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Recognition policy

Exactly what we check, what each status means, and how decisions are made.

On this page
  1. Purpose and scope
  2. The statuses
  3. What we check
  4. How decisions are made
  5. Validity and renewal
  6. Suspension and revocation
  7. What recognition does not mean
  8. Corrections and complaints

1. Purpose and scope

ICSOC publishes a public register of educational institutions and independently reviews institutions that apply for recognition. This policy explains what we check and how we decide, so that the status shown on the register can be relied on and understood.

It applies to every institution on the register, whether or not it has applied.

2. The statuses

Every page on the register shows one of these statuses beneath the institution's name.

  • STATUS: RECOGNIZED – the institution applied, passed our review, and holds a certificate that has not expired or been revoked. Its logo carries the recognition ribbon.
  • STATUS: UNRECOGNIZED – the institution is listed from public information. We have not reviewed it. This is the default for every listing.
  • STATUS: RECOGNITION EXPIRED – the institution was recognized, but its certificate has passed its end date and has not been renewed. It is treated as unrecognized.
  • STATUS: RECOGNITION REVOKED – ICSOC has withdrawn a previously issued recognition.

3. What we check

When an institution applies, we look at the following. Not every check applies to every institution, and we may ask for additional evidence where something is unclear.

Legal identity

  • The institution is a real organisation, and its name, country and registration or licence number match official records or documents it provides.
  • The name it uses publicly is the name it is registered under, or is clearly connected to it.

Representation and control

  • The person applying is authorised to act for the institution.
  • The institution controls its website and an official email address.

Approvals and accreditation it claims

  • If the institution says it is licensed, approved or accredited by another body, it provides evidence, and where we can, we confirm it with the issuing body.
  • Claims we cannot confirm are not repeated on the register as fact.

Transparency

  • The courses or programmes it offers are described honestly on its website.
  • Fees, refund terms and how to contact the institution are easy to find.
  • Information about teaching staff, where published, is genuine.

Conduct

  • We consider concerns reported to us and any public evidence of misleading marketing or unfair treatment of students.

4. How decisions are made

Applications are reviewed on the evidence provided and the checks above. We tell the applicant the outcome. If more information is needed, we say what is missing so it can be provided. A status is never decided by payment, by relationship with ICSOC, or by how many people contact us.

5. Validity and renewal

A recognition is valid for 12 months from the date shown on the certificate. Before it ends, the institution can apply to renew, and we repeat the relevant checks. If it is not renewed, the status changes to expired and the ribbon is removed.

6. Suspension and revocation

We may revoke a recognition, and will say so on the institution's page, if for example:

  • the institution gave false or misleading information to us or to students;
  • it lost a licence or approval it relied on;
  • it no longer controls the website or operates under the recognized identity; or
  • there is credible evidence of serious misconduct towards students.

Where it is practical to do so, we tell the institution why and allow it to respond before a decision is final.

7. What recognition does not mean

ICSOC is not a government body, regulator or academic accrediting authority, and recognition does not replace any licence or accreditation an institution may need. A recognized status means the institution passed our review at the time. It is not a guarantee of teaching quality, student results, employment outcomes or the institution's future conduct.

An unrecognized status does not mean an institution is unsafe or of poor quality. It means we have not reviewed it. Please do your own research before enrolling or paying fees.

8. Corrections and complaints

The register is built from public information and the details institutions give us, and mistakes can happen. If you notice incorrect information, if you represent an institution and want your listing corrected, or if you have a concern about an institution, please use the report a concern form or write to [email protected]. We review every report and correct errors promptly.

Last updated: 29 October 2026