ASCS Seal

Certification Use & Enforcement

Guidelines for authorized use of ASCS certification marks and enforcement of certification standards.

Enforcement Authority Statement

ASCS reserves the right to suspend, revoke, or modify any certification at its sole discretion based on compliance status, documented violations, or failure to meet ongoing standards requirements. Certified organizations agree to these terms as a condition of certification. ASCS enforcement authority is limited to certification status and does not extend to regulatory, legal, or governmental authority.

Authorized Use of ASCS Marks

Permitted Uses

  • Display of ASCS certification badge on organization website during active certification period
  • Reference to ASCS certification in marketing materials with accurate status representation
  • Use of certification number for verification purposes
  • Display of physical certificate at certified location
  • Linking to public registry entry for verification

Prohibited Uses

  • Use of ASCS marks after certification expiration, suspension, or revocation
  • Modification, alteration, or distortion of ASCS seal or badge
  • Implying government endorsement, regulatory approval, or official status
  • Transfer of certification marks to non-certified entities
  • Misrepresentation of certification scope or category

Monitoring & Compliance Audits

Ongoing Monitoring

ASCS conducts ongoing monitoring of certified organizations to ensure continued compliance with certification standards. Monitoring activities include:

  • • Periodic documentation review
  • • Public records verification
  • • Complaint investigation
  • • Annual compliance attestation

Compliance Audits

ASCS reserves the right to conduct compliance audits at any time during the certification period. Audits may be triggered by:

  • • Complaints or reported concerns
  • • Public records indicating changes
  • • Random selection for quality assurance
  • • Renewal verification requirements

Suspension & Revocation Authority

Certification Suspension

ASCS may suspend certification for the following reasons:

  • • Failure to submit required documentation within specified timeframes
  • • Non-payment of renewal fees within grace period
  • • Pending investigation of compliance concerns
  • • Failure to respond to audit requests
  • • Material changes in organization status requiring re-evaluation

Suspended certifications are marked as "Suspended" in the public registry. Suspension may be lifted upon resolution of underlying issues.

Certification Revocation

ASCS may revoke certification for the following reasons:

  • • Documented violation of certification standards
  • • Fraudulent application or misrepresentation of information
  • • Unauthorized use of ASCS marks
  • • Failure to cure suspension within 90 days
  • • Actions that bring ASCS certification into disrepute
  • • Legal findings of fraud, abuse, or negligence

Revoked certifications are marked as "Revoked" in the public registry. Revocation is permanent unless successfully appealed.

Public Registry Status Changes

All certification status changes are reflected in the public registry within 24 hours.

Active

Certification is current and in good standing. Organization meets all compliance requirements.

Suspended

Certification temporarily inactive pending resolution of compliance issues or payment.

Revoked

Certification permanently terminated due to standards violations or other disqualifying factors.

Legal Enforcement & Remedies

Intellectual Property Protection

ASCS marks, seals, and certification badges are protected intellectual property. Unauthorized use of ASCS marks may result in legal action including cease and desist demands, trademark infringement claims, and pursuit of damages.

Contractual Remedies

Certified organizations agree to certification terms as a condition of certification. Breach of these terms may result in certification revocation and pursuit of contractual remedies including recovery of damages and legal fees.

Fraud Reporting

ASCS may report suspected fraud, misrepresentation, or illegal activity to appropriate authorities. ASCS cooperates with law enforcement and regulatory agencies in investigations involving certified or formerly certified organizations.

Limitation of Authority

ASCS enforcement authority is limited to certification status and contractual remedies. ASCS does not have regulatory, governmental, or law enforcement authority. ASCS certification decisions do not constitute legal findings or regulatory determinations.

Appeals Process

Organizations may appeal suspension or revocation decisions within 30 days of notification. Appeals must be submitted in writing and include supporting documentation.

1.

Submit written appeal to [email protected] within 30 days

2.

Include all supporting documentation and evidence

3.

Appeals reviewed by Certification Review Panel within 15 business days

4.

Final decision communicated in writing

Appeal decisions are final. ASCS reserves the right to deny appeals that do not present new evidence or demonstrate clear error in the original decision.