Terms & Conditions

1. Acceptance of terms

By accessing the Certified Institute of Professionals (“Institute”, “CIP”, “we”, “our”), submitting an application, or using any of our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions.

If you do not agree, you must not access or use our services.

2. Nature of services

The Institute provides professional recognition and membership services based on information submitted by applicants. The Institute:

• does not act as a regulator, licensing authority, or accredited certification body
• does not guarantee professional competence, performance, or outcomes
• does not independently verify all qualifications, credentials, or experience

Membership and certification are recognition-based only and must not be relied upon as evidence of competency, licensing, or regulatory approval.

3. Membership

Membership is granted at the sole discretion of the Institute.

Membership constitutes a revocable, non-transferable licence to:

• hold Institute membership
• use approved designatory letters
• access member benefits (if any)

Membership:

• is non-transferable and non-assignable
• remains the property of the Institute
• may be suspended, revoked, or restricted at any time, without notice, where reasonably required

Grounds include (but are not limited to):

• false or misleading representations
• breach of these Terms
• misuse of Institute branding or designations
• non-payment of fees
• conduct that may damage the Institute’s reputation

No refund is payable upon suspension or revocation (subject to Clause 6).

4. Applicant representations

By applying, you warrant that:

• all information provided is true, accurate, and not misleading
• you have the legal right to submit all materials provided
• your submissions do not infringe any third-party rights

You acknowledge the Institute may rely entirely on your submissions without independent verification.

Providing false or misleading information may result in:

• immediate rejection or revocation
• permanent ineligibility
• reporting to relevant authorities (where appropriate)

5. Fees & payment

All fees are payable as specified at the time of application.

• Fees may include application, admission, certification, and renewal fees
• Fees are subject to change at any time without prior notice
• Payment must be made in full before services are delivered

6. Refund policy

6.1 Application fees

Application fees are non-refundable once assessment has commenced.

6.2 Membership fees

Membership fees are non-refundable except where:

• required under Australian Consumer Law; or
• the Institute is unable to provide the core service purchased

6.3 Cooling-off

A 48-hour cooling-off period applies from the time of payment, provided that:

• no assessment has commenced; and
• no certificate or membership has been issued

6.4 Denied applications

If an application is unsuccessful:

• the application fee is retained for assessment costs
• no membership is granted

6.5 Revocation

No refunds are provided where membership is revoked due to:

• breach of these Terms
• misrepresentation
• misconduct

6.6 Consumer law

Nothing in this clause excludes rights under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

7. Use of designatory letters

Members may use Institute-issued designatory letters only:

• while membership remains active
• in accordance with Institute guidelines

Members must not:

• imply government recognition, licensing, or accreditation
• misrepresent the nature or scope of membership
• use designations in a misleading or deceptive manner

The Institute may immediately revoke usage rights at its discretion.

8. Verification services

The Institute may provide a public register for membership verification. Verification:

• confirms only that a record exists
• does not verify qualifications, experience, or competence
• may not reflect real-time status

Users rely on verification results entirely at their own risk.

9. Conduct

Members must act with honesty and integrity.

The Institute may:

• investigate complaints
• request additional information
• take disciplinary action

Including:

• suspension
• revocation
• public notation (where appropriate)

10. Intellectual property

All Institute materials are protected, including:

• name, logo, and branding
• certificates and documentation
• designatory letters
• website content

Unauthorised use is strictly prohibited.

11. Indemnity

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Institute, its officers, and affiliates from any claims, damages, losses, or liabilities arising from:

• your use of membership
• your representations to third parties
• misuse of designations
• breach of these Terms

12. Limitation of liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law:

• the Institute excludes all liability for indirect, incidental, or consequential loss
• total liability is limited to the fees paid in the preceding 12 months

Nothing excludes liability where it cannot be excluded under law, including under the Australian Consumer Law.

13. Changes to terms

The Institute may update these Terms at any time.

Updated Terms take effect immediately upon publication.

Continued use constitutes acceptance.

14. Governing law

These Terms are governed by the laws of Australia.

Disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of Australian courts.

15. Contact

For enquiries, contact via the official Contact page.