Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

The Certified Institute of Professionals (“Institute”, “CIP”, “we”, “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy and handling personal information in accordance with applicable laws, including the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and store your personal information when you:

• visit our website
• apply for membership
• use our services
• interact with us

By using our services, you acknowledge and agree to this Privacy Policy.

2. Information we collect

We may collect the following categories of information:

a. Personal information

• Full name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Country of residence

b. Professional & application information

• Employment history
• Qualifications and certifications
• Professional experience
• CVs, resumes, and supporting documents
• Application submissions and correspondence

c. Membership & verification data

• Member name
• Membership ID
• Membership status
• Membership grade or designation
• Field of practice

Important: Certain membership information may be made publicly available (see Section 6).

d. Technical information

• IP address
• Device and browser type
• Website usage data
• Cookies and analytics data

3. How we use your information

We use personal information to:

• assess and process membership applications
• administer and maintain membership records
• issue certificates and designatory letters
• operate and maintain the public verification register
• communicate with you (including service updates)
• improve our website, systems, and services
• detect fraud, misuse, or misconduct
• comply with legal and regulatory obligations

4. Legal basis for processing

Where applicable, we process personal information based on:

• your consent
• performance of a contract (e.g. membership services)
• legitimate interests (including service operation, fraud prevention, and system integrity)
• compliance with legal obligations

5. Data accuracy & reliance

We rely on information provided by applicants and members.

While we may perform limited checks where appropriate, we do not independently verify all submitted information.

You are responsible for ensuring all information provided is accurate, complete, and not misleading.

6. Public verification register

To support transparency and verification of membership, the Institute operates a public register.

By applying for or maintaining membership, you explicitly consent to the public display of the following information:

• your name
• membership designation or grade
• membership ID
• membership status (e.g. active, suspended)
• field of practice

This information is published solely for verification purposes.

We do not publish sensitive personal information such as contact details or documents.

7. Disclosure of information

We do not sell personal information.

We may disclose personal information:

• to trusted service providers (e.g. hosting, payment processors, analytics providers)
• where required by law or regulatory authorities
• to protect the rights, property, or safety of the Institute, its users, or others
• in connection with fraud prevention or investigation

All third-party providers are required to handle data in accordance with appropriate privacy and security standards.

8. International data transfers

Your information may be stored or processed in jurisdictions outside Australia.

By using our services, you acknowledge that:

• overseas recipients may not be subject to Australian privacy laws
• we take reasonable steps to ensure appropriate safeguards are implemented

9. Data retention

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to:

• provide our services
• maintain membership and verification records
• comply with legal and regulatory obligations

After membership ends, we may retain limited information (such as name, membership ID, and status history) to:

• maintain the integrity of the verification system
• prevent fraud or misuse

10. Security

We implement reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect personal information.

However:

• no system is completely secure
• transmission of data is at your own risk

We cannot guarantee absolute security.

11. Your rights

Depending on applicable laws, you may have the right to:

• access your personal information
• request correction of inaccurate data
• request deletion (subject to legal and operational requirements)
• restrict or object to certain processing
• withdraw consent (where applicable)

Requests can be made via our Privacy Officer.

12. Cookies & analytics

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• operate and improve website functionality
• analyse usage and performance
• enhance user experience

You can control cookies through your browser settings.

13. Third-party links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites.

We are not responsible for their privacy practices or content.

14. Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy at any time.

The latest version will always be published on this page.

Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of any updates.

15. Data controller

16. Privacy Officer

For privacy enquiries or requests, contact:

Email: office@certifiedinstituteofprofessionals.com

17. Complaints

If you believe we have breached applicable privacy laws, you may:

• contact us first so we can attempt to resolve your concern
• lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)

Website: https://www.oaic.gov.au