Policy & Procedures

Background

The Credit Consultants Association maintains a Code of Ethics available to all members. The Code sets out the standard of professional conduct members are expected to adhere to.

The Ethics Committee serves as an educational resource for members and is available to any member with questions about matters of ethical and professional conduct.

The association and its Ethics Committee are not investigative bodies. The association has not been charged with investigating allegations of misconduct, and it does not hold subpoena power, compel testimony, or adjudicate disputed facts. That authority rests with the appropriate state regulatory agencies and the courts.

A published policy is nonetheless necessary — one that promotes member education about and compliance with the Code of Ethics, and that provides a defined route for addressing concerns raised by third parties about a member's conduct. This document sets out that policy.

Policy

It is the policy of the Credit Consultants Association that its members maintain high professional and ethical standards.

To reinforce this, members receive education and regular updates on the association's Code of Ethics, are encouraged to contact the Ethics Committee with questions regarding conduct within the scope of the Code, and are periodically reminded of the association's expectation that they conduct themselves in compliance with it.

It is further the policy of the association that the Ethics Committee functions as an educational arm rather than an investigative one. At the same time, the association considers it important to respond in a timely and defined way when a third party raises a concern about a member's conduct. The procedures below give effect to both principles.

Procedures

1. On acceptance for membership, each new member is provided with a copy of the Code of Ethics, made available online.
2. At least annually, members are reminded of the association's expectation that they conduct themselves professionally and in compliance with the Code of Ethics.
3. The association uses its email newsletter, its website, and other appropriate channels to communicate its expectations regarding compliance with the Code of Ethics to members.
4. In the event that any person, whether a member or not, brings to the attention of the association or its governing body a written allegation of ethical misconduct against a member, the association will:
   1. Respond promptly to the individual, explaining that the association does not investigate or adjudicate allegations of misconduct, and directing them to the applicable state regulatory body and to any other remedy available to them.
   2. Advise the individual that any written statement submitted to the association regarding the alleged conduct will be retained in a confidential file at the association's administrative office.
   3. Advise the individual that a copy of their written statement will be provided to the member concerned, who will be given the opportunity to submit a written response.
   4. Retain both the statement and any response in the member's confidential file, and consider the matter under the membership provisions set out below.

Membership & certification standing

Membership in the association and the certifications it issues are granted on the condition of continued adherence to the Code of Ethics. They are not property rights, and the association reserves the right to withdraw them.

Where the association determines that a member has acted in violation of the Code of Ethics, or has been the subject of an adverse determination by a regulatory authority or a court, the association may:

1. Terminate the individual's membership in the association;
2. Revoke any certification issued to the individual by the association;
3. Withdraw the individual's authorization to use the association's certification marks, seals, and designations, and require their removal from all websites and materials;
4. Remove the individual's listing from the public consultant directory; and
5. Record the revocation in the association's register of forfeited certifications, so that the current standing of any credential can be verified by a consumer or referral partner.

A member whose certification has been revoked may submit a written request for reconsideration to the association's administrative office.

Certification marks

Authorization to display these marks is granted only to members in good standing holding the corresponding current certification, and terminates automatically upon lapse, revocation, or termination of membership.