Higher Education Certification
The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) offers a structured certification program designed to enhance the quality and credibility of distance education programming. This distinguished certification denotes that the college, university, or organization stands out as exemplary among others, that it consistently operates as a quality learning organization, that it is innovative, trustworthy, and respected among multiple stakeholders, including learners, the community, and all involved in developing and facilitating instruction.
USDLA’s Quality Standards Certification supports excellence in distance and digital learning across sectors. Practicing professionals can choose from two sets of intentionally developed and externally validated criteria—one for nonprofit organizations, including government agencies, corporations, and businesses, and another for higher education programs, colleges, and universities.
Why Organizations Choose USDLA
Cares about quality learning insights
Community valued recognition for learner success
Cultivates innovations, continuous improvement
Connects to networked expertise
Encourages a positive climate
How To Get Certified
For your convenience, we've prepared a PDF to review the program details.
Initial Certification & 5-Year Renewal
Making a commitment to excellence, organizations begin with the Initial Certification. This stride toward excellence validates their programs against USDLA’s Quality Standards. To maintain certification and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving digital learning landscape, organizations undergo a 5-Year Renewal. This renewal includes a thorough reassessment of curriculum, technology, and support services, ensuring continued strategic alignment with institutional goals and industry advancements.
Key Features
- Comprehensive Self-Assessment—Institutions conduct an in-depth self-study, evaluating leadership, instructional design, infrastructure, learner support, and strategic alignment. This process may support accreditation requirements.
- External Review—A team of USDLA digital learning specialists reviews the self-assessment, conducts virtual or on-site visits, and provides detailed feedback.
- Certification Awarded—Upon successful review, organizations earn the Quality Certification, recognizing their commitment to best practices in distance education. Certified organizations receive the following distinctions:
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- Featured in a spotlight section of the USDLA newsletter
- Highlighted during a USDLA Friday webinar
- Listed on the USDLA Quality Certification web page
- Authorized to display USDLA Quality Certification logo on their own website
- Displayed with their organization’s logo on the USDLA certification page
Pricing (Same for Initial Certification* & 5-Year Renewal)
*Initial Application Fee: $500 (non-refundable, applied toward membership) https://usdla.org/membership/
| $3,500 | $5,000 | $6,000 |
Annual Renewal
To maintain certification status, institutions must undergo an annual review process after initial certification that ensures ongoing alignment with USDLA standards. These annual reviews occur in years 2 through 4, and again in years 6 through 9 following each 5-year renewal. This pattern continues with reviews required every year that is not a multiple of five, such as years 11, 12, and beyond.
Key Features:
- Progress Reporting—Organizations submit annual reports detailing improvements, updates, and outcomes.
- Continuous Improvement—Feedback from USDLA supports institutions in continuously refining their online programs and operations.
| $1,000 | $2,000 | $3,000 |
Consulting Services
USDLA offers customized consulting services to institutions seeking expert guidance in developing, enhancing, or transforming their distance learning programs. Participation in consulting services does not culminate in a Quality Certification; however, it offers a valuable opportunity to assess organizational readiness and lay the groundwork for pursuing certification.
Key Features
- Customized Support—Consultants provide one-on-one consultations to solve distance learning challenges or innovate their programs for cutting-edge instructional design, learner engagement, and scalable technology integration.
- Strategic Planning—Assistance in designing effective distance learning strategies and frameworks.
- Quality Enhancement—Recommendations for aligning programs with USDLA’s Quality Standards and best practices. This can include alignment with survey reporting bodies, accreditation standards, or industry scorecards.
Pricing
Consultants collaboratively design the scope of customized services. Project pricing is determined on the scope of work and nature of the engagement. A minimum of three hours of service is required; however, these hours do not need to be used consecutively and can be distributed over time. Hourly rates of $225/hour reflect the high-touch, customized, and professional services, backed by the strong reputation of USDLA. Onsite consultation services are available. Contact us for a quote.
Ready to Get Started?
Please complete the secure, online form to start your application.
PLEASE NOTE: USDLA does not ACCREDIT any institution. If you are ever contacted by a school claiming so, immediately contact USDLA at: inquiries@usdla.org.
Two Sets of Standards of Practice
USDLA’s Quality Certification program supports excellence in distance and digital learning across a wide range of organizations. While the certification process is consistent for all applicants, USDLA offers two distinct sets of externally validated Standards of Practice to reflect the unique missions and audiences of different types of learning providers:
- Higher Education Standards are designed for academic programs, colleges, universities, and higher education institutions. These standards emphasize best practices in online instruction, curriculum design, learner support, and institutional leadership within the context of formal education.
- Professional Learning Standards best serve non-academic entities such as nonprofit organizations, including government agencies, corporations, and businesses. These standards focus on effective program delivery, strategic alignment, instructional quality, and infrastructure for professional development and workforce learning.
Organizations select the set of standards that best aligns with their mission and learning audience. Regardless of the chosen framework, all applicants follow the same rigorous certification process—including self-study, external review, and ongoing renewal—to demonstrate their commitment to quality and continuous improvement in distance learning.
USDLA Code of Conduct
All participants of the USLDA Quality Certification process agree to operate consistently with the principles summarized below.
✓ Practice high ethical principles.
✓ Comply with legal and regulatory requirements of its jurisdiction.
✓ Confirm to generally accepted United States Distance Learning Association norms for its organizational training, instructional, and professional development programs.
✓ Honor its promises and commitments.
