Accreditation
Accredited by ACBHE
Accrediting Commission for Biblical Higher Education
Accredited by NAPTI
National Association of Private Theological Institutions
Institutional Member of AAHEA
American Association of Higher Education and Accreditation
Certified Member of NBCA
National Bible College Association
Certified Member of ACEA
Academic Council of Educational Accountability
Certified Academic Institute
National Christian Counselors Association
Certified Academic Institute
The American Association of Christian Therapist
Certified Member of IFCC
International Federation of Christian Chaplains
Certified Member of IACCP
International Association of Christian Counseling Professionals
Associate Member of CCT
Christian Counselors of Texas
Member of the NAMA
National Anger Management Association
Certified Member of the BCA
Biblical Coaching Alliance
Certified Member of GCSN
Global Christian Schools Network
A number of fully accredited schools have accepted students with credits and/or degrees from CBIS. For a list of schools that have accepted CBIS students in the past, please call our offices. Transference of credit cannot be guaranteed as all credit transfers are at the discretion of the accepting institution.
Legitimacy of Degrees from Christian Bible Institute & Seminary
Christian Bible Institute & Seminary (CBIS) is a faith-based, religious institution dedicated to preparing men and women for Christian ministry. CBIS operates legally under a religious exemption, as recognized by the State of Florida, which authorizes qualified religious organizations to grant Bible and ministry degrees without secular accreditation requirements.
Our academic programs are focused exclusively on theological, ministerial, and Christian counseling education, serving students who feel called into church leadership and spiritual service.
Because of this recognized legal standing:
All degrees conferred by Christian Bible Institute & Seminary are 100% legal and valid religious degrees.
Why Accreditation Is Not Required for CBIS Degrees
Accreditation is voluntary in the United States. Institutions that specialize in religious education and ministry training are not required to be accredited by government-recognized accrediting agencies, because:
- The U.S. Constitution protects religious freedom and prevents the government from regulating doctrine or ministry credentialing.
- State religious exemption laws authorize Bible colleges to grant degrees in theology, divinity, ministry, and related disciplines.
- Religious education is not governed by the same standards as secular or career-focused education.
CBIS chooses to maintain its freedom as a ministry-driven institution, allowing Biblical values—not secular regulation—to guide our mission and teaching approach.
About .EDU Domains
Not Having a .EDU Does Not Affect Legitimacy
There is a common misconception that only accredited schools can use a .edu web address. In truth:
- The .edu domain is a website registration option—not a government approval.
- Many legitimate and legally recognized seminaries, Bible colleges, and international schools do not use .edu.
- State authorization—not a domain name—determines degree legality.
CBIS proudly uses .org to reflect our identity as a nonprofit, ministry-focused institution.
A web address does not determine legitimacy. Authorization and lawful operation do.
Purpose and Acceptance of CBIS Degrees
Degrees issued by CBIS are intended for spiritual and religious vocations, including:
- Pastoral Ministry
- Christian Counseling
- Evangelism & Missions
- Christian Education
- Chaplaincy
- Church Leadership & Administration
Graduates serve in churches, ministries, nonprofit organizations, and faith-based institutions around the world.
Transparency & Integrity
We believe in providing clear and honest information to our students:
- CBIS is legally authorized to grant degrees in theology and ministry.
- Our credentials are religious in nature and designed for Christian service.
- We are committed to academic excellence within a Biblical worldview.
Our goal is to develop Spirit-filled leaders who advance the Kingdom of God — not to achieve secular recognition.
For more information on accreditation, you may click on the following link to read the blog entitled What is the Big Deal about Accreditation?
Government Status Recognition – State of Florida
Florida Department of Education Recognizes Christian Bible Institute & Seminary, a State of Florida based and Registered Non-Profit Seminary as having complied with Section 1005.06(1)(f), Florida. Statutes pursuant to religious institutions.
Click here to view our status with the Florida Department of Education.
