Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I have resources available to help me through the QCR process?
  Yes! QCR commits to a cooperative effort with schools. QCR is not an “accepted or denied” process. Once a course is submitted for review, if it doesn’t meet the QCR standards, QCR enters in to cooperative effort with the school to bring the course up to standard. If the QCR review team requests changes be made to a course, the school has 45 days or three months to respond to that initial request. If the provider doesn’t follow-up within the 45 day period the application fees are forfeited.
  
  
• What is the QCR program?
  Having a "measuring stick" is an important step to evaluate quality. What education providers and regulators need is an objective review of courses submitted for credit. ARELLO-IDECC’s Distance Education Council, in conjunction with qualified university consultants, will evaluate the quality of course delivery using the Standards. If the school’s program matches up against the measuring stick, the Council will recognize the course delivery.
  
  
• What are the ARELLO-IDECC Distance Education Certification Standards?
  From the latest research on distance learning and educational delivery, ARELLO-IDECC has compiled a comprehensive set of criteria against which distance courses can be accurately evaluated. Think of them as a reliable measuring stick for delivery of Internet, satellite, video, computer disc, audiotape or other remote instruction.
  
  
• How does the cost of a QCR course review compare to other approaches?
  Since QCR is provided by a non-profit organization, it can provide course review services at a significantly lower cost than other for-profit ventures. 
  
  
• What is the role and value of course recognition?
  Recognition and accreditation are status granted to an educational institution or provider that has been found to meet or exceed the stated standards of educational quality. This activity has long been accepted in the United States and Canada, but is less common in other parts of the world. The process has encouraged a voluntary system of promoting quality education without inhibiting innovation.
  
  Entities conducting institutional accreditation are national or regional in scope and comprise the institutions that have achieved and maintain accreditation. These bodies consider the characteristics of whole institutions. For this reason an institutional accrediting body gives attention not only to the educational offerings of the institutions it accredits, but also in-depth institutional characteristics as student personnel services, financial conditions and administrative strengths.
  
  Entities conducting programmatic or specialized reviews, such as the ARELLO Distance Education Certification Council, may be international in scope and typically conduct program and course certification for a profession or occupation. Such specialized review entities focus their attention on the institution, particular programs or courses, and provide a basic assurance of the scope and quality of the professional or occupational preparation.
  
  The objectives of a course review process derive from the minds and experiences of individuals and groups who are seeking to realize certain values and fulfill certain purposes. Typically the general objectives are derived from the history, experiences, and bylaws of the professional associations and/or academic distance education research.