Policies Governing USIA Programs, Services, and Operations
USIA maintains a comprehensive policy framework designed to support transparency, consistency, integrity, accountability, and responsible governance across its programs, services, operations, and digital resources.
These policies establish the principles, requirements, responsibilities, and procedures that govern interactions with USIA and help protect the integrity and credibility of its activities and services.
Applicants, accredited and recognized parties, authorized users, certificate holders, and other stakeholders are encouraged to review the policies applicable to the programs, services, or resources they access or use.
Governance, Integrity, and Accreditation Requirements
The USIA Accreditation Policies establish the principles, procedures, and governance requirements that support a fair, transparent, consistent, and evidence-based accreditation process.
These policies apply across all USIA accreditation pathways and throughout the accreditation lifecycle. They are intended to protect the integrity, credibility, consistency, and professional value of accreditations issued by USIA.
The following policy documents are available for reference.
01
Accreditation Policy
Establishes the general principles and requirements governing the accreditation process, including eligibility, application review, evaluation, accreditation decisions, validity, renewal, and ongoing compliance.
1
Purpose
This Accreditation Policy establishes the general principles, requirements, and procedures governing accreditation services administered by U.S. Industrial Accreditation (USIA).
The policy is designed to ensure that accreditation activities are conducted fairly, consistently, transparently, independently, and through an evidence-based evaluation process.
This policy applies throughout the accreditation lifecycle, from application and eligibility review through evaluation, accreditation decision, recognition, ongoing compliance, renewal, suspension, withdrawal, or expiration.
2
Scope
This policy applies to the following USIA accreditation pathways:
Institutional Accreditation
Organizational Accreditation
Trainer Accreditation
Program Accreditation
Each accreditation pathway operates under its applicable framework, standards, eligibility requirements, evaluation criteria, scope, validity period, fees, and program-specific requirements.
Where a program-specific requirement differs from a general provision of this policy, the applicable published requirements for that accreditation program shall govern.
3
Accreditation Principles
USIA accreditation is administered according to the following principles:
Independence
Accreditation decisions are based on professional evaluation and documented evidence.
Objectivity
Applications are evaluated against established standards, criteria, and requirements applicable to the selected accreditation program.
Evidence-Based Evaluation
Applicants are required to provide sufficient and verifiable evidence to support the accreditation evaluation.
Consistency
Applicable standards and evaluation procedures are applied consistently to applicants within the same accreditation category or level.
Transparency
Applicants are provided with relevant information regarding eligibility, requirements, evaluation procedures, accreditation decisions, and applicable policies.
Impartiality
Accreditation evaluations and decisions shall be conducted without improper influence, discrimination, or conflict of interest.
Confidentiality
Information and supporting documentation submitted during the accreditation process shall be handled in accordance with the USIA Confidentiality Policy.
Continuous Improvement
Accredited organizations, institutions, professionals, programs, and educational offerings are expected to maintain applicable standards and support continuous improvement throughout the accreditation period.
4
Eligibility
Applicants must satisfy the eligibility requirements applicable to the accreditation pathway, category, level, or service for which they are applying.
Eligibility requirements may include, as applicable:
Legal or organizational status.
Professional qualifications and experience.
Organizational or institutional capability.
Training or instructional experience.
Educational or program documentation.
Governance and quality management practices.
Supporting documentation and evidence.
Compliance with applicable USIA standards and requirements.
Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee accreditation.
Eligibility permits an application to proceed to the applicable evaluation process.
5
Application and Supporting Documentation
Applicants are responsible for submitting complete, accurate, current, and authentic information and supporting documentation.
USIA may request additional documentation, clarification, supporting evidence, interviews, virtual meetings, or other reasonable forms of verification when necessary to complete an accreditation evaluation.
Submission of an application does not constitute accreditation and does not guarantee approval.
Applicants remain responsible for the accuracy and authenticity of all information submitted throughout the accreditation process.
6
Accreditation Evaluation
Accreditation applications are evaluated against the applicable USIA accreditation standards, evaluation criteria, and program requirements.
The evaluation may consider, depending on the accreditation pathway:
Governance and leadership.
Organizational or institutional capability.
Professional qualifications and experience.
Professional or instructional competence.
Quality management.
Educational quality.
Program or instructional design.
Learning outcomes and assessment methods.
Operational capability.
Supporting evidence and documentation.
Continuous improvement practices.
The specific evaluation criteria applicable to each accreditation pathway are defined in its respective standards and program documentation.
7
Accreditation Decision
Accreditation is granted only after successful completion of the applicable evaluation process and confirmation that the applicant has satisfied the relevant accreditation requirements.
Final accreditation decisions are made by the applicable USIA accreditation evaluation committee based on the evaluation findings, supporting evidence, and applicable standards.
An accreditation decision may result in:
Approved
The applicable accreditation requirements have been successfully met.
Additional Information Required
Further documentation, clarification, or evidence is required before a final decision can be made.
Not Approved
The applicable accreditation requirements have not been sufficiently demonstrated.
Payment of applicable fees does not guarantee accreditation approval.
8
Accreditation Status and Credentials
Successful applicants receive the accreditation status and credentials applicable to their accreditation pathway.
Depending on the applicable program, accreditation credentials and related benefits may include:
Official USIA Accreditation Certificate.
Official accredited status.
Secure digital verification.
Registration within the applicable USIA verification or directory system.
Authorization to use the applicable accreditation designation or mark in accordance with USIA policies.
Other benefits or services specifically associated with the applicable accreditation program.
Accreditation applies only to the approved applicant, program, educational offering, professional level, category, or scope identified in the official accreditation record.
Accreditation shall not be represented as extending beyond its approved scope.
9
Use of Accreditation
Accredited parties may reference their USIA accreditation only during the period in which the accreditation remains valid and active.
Accreditation certificates, designations, marks, digital verification records, directory listings, and accreditation statements must be used accurately and only in accordance with the approved accreditation scope.
Accreditation must not be represented in a misleading manner or used to imply accreditation of an organization, individual, program, service, location, activity, or offering that has not been accredited.
The use of accreditation status and related materials is governed by the separate USIA Use of Accreditation Policy.
10
Accreditation Validity
Accreditation is granted for the validity period specified under the applicable accreditation program, category, level, or service.
Validity periods may differ between accreditation pathways.
The applicable validity period is identified in the relevant program requirements and official accreditation record.
Accredited status remains valid only while the accredited party continues to comply with applicable USIA standards, policies, requirements, and approved accreditation scope.
11
Ongoing Compliance
Accredited parties are responsible for maintaining compliance with the standards and requirements upon which accreditation was granted.
During the accreditation period, accredited parties are expected to:
Maintain compliance with applicable accreditation standards.
Operate within the approved accreditation scope.
Maintain the conditions upon which accreditation was awarded.
Provide accurate information regarding their accredited status.
Notify USIA of significant changes that may materially affect accreditation status or scope.
Cooperate with reasonable requests for information or verification.
Maintain appropriate records and supporting evidence where required.
Comply with applicable USIA accreditation policies.
Maintain a commitment to quality and continuous improvement.
Failure to maintain applicable requirements may result in review of the accreditation status and may lead to suspension, withdrawal, or other appropriate action in accordance with applicable USIA policies.
12
Changes Affecting Accreditation
Accredited parties should notify USIA of significant changes that may affect the basis, scope, or validity of their accreditation.
Such changes may include, where applicable:
Legal or ownership changes.
Significant organizational restructuring.
Changes in the approved scope of activities.
Material changes to accredited programs or educational offerings.
Changes affecting professional eligibility or status.
Significant changes to operations, governance, facilities, delivery methods, or quality systems.
Other material changes relevant to the applicable accreditation requirements.
USIA may review such changes and determine whether additional documentation, evaluation, or other action is required.
13
Renewal
Accredited parties wishing to maintain accreditation beyond the applicable validity period should apply for renewal before their current accreditation expires.
Renewal is subject to the requirements applicable to the relevant accreditation program at the time of renewal.
The renewal process may include:
Submission of a renewal application.
Review of continued eligibility.
Updated supporting documentation.
Evaluation of continued compliance.
Review of significant changes since the previous accreditation.
Compliance with applicable renewal requirements and fees.
Renewal is not automatic and is subject to successful completion of the applicable renewal process.
14
Suspension
USIA may suspend accreditation when there is sufficient reason to determine that applicable accreditation standards, requirements, or policies may no longer be satisfied.
During suspension, restrictions may apply to the use of accreditation status, certificates, marks, verification records, or public accreditation claims.
Suspension procedures, consequences, corrective actions, and reinstatement requirements are governed by the separate USIA Suspension Policy.
15
Withdrawal of Accreditation
Accreditation may be voluntarily surrendered by the accredited party or withdrawn by USIA in accordance with applicable policies.
Following withdrawal, the former accredited party must discontinue representations of active accredited status and comply with applicable requirements concerning accreditation certificates, marks, public claims, directories, and verification records.
The applicable procedures are governed by the separate USIA Withdrawal Policy.
16
Appeals
Applicants and accredited parties may appeal eligible accreditation decisions in accordance with the USIA Appeals Policy.
Appeals are reviewed through a structured and impartial process intended to ensure fairness and appropriate review of the accreditation decision.
Submitting an appeal does not automatically reverse or suspend the original accreditation decision unless otherwise determined under the applicable Appeals Policy.
17
Complaints
Complaints relating to applicants, accredited parties, accreditation activities, or the administration of USIA accreditation services may be submitted in accordance with the USIA Complaints Policy.
Complaints are reviewed objectively and handled according to the applicable procedures while respecting confidentiality and fairness.
18
Confidentiality
USIA treats application information, supporting documentation, evaluation materials, and accreditation records in accordance with its applicable confidentiality requirements.
Information obtained during the accreditation process is used for accreditation administration, evaluation, verification, governance, and related authorized purposes.
Detailed confidentiality requirements are governed by the USIA Confidentiality Policy.
19
Misrepresentation and Misuse
Applicants and accredited parties must not falsify, alter, misuse, or misrepresent:
Accreditation certificates.
Accreditation status.
Accreditation marks or designations.
Digital verification records.
Scope of accreditation.
Application information or supporting evidence.
USIA names, materials, or official records.
Material misrepresentation, fraudulent documentation, or misuse of accreditation may result in rejection of an application, review of accredited status, suspension, withdrawal, or other appropriate action.
20
Policy Compliance
Submission of an accreditation application constitutes acknowledgment that the applicant is responsible for reviewing and complying with the policies, standards, requirements, and procedures applicable to the selected accreditation pathway.
Accredited parties remain subject to applicable USIA accreditation policies throughout the validity of their accreditation.
21
Policy Updates
USIA may review and update its accreditation policies, standards, procedures, administrative requirements, and related documents when necessary to maintain quality, integrity, consistency, and effective accreditation governance.
The version in effect at the time of an application, evaluation, renewal, or other applicable accreditation action shall govern that process unless otherwise specified by USIA.
22
Governance
USIA accreditation activities are administered within the applicable governance and quality assurance framework established for its accreditation services.
Accreditation decisions are based on applicable USIA standards, evaluation methodology, documented evidence, and committee review requirements.
USIA administers its accreditation programs independently in accordance with its published standards, policies, evaluation procedures, and governance requirements.
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Contact and Policy Inquiries
Questions regarding this Accreditation Policy, accreditation requirements, application procedures, accreditation status, or related policies should be directed to:
Explains how applicants and accredited parties may request a review of an eligible accreditation decision through a structured, impartial, and transparent appeals process.
03
Complaints Policy
Defines the process for submitting and reviewing complaints relating to applicants, accredited parties, or the administration of USIA accreditation services.
04
Confidentiality Policy
Explains how USIA protects application materials, supporting documentation, evaluation records, and other confidential information obtained during the accreditation process.
05
Use of Accreditation Policy
Defines the conditions governing the use of accreditation certificates, accreditation status, digital verification, accreditation marks, public claims, and related communications.
06
Suspension Policy
Explains the circumstances under which accreditation may be suspended, the effects of suspension, and the requirements that may apply before accredited status can be restored.
07
Withdrawal Policy
Defines the circumstances under which accreditation may be voluntarily surrendered or formally withdrawn and the resulting obligations relating to accreditation certificates, public claims, accreditation marks, and verification records.
02
USIA Certification Policies
Policies Governing USIA Certification Programs and Services
USIA maintains a structured set of policies governing its certification programs and services, the AGMEP Certificate Issuance Platform, certificate issuance and management, the certificate verification system, digital certificate records, and related certification services.
These policies are designed to promote transparency, security, accountability, consistency, responsible use, and the integrity of certificate issuance, management, and verification activities.
Authorized Certificate Issuers, certificate holders, platform users, and other users of USIA certification services are expected to review and comply with the policies applicable to the services they access or use.
The following policy documents are available for reference.
01
Certification Services Terms of Use
Defines the conditions governing access to and use of USIA certification services, the AGMEP Certificate Issuance Platform, certificate verification services, user accounts, and related digital systems.
The Terms of Use establish the responsibilities of authorized users and the conditions applicable to accessing and using certification services and platform resources.
02
Certificate Issuance Policy
Establishes the requirements, responsibilities, authorized scope, review procedures, and operational standards governing certificate issuance through the AGMEP Certificate Issuance Platform.
The policy addresses authorized certificate issuance, certificate requests, required information, administrative review, approval, digital registration, and the responsibilities of Authorized Certificate Issuers.
03
Certificate Correction and Replacement Policy
Defines the procedures governing corrections to issued certificates, revised certificate records, and approved certificate replacements.
The policy establishes the conditions under which corrections or replacements may be requested, the supporting documentation that may be required, the applicable review process, and the maintenance of accurate official certificate records.
04
Certificate Verification Policy
Establishes the official procedures and requirements governing certificate verification through the USIA Certificate Verification System.
The policy addresses official verification records, certificate status information, verification methods, responsibilities of users relying on verification results, and procedures for reporting certificates that may be altered, fraudulent, or otherwise questionable.
05
Certificate Suspension, Revocation, and Reinstatement Policy
Defines the circumstances under which a certificate may be suspended, revoked, invalidated, reviewed, or reinstated.
The policy establishes the applicable review procedures, certificate status changes, effects on verification records, responsibilities of certificate holders and Authorized Certificate Issuers, and conditions that may apply to reinstatement.
06
Privacy Policy
Explains how personal information, account information, certificate records, verification information, and other data associated with USIA certification services are collected, used, protected, retained, and disclosed.
The Privacy Policy applies to information processed through applicable USIA digital services and the AGMEP Certificate Issuance Platform.
07
Intellectual Property and Acceptable Use Policy
Defines the permitted and prohibited use of official certificate templates, certification materials, platform content, names, trademarks, digital systems, verification features, and other protected resources associated with USIA certification services.
The policy is intended to protect the integrity of certification materials and digital resources while establishing responsible standards for their authorized use.
08
Certification Services Disclaimer & Limitation of Liability
Clarifies the nature, scope, and limitations of USIA certification services and establishes applicable responsibilities relating to the use of certificates, certificate information, verification records, digital services, and related resources.
The document also clarifies the responsibilities of Authorized Certificate Issuers, certificate holders, platform users, persons relying on verification information, and other third parties using USIA certification services.
Important Notice
The policies published in this section form part of the requirements governing access to and use of applicable USIA certification programs and services.
Certain certification services may also be subject to additional program requirements, accreditation conditions, authorization requirements, service agreements, platform instructions, or administrative procedures.
Where a service-specific requirement, authorization condition, agreement, or applicable policy contains more specific provisions, those provisions apply to the relevant service.
Access to certificate issuance services is limited to organizations and professionals that have received the applicable accreditation or authorization.
Policy Updates
USIA may review and revise its certification policies when necessary to reflect operational, technical, security, administrative, service, or legal developments.
The Effective Date, Revision Number, and Version Number of each policy are identified within the applicable official policy document.
The current version published by USIA is the applicable reference version. Users should review the relevant policy before accessing or using certification services where applicable.
For questions concerning certification policies, certificate issuance, certificate management, corrections and replacements, verification, certificate status, privacy, intellectual property, platform use, or related certification services, please contact:
Official inquiries are reviewed by the USIA Administration and directed to the appropriate department for review and response.
03
USIA Professional Recognition Policies
Policies Governing USIA Professional Recognition Programs
USIA maintains a structured set of policies governing its Professional Recognition programs and related recognition services.
These policies establish the principles, requirements, responsibilities, and procedures that support a fair, consistent, transparent, independent, and evidence-based professional recognition process.
The policies are designed to protect the integrity, credibility, authenticity, and professional value of recognition awarded by USIA while establishing clear requirements for applicants, recognized professionals, evaluation committees, and users of USIA Professional Recognition services.
These policies apply throughout the professional recognition lifecycle, including application, eligibility review, professional evaluation, recognition decisions, digital issuance and registration, verification, validity, renewal, and ongoing compliance.
Professional Recognition Programs
The USIA Professional Recognition Policies apply to the following programs:
Professional Membership
Certified Professional Experience (CPE)
Professional Qualification Recognition (PQR)
International Professional Fellowship (IPF)
Each program maintains its own purpose, eligibility requirements, evaluation criteria, recognition standards, required evidence, validity requirements, applicable fees, and program-specific procedures.
01
Professional Recognition Policy
Establishes the general principles and requirements governing USIA Professional Recognition programs, including eligibility, application, supporting evidence, professional evaluation, recognition decisions, digital recognition, validity, renewal, and ongoing compliance.
The policy provides the common governance framework applicable across USIA Professional Recognition programs while allowing each program to maintain its own specific eligibility requirements, recognition standards, evaluation criteria, and program requirements.
02
Professional Evaluation & Evidence Policy
Defines the principles governing professional evaluation and the submission, review, verification, and assessment of qualifications, professional experience, achievements, supporting documentation, and other evidence submitted for Professional Recognition.
The policy establishes requirements relating to the accuracy, authenticity, relevance, credibility, and sufficiency of evidence and defines the general principles followed by the applicable evaluation committee when conducting an evidence-based professional assessment.
03
Recognition Validity & Renewal Policy
Establishes the general requirements governing the validity and renewal of USIA Professional Recognition.
The policy defines the principles applicable to maintaining recognized status, renewal applications, continued professional engagement, updated professional information or evidence, and any additional requirements applicable at the time of renewal.
Program-specific validity periods and renewal requirements remain subject to the requirements of the applicable Professional Recognition program.
04
Digital Recognition & Verification Policy
Defines the requirements governing the digital issuance, registration, maintenance, accessibility, and verification of Professional Recognition records through the applicable USIA digital recognition and verification systems.
The policy establishes the principles governing official digital recognition records, verification credentials, recognition status information, digital registration, fraud protection, and the responsibilities of users relying on verification information.
05
Appeals & Recognition Review Policy
Establishes the process through which applicants or recognized professionals may request an eligible review of a Professional Recognition decision.
The policy defines the applicable submission requirements, review procedures, responsibilities, and decision process intended to support fairness, impartiality, consistency, and procedural integrity.
Defines the circumstances under which Professional Recognition may be suspended, voluntarily surrendered, withdrawn, revoked, or otherwise have its status changed.
The policy establishes the applicable review procedures and resulting requirements concerning digital recognition records, verification status, public representations, and continued use of Professional Recognition titles and designations.
07
Use of Professional Recognition Policy
Defines the conditions governing how Professional Recognition holders may represent and communicate their USIA recognition.
The policy addresses the appropriate use of Professional Recognition titles, designations, digital records, verification information, recognition statements, and related public or professional representations.
It also prohibits misleading claims, unauthorized alteration, misuse, or representations that extend beyond the recognition actually awarded.
08
Confidentiality & Professional Information Policy
Defines how USIA handles application information, professional profiles, supporting documentation, evaluation materials, committee records, and other information obtained during the Professional Recognition process.
The policy establishes confidentiality principles applicable to the collection, review, use, protection, retention, and authorized handling of information submitted for professional evaluation and recognition purposes.
Important Notice
The policies published in this section establish the general governance requirements applicable to USIA Professional Recognition programs.
Each Professional Recognition program may also be governed by its own framework, eligibility requirements, evaluation criteria, required documentation, recognition standards, validity provisions, fee schedule, application procedures, and other program-specific requirements.
Where a program-specific requirement establishes provisions specifically applicable to a particular Professional Recognition program, those requirements apply to that program.
Meeting general eligibility requirements, submitting an application, or paying an applicable fee does not guarantee Professional Recognition. Recognition is awarded only following successful completion of the applicable evaluation and decision process.
Policy Updates
USIA may review and revise its Professional Recognition policies, frameworks, requirements, evaluation procedures, and related documents when necessary to maintain consistency, integrity, quality, security, and effective program governance.
The Effective Date, Revision Number, and Version Number of each policy are identified within the applicable official policy document.
Applicants and recognized professionals should refer to the current published version of the applicable policy and program requirements.
For questions concerning Professional Recognition policies, eligibility, professional evaluation, supporting evidence, recognition decisions, digital recognition, verification, validity, renewal, or related Professional Recognition services, please contact:
Official inquiries are reviewed by the USIA Administration and directed to the appropriate department for review and response.
04
USIA Supported Programs Policies
Policies Governing the USIA Supported Programs Framework
USIA maintains a structured set of policies governing the classification, inclusion, authorized use, review, and ongoing development of Program Titles within the USIA Supported Programs Framework.
These policies are designed to maintain the consistency, integrity, professional relevance, and appropriate use of the USIA Supported Programs Directory while establishing clear requirements for accredited training providers, authorized organizations, and other authorized users.
The following policy documents are available for reference.
01
Supported Programs Governance Policy
Establishes the general principles, governance requirements, responsibilities, and administrative framework governing the USIA Supported Programs Framework and Supported Programs Directory.
02
Program Naming & Classification Policy
Defines the requirements governing Program Titles and their classification within the USIA Supported Programs Directory, including naming consistency, professional relevance, appropriate scope, and alignment with the established classification methodology.
03
Program Eligibility & Inclusion Policy
Defines the requirements used to determine whether a Program Title may be considered for inclusion within the USIA Supported Programs Framework.
Inclusion within the Supported Programs Directory does not constitute accreditation, approval, or endorsement of a specific training program, curriculum, training provider, instructor, organization, or training activity.
04
Authorized Use Policy
Defines the conditions governing the authorized use of the USIA Supported Programs Framework, Supported Programs Directory, Program Titles, and related classification resources.
The policy also establishes restrictions intended to prevent misleading representations, unauthorized use, or claims of accreditation, approval, endorsement, or recognition that have not been formally granted by USIA.
05
New Program Request & Review Policy
Defines the process through which accredited training providers and other authorized organizations may request the review of a new Program Title when an appropriate title is not currently available within the USIA Supported Programs Directory.
The policy establishes submission requirements, review principles, classification considerations, and the process for determining whether a proposed Program Title is appropriate for inclusion within the directory.
Submission of a request does not guarantee approval or inclusion.
06
Framework Development & Directory Updates Policy
Establishes the principles governing the continued development, maintenance, review, and updating of the USIA Supported Programs Framework and Supported Programs Directory.
The policy supports the incorporation of emerging professions, technologies, industries, disciplines, and workforce requirements while maintaining the consistency and integrity of the established classification structure.
Certificate issuance for supported programs is governed separately under the USIA Certification Policies.
05
USIA General Policies
Policies Governing the USIA Website and General Services
USIA maintains a structured set of general policies governing access to and use of its website, digital resources, administrative services, payment processes, intellectual property, privacy practices, and other general services not governed exclusively by a specific USIA program or service framework.
These policies are designed to promote transparency, responsible use, data protection, administrative consistency, and a clear understanding of the rights and responsibilities applicable to users of USIA websites, digital resources, and general services.
Where a specific USIA accreditation, certification, Professional Recognition, Supported Programs, or other service policy contains provisions applicable to a particular program or service, the more specific policy or program requirements apply to that program or service.
The following general policy documents are available for reference.
01
Website Terms of Use
Defines the terms and conditions governing access to and use of the USIA website, online content, public resources, digital features, forms, and other website-based services.
The Terms of Use establish the responsibilities of website users, permitted and prohibited uses, applicable limitations, and the general conditions governing interaction with USIA online resources.
02
Privacy Policy
Explains how USIA collects, uses, protects, retains, and discloses personal information and other information obtained through its website, applications, digital platforms, contact forms, verification services, and related activities.
The policy also establishes the general principles governing the handling of information submitted by applicants, accredited parties, recognized professionals, certificate holders, authorized users, website visitors, and other users of USIA services.
03
Cookie Policy
Explains the use of cookies and similar technologies on the USIA website and applicable digital services.
The policy describes the purposes for which such technologies may be used, including website functionality, security, user preferences, performance, analytics, and other applicable website operations.
04
Intellectual Property Policy
Defines the ownership, protection, permitted use, and restrictions applicable to USIA intellectual property and proprietary resources.
The policy applies to website content, publications, frameworks, standards, methodologies, policies, directories, program classifications, certificate materials, digital resources, trademarks, names, graphics, documents, and other protected materials owned, administered, or authorized for use by USIA.
Unauthorized reproduction, alteration, distribution, representation, commercial use, or misuse of protected USIA materials is prohibited except where expressly authorized.
05
Payment & Refund Policy
Establishes the general terms governing payments made for applicable USIA programs, services, applications, evaluations, renewals, certificate services, administrative services, and other paid activities.
The policy addresses applicable payment requirements, payment processing, payment confirmation, duplicate or unsuccessful transactions, refunds where applicable, and other general financial conditions associated with USIA services.
Program-specific fees, payment stages, refund conditions, or financial requirements may also be governed by the applicable program requirements, fee schedule, service agreement, or specific policy.
06
General Disclaimer & Limitation of Liability
Clarifies the nature and limitations of information, resources, services, and materials provided through the USIA website and general digital services.
The document establishes general limitations relating to reliance on website information, external resources where applicable, service availability, digital access, and the responsibilities of users when accessing or relying upon USIA information and services.
Specific accreditation, certification, Professional Recognition, or other USIA services may be subject to additional disclaimers, limitations, requirements, and governing policies.
07
Accessibility Statement
Describes USIA’s commitment to providing reasonable and accessible use of its website and digital resources for users with different accessibility needs.
USIA seeks to maintain and improve the accessibility, usability, and clarity of its online information and digital services and welcomes reports concerning accessibility difficulties encountered when using its website.
Important Notice
The USIA General Policies apply to the USIA website and general services except where a specific program, platform, application, agreement, or service is governed by more specific terms, policies, standards, or requirements.
USIA accreditation, certification, Professional Recognition, and Supported Programs activities remain subject to their respective policies, frameworks, standards, requirements, and procedures.
Where a specific policy or program requirement contains provisions applicable to a particular service or activity, those specific provisions apply to that service or activity.
Policy Updates
USIA may review and revise its General Policies when necessary to reflect operational, administrative, technical, security, service, privacy, or legal developments.
The Effective Date, Revision Number, and Version Number of each applicable policy are identified within the official policy document.
Users should refer to the current published version of the applicable policy when accessing or using USIA websites, digital resources, or services.
For questions concerning USIA General Policies, website use, privacy, payments, intellectual property, accessibility, or other general policy matters, please contact:
