Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

The Certified Institute of Professionals (“Institute”, “CIP”, “we”, “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and disclose your personal information when you:

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

By using our services, you agree to this Policy.

2. Information we collect

We may collect the following types of information:

a. Personal information

• Full name
• Contact details (email, phone number)
• Country of residence
• Professional information (employment, qualifications, experience)

b. Application information

• CVs, resumes, and supporting documents
• Membership applications and related data

c. Verification data

• Member name
• Membership ID
• Membership status
• Field of practice

This information may be made publicly available via our verification service (see Section 6).

d. Technical information

• IP address
• Browser type
• Device information
• Website usage data (via cookies or analytics tools)

3. How we use your information

We use your information to:

• process membership applications
• administer membership records
• issue certificates and designations
• operate the public verification register
• communicate with you
• improve our website and services
• comply with legal obligations

4. Legal basis for processing (where applicable)

We process personal data based on:

• your consent
• performance of a contract (e.g. membership)
• legitimate interests (e.g. operating services, fraud prevention)
• compliance with legal obligations

5. Data accuracy & reliance

The Institute relies on information submitted by applicants. We do not independently verify all information provided and are not responsible for inaccuracies in submitted data¹.

6. Public verification register

To support transparency, the Institute operates a public verification system. By applying for membership, you acknowledge and agree that the following information may be publicly accessible:

• your name
• membership designation
• membership ID
• membership status
• field of practice

This information is displayed solely for the purpose of confirming membership status.

7. Sharing of information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share information:

• with service providers (e.g. hosting, payment processing)
• where required by law
• to protect the rights, property, or safety of the Institute or others

8. International data transfers

As we operate globally, your information may be stored or processed in countries outside your own. We take reasonable steps to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place².

9. Data retention

We retain personal information:

• for as long as necessary to provide services
• to maintain membership records
• to comply with legal obligations

We may retain limited records after membership ends for verification and administrative purposes.

10. Security

We implement reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect personal information. However, no system is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security³.

11. Your rights

Depending on your location, you may have rights to:

• access your personal data
• correct inaccurate information
• request deletion of your data
• restrict or object to processing
• withdraw consent

Requests can be made via our Privacy Officer (see Section 16).

12. Cookies & analytics

We may use cookies or similar technologies to:

• improve website functionality
• analyse usage
• enhance user experience

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.

13. Third-party links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites.

14. Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version will always be published on this page.

15. Data controller

The data controller responsible for your personal information is:

Certified Institute of Professionals
(Operating jurisdiction to be specified)

16. Privacy Officer

The Institute has appointed a Privacy Officer responsible for overseeing compliance with applicable data protection obligations and handling enquiries relating to personal information.

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests, please contact:

Email: office@certifiedinstituteofprofessionals.com