Complaints and Appeals Policy

The American Academy of Professional Studies (AAPS) is committed to fairness, transparency, and impartiality in all its operations. This policy outlines the procedures for submitting complaints and appeals.

Last Updated: October 24, 2023

1. Purpose and Scope

This policy applies to all AAPS stakeholders, including certification applicants, certified professionals, members, and authorized Education and Learning Centers (ELCs). It ensures that all grievances and challenges to decisions are handled objectively and within a reasonable timeframe.

What is a Complaint?

A complaint is an expression of dissatisfaction concerning the services provided by AAPS, the conduct of AAPS personnel, or the operations of an authorized ELC. Complaints are not challenges against assessment results.

What is an Appeal?

An appeal is a formal request to review a specific decision made by AAPS. This includes challenging a failed assessment result, a denied certification application, or the suspension/revocation of a credential or ELC recognition.

2. The Review Process

Whether filing a complaint or an appeal, the following structured process ensures a fair and impartial review.

Formal Submission

Submit your case via email to the compliance team within 30 days of the incident or decision. Include all supporting evidence.

Acknowledgement

AAPS will acknowledge receipt of your submission within 3 business days and assign a case reference number.

Investigation

An independent committee reviews the case. This may involve requesting further information from the appellant or relevant AAPS staff/ELCs.

Final Decision

A formal written decision is issued within 30 days of acknowledgement. The committee's decision is final.

3. Grounds for Appeal

Appeals against assessment results will only be considered on specific grounds:

Procedural Irregularity: The assessment process deviated from the published guidelines.
Assessment Error: There was a clear error in the grading or evaluation of the submitted work.
Extenuating Circumstances: Medical or personal emergencies occurred during the assessment that were not disclosed prior.

Appeals simply expressing dissatisfaction with a failing grade, without evidence of procedural failure, will not be accepted.

4. Confidentiality and Retaliation

All complaints and appeals are handled with strict confidentiality. AAPS prohibits any form of retaliation against individuals who file a complaint or appeal in good faith. Frivolous or malicious complaints, however, may result in the suspension of the complainant's AAPS membership or certification.

5. Submission Requirements

To ensure a swift review, all submissions must include:

Full name and AAPS ID / Credential ID (if applicable).
A clear subject line indicating whether it is a "Complaint" or an "Appeal".
A detailed chronological description of the issue.
Any relevant supporting documents (e.g., medical certificates, correspondence).

Submit Your Case

All complaints and appeals must be submitted in writing via email to our compliance team to ensure proper documentation and tracking.

Email Compliance Team