, application guidance, fee schedule, complaints procedure and privacy policy.