Accreditation (International/Independent)
The process by which an independent, non-governmental body (such as QAHE) evaluates an educational institution to verify that it meets a specific set of global quality standards. Unlike mandatory state licensing, international accreditation is a voluntary “Quality Seal” that facilitates cross-border recognition and professional mobility.
ANACEC (National Agency for Quality Assurance in Education and Research)
The state-authorised regulatory body of the Republic of Moldova. QAHE maintains a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ANACEC to harmonise international quality benchmarks with Moldovan national standards.
Apostille
A form of authentication issued to documents for use in countries that participate in the Hague Convention of 1961. In education, an Apostille is often required to verify the signature of a notary or public official on a degree or transcript before it can be recognised by a foreign government.
Bologna Process
A series of ministerial agreements between European countries designed to ensure comparability in the standards and quality of higher-education qualifications. QAHE benchmarks its evaluative criteria to align with the spirit of the Bologna Process to support European student mobility.
Cédula Profesional
In Mexico, this is the official professional licence issued by the Secretariat of Public Education (SEP). While QAHE provides institutional quality accreditation, the Cédula remains the legal requirement for individuals to practice regulated professions within Mexican territory.
E-Learning / Distance Education (Non-School Modality)
An educational delivery model where instruction is conducted remotely, often via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). QAHE provides specialized accreditation for this “non-school” modality, ensuring that online degrees meet the same rigorous ISO 21001:2018 standards as brick-and-mortar institutions.
E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness)
A set of standards used by search engines (like Google) to rank the quality of a website. By publishing technical articles and documenting MOUs with government agencies, QAHE strengthens its E-E-A-T, distinguishing its official site from unverified or commercial entities.
ISO 9001:2015
The international standard for a Quality Management System (QMS). QAHE is itself ISO 9001:2015 certified, meaning its internal administrative and evaluative processes are audited to meet global efficiency and consistency requirements.
ISO 21001:2018
The specific international standard for Educational Organisations Management Systems (EOMS). This is the primary technical benchmark QAHE uses to evaluate accredited members, focusing on the unique needs of learners and the effectiveness of educational delivery.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
A formal, non-binding agreement between two organisations (e.g., QAHE and FIBAA or QAHE and ARIA) that outlines a bilateral commitment to cooperate, share quality standards, or provide reciprocal recognition of accreditation findings.
RVOE (Reconocimiento de ValidezOficial de Estudios)
The mandatory “Official Validity” recognition granted by the Mexican government to private schools. QAHE accreditation is an additional international layer that institutions seek after obtaining their RVOE to compete on a global scale.
Verification Portal (24/7)
A secure, digital database maintained by an accrediting body that allows employers and third-party evaluators to instantly confirm the accreditation status of an institution. This is a primary tool used by QAHE to combat credential fraud.
