AT*SQA Code of Ethics, Violations and Complaint Process for ISTQB Certifications

Certification is an honor, and those certified must abide by the Code of Ethics as agreed to in the AT*SQA Terms of Use when you create an account, purchase exam voucher, and each time you log in.

Below are the Code of Ethics, ethics violation disciplinary and appeals processes, as well as the complaint process.

ISTQB Code of Ethics

See the ISTQB Code of Ethics for test professionals.

Ethics Violation Consequences

If AT*SQA detects any exam anomalies before, during, or after an exam attempt, AT*SQA reserves the right to investigate, apply disciplinary action, and void certifications. AT*SQA may also require the candidate to retake an exam at the exam taker's own expense.

In the event that an individual's certified status is withdrawn for any reason, the person must refrain from the use of all references to a certified status.

Those who violate the Code of Ethics may be subject to disciplinary measures including, but not limited to:

• Revocation of certifications
• Forfeiture of exam attempts without refund

Complaint Review Process

Anyone who suspects a violation of this code of ethics may submit a complaint to AT*SQA via the website at atsqa.org. A minimum, the following must be submitted:

• A detailed description
• The source(s) of information
• All supporting information

Each complaint will be reviewed by the AT*SQA Board of Directors. If not enough information is present to initiate a review, further information will be requested.

Any substantiated complaint about a certified person shall also be referred by AT*SQA to the certified person in question at an appropriate time.

Confidentiality will be maintained when possible, but AT*SQA cannot guarantee the identity of the person submitting the information will not be revealed.

The Board of Directors will solicit details in writing from the individual being investigated as well as any others who may be able to provide relevant information.

The decision to be communicated to the complainant shall be made by, or reviewed and approved by, personnel not previously involved in the subject of the complaint.

On completion of its investigation, the Board of Directors will make a written report to the chief staff person recommending whether the complaint should be upheld, along with the recommended course of discipline, if any.

Whenever possible, AT*SQA will acknowledge receipt of the complaint and shall provide the complainant with progress reports and the outcome. The Board of Directors or chief staff person will give formal notice to the complainant of the end of the process.

Appeal Process

Individuals found to be in violation may appeal 30 days of the notice of the decision, stating the specific grounds for appeal. AT*SQA will acknowledge receipt of the appeal and will provide the appellant with progress reports and the outcome.

The decision-making personnel engaged in the appeals-handling process are different from those who were involved in the decision being appealed.

Submission, investigation, and decision on appeals shall not result in any discriminatory actions against the appellant.

The AT*SQA Board of Directors will solicit further details as needed. On completion of its investigation, the Board of Directors will make a written report to the chief staff person recommending whether the appeal is successful and whether subsequent action is warranted. The Board of Directors or chief staff person will give formal notice to the appellant of the end of the appeals-handling process.

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