DIPLOMA AND ACCREDITATION MILLS

EXAMPLE

Example - Qualification of a diploma mill – recognition refused

An applicant has submitted a number of qualifications for assessment. Following the usual checks into the accreditation status of the awarding institutions, it has been identified that the applicant’s MBA (Master of Business Administration) has been issued by an institution which is not accredited by the appropriate authorities in the country of origin. A review of the institution’s website reveals that no studies are required to obtain a qualification and there is no physical address given for the institution. A further check on the Oregon State list of unaccredited institutions confirms that this institution is considered to be a diploma mill. Consequently the applicant is informed that recognition of the qualification is refused. Details of the institution are then added to an internal list of identified diploma mills to assist other staff.