Credential Terms & Conditions

Terms Governing ASI Certifications and Professional Designations

Accreditation Standards Institute LLC — A Delaware Limited Liability Company

Last Updated: January 1, 2025

Article 1: Nature of ASI Credentials

1.1 Accreditation Standards Institute (ASI) certifications represent the successful completion of rigorous educational training programs in health and wellness disciplines. These are private, educational credentials signifying that the holder has demonstrated competency through required coursework, assessments, and examinations.

1.2 ASI certification programs include, but are not limited to:

Certified Functional Medicine Health Coach (CFMHC)
Certified Holistic Nutrition Coach (CHNC)
Certified Women's Health Specialist (CWHS)
Certified Integrative Wellness Practitioner (CIWP)
Certified Metabolic Health Coach (CMHC)
Mini-Diploma programs and specialty certifications

Critical Understanding

ASI certifications are educational credentials, not professional licenses issued by governmental bodies. They do not grant legal authority to practice medicine, psychology, counseling, registered dietetics, or any profession requiring state or federal licensure. Graduates must independently verify and comply with all licensure and regulatory requirements in their jurisdiction.

Article 2: Certification Requirements

To earn and maintain an ASI certification in good standing, you must satisfy all of the following requirements:

Complete all required coursework as verified by the ASI Learning Management System (LMS), with minimum progress thresholds achieved
Pass the certification examination with a minimum passing score of 80% or as specified for your certification program
Complete all required assignments, case studies, and practical assessments as specified in your program curriculum
Execute the ASI Code of Ethics Agreement and commit to upholding professional standards
Maintain good standing with ASI by adhering to all policies, terms, and ethical guidelines
Operate exclusively within the defined scope of practice for your certification level
Satisfy all financial obligations to ASI without dispute, chargeback, or default

Article 3: Permitted Use of Credentials

3.1 Upon successful certification and while maintaining good standing, you are granted a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use your ASI credential as follows:

Authorized Uses:

Display your official ASI digital certificate on your website, social media profiles, and professional platforms
Include your certification title and designation on business cards, letterhead, and marketing materials
Reference your training from Accreditation Standards Institute in professional biographies
Use approved credential designations after your name (e.g., "Jane Smith, CFMHC")
Share your certificate with prospective clients, employers, or collaborative healthcare providers
Include certification details on your resume, CV, and professional profiles (LinkedIn, etc.)
State that you are "Certified by the Accreditation Standards Institute"

3.2 Proper designation format examples:

"Jane Smith, Certified Functional Medicine Health Coach (ASI)"
"John Doe, CFMHC — Accreditation Standards Institute"
"Sarah Johnson — ASI Certified Holistic Nutrition Coach"

Article 4: Prohibited Uses

The following uses of ASI credentials are strictly prohibited and may result in immediate credential revocation and legal action:

Claiming to be a medical doctor, licensed physician, registered dietitian, licensed nutritionist, licensed therapist, counselor, psychologist, or any other licensed professional unless you independently hold such license
Implying that your ASI certification grants medical authority or the ability to diagnose, treat, prescribe, or cure
Using your certification to diagnose conditions, treat diseases, prescribe medications or supplements, or provide services requiring professional licensure
Transferring, selling, lending, or sharing your certification or credential with any other person or entity
Altering, forging, modifying, or misrepresenting your certificate, credential, or any ASI documentation
Continuing to use credentials if your certification has been revoked, suspended, or is not in good standing
Misrepresenting the nature, scope, or authority of your ASI training or certification to clients, employers, or the public
Using ASI credentials in connection with illegal activities, fraud, or services that violate applicable laws

Article 5: Credential Verification

5.1 ASI maintains a secure database of all certified graduates. Third parties, including prospective clients, employers, healthcare organizations, and regulatory bodies, may request verification of credentials.

5.2 Upon receipt of a legitimate verification request containing the graduate's name and consent, ASI will confirm:

Whether the individual holds an active ASI certification
The specific certification program completed
The date of certification issuance
The current standing of the certification (active, suspended, or revoked)

5.3 By accepting your ASI certification, you consent to ASI responding to legitimate verification requests and maintaining your certification status in our verification system.

Verification requests: verify@accreditation-standards.org or visit accreditation-standards.org/verify

Article 6: Revocation and Suspension of Certification

6.1 ASI reserves the absolute right to revoke or suspend any certification at any time for cause, including but not limited to:

Violation of the ASI Code of Ethics
Practicing outside the defined scope of practice
Misrepresentation of credentials, qualifications, or training
Fraud, dishonesty, or material misrepresentation to ASI
Legal violations related to health coaching, wellness, or business practices
Conduct that harms clients or brings disrepute to ASI
Initiating a chargeback, payment dispute, or defaulting on financial obligations to ASI
Conviction of a felony or crime involving moral turpitude
Failure to comply with these Credential Terms or ASI's Terms of Service

6.2 Upon revocation or suspension, you must immediately:

Cease all use of ASI credentials, titles, designations, and certifications
Remove all references to ASI certification from your marketing materials, website, social media, and professional profiles
Discontinue any representation that you are certified by ASI
Notify clients that your ASI certification is no longer active

Notice: Continued use of ASI credentials after revocation or suspension constitutes fraud and trademark infringement. ASI will pursue all available legal remedies, including injunctive relief, monetary damages, and attorney's fees.

Article 7: Lifetime Credential Policy

7.1 ASI certifications, once earned and while in good standing, do not expire and do not require periodic renewal fees. Your credential remains valid for life, subject to:

Continued compliance with these Credential Terms
Adherence to the ASI Code of Ethics
Operating within your defined scope of practice
Maintaining good standing with ASI
No outstanding financial disputes or chargebacks

7.2 While continuing education is strongly encouraged for professional development, ASI does not currently mandate continuing education credits for credential maintenance.

Article 8: Intellectual Property Rights

8.1 The following are trademarks and intellectual property of Accreditation Standards Institute LLC:

"Accreditation Standards Institute," "ASI," and the ASI logo
All certification program names and credential designations
Certificate designs, digital badges, and verification seals
Course curricula, lesson content, and educational materials

8.2 Your credential grants a limited license to use your specific certification title. It does not grant any ownership, license, or rights to ASI's trademarks, logos, or intellectual property beyond what is expressly permitted in these Terms.

Article 9: Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

9.1 These Credential Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, United States, without regard to conflict of law principles.

9.2 Any dispute arising from or relating to these Credential Terms, your certification, or your use of ASI credentials shall be resolved through binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association in accordance with its Commercial Arbitration Rules.

9.3 You waive any right to participate in class actions or class-wide arbitration.

Article 10: Amendments

10.1 ASI reserves the right to modify these Credential Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated via email to the address on file and posted on our website.

10.2 Continued use of your ASI credential after the effective date of any changes constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.