Certification Policy

This policy outlines the requirements, issuance procedures, and maintenance rules for professional certifications issued by the American Academy of Professional Studies (AAPS).

Last Updated: October 24, 2023

1. Scope and Nature of Certifications

AAPS certifications are professional credentials awarded solely based on predefined eligibility criteria and successful completion of independent assessments. They validate professional competency in specific domains. AAPS certifications do not constitute academic degrees, nor do they guarantee employment or statutory licensing.

2. Eligibility Requirements

To apply for an AAPS certification, candidates must submit an application demonstrating that they meet the specific prerequisites for their chosen scheme. General requirements include:

Educational Background: Evidence of relevant formal education or equivalent professional experience.
Professional Experience: A specified number of years of practical experience in the certification domain.
Application Fee: Payment of the non-refundable application processing fee.

AAPS reserves the right to request supporting documentation (e.g., resumes, transcripts, employer references) to verify eligibility before approving an application.

3. Assessment and Issuance

The certification process is designed to be rigorous, fair, and impartial.

Assessment Procedures

Candidates must pass a proctored examination or submit a valid professional portfolio, depending on the certification scheme. Assessments are graded objectively, and results are communicated securely through the candidate's registered email.

Credential Issuance

Upon successful completion, candidates receive a digital credential (including a unique Credential ID and Secure QR Token). The credential is then entered into the AAPS Public Register, making it verifiable by third parties.

4. Validity and Renewal

AAPS professional certifications are valid for a period of 3 years from the date of issuance.

To maintain certification status beyond the initial validity period, credential holders must apply for renewal. Renewal requires:

Submission of a renewal application before the expiration date.
Payment of the renewal processing fee.
Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD) or active engagement in the relevant professional field.

If a certification expires, the holder must reapply and retake the assessment to regain active status. AAPS does not auto-renew certifications.

5. Suspension and Revocation

AAPS is committed to the integrity of its credentials. AAPS reserves the right to suspend or permanently revoke a certification if a holder is found to have violated the AAPS Code of Ethics or this policy. Grounds for revocation include:

Providing false or misleading information during the application or renewal process.
Committing malpractice, fraud, or unethical behavior in a professional capacity.
Failing to meet ongoing renewal requirements or allowing the credential to lapse significantly without rectification.
Misrepresenting the scope or status of the AAPS credential (e.g., claiming it is a government license or academic degree).

Upon revocation, the individual must immediately cease using the AAPS credential and associated logos. The status in the AAPS Public Register will be updated to "Revoked" or "Suspended."

6. Appeals Process

Candidates who fail an assessment or have their certification suspended/revoked have the right to appeal the decision. Appeals must be submitted in writing to the compliance team within 30 days of receiving the decision. The appeal will be reviewed by an independent committee, and the decision of the committee is final.

Certification Inquiries

For questions regarding certification eligibility, assessment results, or appeals, please contact our compliance team securely via email.

Email Compliance Team