Certification Code of Ethics

Purpose

For certification programs, a Code of Ethics sets the high-level values and principles (the "why" – integrity, fairness, objectivity), guiding judgment, while a Code of Conduct provides specific rules and behaviors (the "what" – confidentiality, punctuality, avoiding conflicts) for actions, creating a comprehensive framework for professional practice and demonstrating commitment to quality and ethical standards

The Certification Council has adopted a Code of Ethics establishing the basic ethical standards for the professional behavior of NADCA certificants and candidates. The Code is designed to provide both appropriate ethical practice guidelines and enforceable standards of conduct for all certificants and candidates. The NADCA Codes of Ethics establish ethical practice guidelines and enforceable standards of conduct for companies employing certified individuals.

Certification Code of Ethics

NADCA certificants and candidates for certification provide services in a manner that promotes integrity and reflects positively on the profession, consistent with accepted moral, ethical, and legal standards. Certificants and candidates have the obligation to practice in a manner consistent with the certification policies and procedures.

Certificants and candidates agree to the following:

  • Adhere to all laws, regulations, policies, and ethical standards applicable to the certification the individual holds.
     
  • Refrain from public behavior that is clearly in violation of professional, ethical, and/or legal standards applicable to the certification the individual holds.
     
  • Refrain from unlawful discrimination in professional activities, including relationships with employees, employers, patients, customers and their families, and other professionals.
     
  • Follow all policies, procedures, requirements and rules established by the NADCA Certification Council. This includes the obligation to be aware of and understand these policies and requirements.
     
  • Provide accurate and complete information to the NADCA Certification Council concerning certification and recertification.
     
  • Keep confidential all examination information; including preventing unauthorized disclosures of exam information. No part of the examination may be copied, recorded, reproduced, shared, removed from the examination site or otherwise compromised in any manner.
     
  • Cooperate with NADCA regarding matters related to the Code of Ethics including complaint and/or disciplinary investigations.
     
  • Adhere to policies regarding the use and display of credentials awarded by the NADCA.

 

Approved by the Certification Council as of February 2026