1. Our Commitment
Association for Professional Excellence is dedicated to providing a professional, respectful,
and inclusive environment for all members of our community — including certification
candidates, certificate holders, organizational partners, staff, and visitors.
We are committed to creating an environment where everyone can engage with our services
and community free from harassment, discrimination, and unprofessional conduct.
Our Mission: To foster professional excellence by maintaining standards
of behaviour that reflect the values we assess and certify.
2. Core Values
Our code of conduct is built upon these core values:
Respect
Treating all individuals with dignity, courtesy, and consideration regardless of background or viewpoint
Integrity
Acting honestly, ethically, and transparently in all interactions and assessments
Inclusivity
Welcoming and valuing diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences
Excellence
Striving for the highest standards of professional behaviour and performance
Accountability
Taking responsibility for our actions and their impact on others
Growth
Embracing continuous learning and development in professional competencies
3. Expected Behaviour
All community members are expected to:
3.1 Professional Conduct
- Communicate respectfully: Use professional, courteous language in all interactions
- Be collaborative: Support others in their professional development journey
- Practice empathy: Consider others' perspectives and experiences
- Be constructive: Provide feedback and criticism that is helpful and respectful
- Honor commitments: Follow through on obligations and deadlines
3.2 Assessment Integrity
- Complete assessments independently: Do not seek or provide unauthorized assistance
- Maintain confidentiality: Do not share, discuss, or reproduce assessment content
- Report violations: Notify us of any suspected breaches of assessment integrity
- Be honest: Provide truthful information in all communications and assessments
3.3 Respect for Intellectual Property
- Respect copyrights, trademarks, and proprietary information
- Do not copy, reproduce, or distribute our content without permission
- Give proper attribution when referencing our materials
- Respect the intellectual property rights of other community members
3.4 Privacy and Confidentiality
- Respect others' privacy and personal information
- Do not share others' personal data without consent
- Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
- Use personal information only for appropriate purposes
4. Unacceptable Behaviour
The following behaviours are unacceptable and will not be tolerated:
Dishonest Conduct
- Cheating on assessments or helping others cheat
- Plagiarism or misrepresentation of work
- Providing false information or credentials
- Impersonating others or creating fake accounts
- Fraudulent use of certifications or credentials
Disruptive Behavior
- Trolling, insulting, or derogatory comments
- Personal or political attacks
- Deliberately disruptive behavior in community spaces
- Spam or excessive self-promotion
- Publishing others' private information without consent
Harmful Actions
- Threats of violence or violent language
- Incitement of violence or harassment against any individual
- Distribution of malware or harmful code
- Attempts to compromise system security
- Any illegal activity
5. Reporting Violations
5.1 How to Report
If you experience or witness behaviour that violates this Code of Conduct:
- Report immediately: Contact us as soon as possible
- Provide details: Include date, time, individuals involved, and description of incident
- Include evidence: Screenshots, messages, or other documentation if available
- Maintain confidentiality: Do not share details publicly while under investigation
5.2 Confidentiality
All reports will be handled with discretion. We will protect the confidentiality of those
reporting violations to the extent possible while conducting a thorough investigation.
5.3 No Retaliation
We prohibit retaliation against anyone who reports violations in good faith.
Retaliation itself is a violation of this Code of Conduct and will result in appropriate action.
6. Enforcement
6.1 Investigation Process
When a violation is reported, we will:
- Acknowledge receipt of the report within 2 business days
- Conduct a fair and thorough investigation
- Gather information from all relevant parties
- Review evidence and assess the situation
- Make a determination based on facts and this Code of Conduct
- Take appropriate action as outlined below
6.2 Possible Actions
Depending on the severity and nature of the violation, we may take the following actions:
Level 1: Warning
For: Minor or first-time violations
- Written warning explaining the violation
- Guidance on expected behaviour
- Documentation in account records
Level 2: Temporary Suspension
For: Repeated minor violations or moderate violations
- Temporary suspension of account access (7-90 days)
- Required acknowledgment of Code of Conduct
- Probationary period upon return
Level 3: Certificate Revocation
For: Assessment integrity violations
- Revocation of certification(s)
- Notification to relevant parties if appropriate
- Extended suspension or permanent ban
Level 4: Permanent Ban
For: Severe violations or repeated offenses
- Permanent termination of all accounts
- Prohibition from creating new accounts
- Revocation of all certifications
- Legal action if appropriate
6.3 Appeals
If you believe an enforcement action was taken in error, you may appeal within 14 days by
contacting appeals@profxcel.org. Appeals will be
reviewed by a different team member not involved in the original decision.
7. Scope
This Code of Conduct applies to:
- All uses of our platform and services
- Assessment environments and activities
- Community forums, discussions, and events
- Communication with staff and other community members
- Representation of our organization in public spaces
- Use of our certifications and credentials
This Code applies to all community members including certification candidates, certificate
holders, organizational partners, employees, contractors, and volunteers.
8. Acknowledgment
By using our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to abide
by this Code of Conduct. You understand that violations may result in actions up to and
including permanent ban and certificate revocation.
We're all in this together. By maintaining high standards of professional
behaviour, we create a community that reflects the excellence we certify.
9. Updates
We may update this Code of Conduct from time to time to reflect community feedback and
evolving standards. Material changes will be communicated to all community members.